Now that salons can operate once again, we’re sure you’ve been extremely busy. Even though there are restrictions are still in place, we’re sure you’re so happy that you have a slice of normality back! We know it must feel amazing to be back doing what you love, in a familiar environment surrounded by clients and colleagues.
There’s no denying that business has been an uphill struggle since the pandemic began. Here at Salons Direct, we applaud you for getting through this. These have been some of the hardest times most of us have faced, so congratulations on being able to open for business again.
Understandably so, you may be left feeling anxious about all the different factors that come now that you’re open for business again. From rescheduling appointments to making sure, your salon is Covid secure- we’re here to help.
Read on to discover some law updates that will affect your salon…
Clients and face coverings – updated 29 November 2021
As announced on the 27 November 2021, Boris Johnson has confirmed that from Tuesday 30 November at 4am, face coverings will be mandatory in shops and on public transport, including hairdressers.
Face coverings are required in premises that provide close contact services. Staff and customers should also wear a face covering if close contact services are taking place in someone’s home. Read full Government statement here.
It is a legal requirement to display a notice advising all customers to wear a face mask unless exempt.
What about clients who are exempt from wearing face coverings?
Some clients will be exempt from wearing a face covering, for example for health reasons. Find more information on when and where to wear face coverings. This may raise concerns for the health & safety of your staff and other clients.
In addition, the law says you must protect your staff’s health & safety.
- Protecting your staff and other clients.
- Ensuring you do not discriminate against clients who are exempt from wearing face coverings.
- You must consider if you can make reasonable adjustments so that you can still offer your client an appointment while also protecting the health & safety of others.
- Taking a reasonable approach.
- Following your risk assessment.
- Making the health & safety of your staff and clients your top priority.
Here are some tips from us on how to stay up to date with the changing rules and regulations…..
Stay informed
This tip goes hand in hand with getting organised, however, we will explain why we believe this is important.
The Coronavirus pandemic has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. The public has become accustomed to the rules changing with little notice. This is why it’s so important to stay up to date with the regulations in place, not just so a Covid secure environment can be assured, but also because there are large fines for rule-breakers.
In order to avoid this, regularly make visits to reliable, informative websites and news outlets so that you can stay safe.
A fantastic source of reliable, trustworthy salon-specific advice is the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF). For more general Covid advice, check out the main UK Government website.
Staff training
Additional staff training is paramount. Your colleagues will likely feel the pressure to brush up on their Covid guideline knowledge, but ultimately this should be provided. We advise setting time aside each day for a catch-up. This way you’ll be able to get everyone together and also answer each other’s queries.
Now your doors are open, it’s also important to note that ongoing training will likely be necessary. Circumstances can change, fast. It’ll never hurt to go over Covid guidelines, this way your clients will feel safe and your colleagues will feel more comfortable. Check out our hair & beauty salon PPE.
Stock up
Now that you’re up and running, you may be checking your stock lists to find that there are essential products missing. It’s possible that making sure you have everything you might have slipped your mind. We don’t blame you, there’s a lot going on. But if you’re going to be able to get through the influx of returning clients, you’ll need to make sure your stocklists are up to date. Whether it’s hair or beauty stock, or even just refreshing salon essentials, make sure you have this covered and adjust where necessary.
A handy resource to take note of would be Phorest’s free post lockdown revenue calculator tool. This will allow you to quickly calculate a picture of what your revenue deficit could look like so that any preparations can be made.
Enjoy it
Most importantly, enjoy that your salon has been able to re-open! It’s so easy to get caught up in your loaded to-do list, you may have forgotten that you’ve probably been excited about this for months. This is a gentle reminder that it’s okay if it takes you time to readjust and settle into being back at work. You might find yourself a little overwhelmed, but just remember that you’re definitely not alone in that feeling.
Find pleasure from the little things you’ve missed over the months. Being able to talk to people in real life again. Being able to leave your home and see familiar faces. Meet new faces. Do what you love again. We know that the re-opening is fresh, but it’s onwards and upwards from here!
Although you’ll be keen to make up for all of the lost time and business during the lockdown, you should be careful not to over do it and burn out. With the huge amount of customers looking to book in, make sure you don’t over work yourself. Don’t feel like you need to fit all your clients in now! Set boundaries and try not to over do it.
We hope that this blog has provided you with some clarity on how to move forward. Just remember to remain positive and once you have a plan, the rest will follow. We would like to congratulate you and good luck!
Get prepared for reopening with Salons Direct. Explore our huge range of salon supplies today.
Find more hairdressing advice on the Salons Direct blog…
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