As part of Governor Stitt’s three-phase plan to reopen the state’s economy, salons, spas, and barbershops were allowed to resume business on April 24, as long as owners adhere to social distancing guidelines, have employees wear masks, frequently sanitize equipment, and follow other protocols. The threat of COVID-19 has affected all of us this year, but here at Salons de Beauté we are happy to see our salon pros get back to business in a way that’s safe for everyone.
All of us who lease mini salon suites in Lawton have been apprised of the orders from Governor Stitt as well as the safety guidelines set forth by the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. We know that it can be challenging to understand exactly what’s happening. Read on to find out what you can expect from your next visit to Salons de Beauté to get a haircut, color, manicure, or massage.
Health and beauty services may reopen for appointments only. No walk-in hair, health, or beauty traffic can be accepted during this time. While we know this is an inconvenience, health and beauty professionals of all sorts are being asked to see clients by appointment only. Clients should call, text, or book online. To further ensure appropriate social distancing, we encourage clients to wait outside the establishment until it’s time for their services. Of course, while you’re outside, please maintain a social distance, either by remaining in your vehicle or by keeping far away from others who are also waiting for their services. Here at Salons de Beauté, we thank you in advance for contacting your stylist or massage therapist to make your next appointment!
Salon owners or workers must monitor their health. Personal responsibility is everything in the COVID era. Everyone needs to be self-monitoring, whether they’re giving haircuts or getting them. Any salon worker or any salon client who registers a temperature above 99 degrees should stay home and quarantine until the fever is gone and they have observed no signs of COVID-19. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, shaking with chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache, and difficulty breathing. While quarantine may prove unnecessary in many cases, it’s always best to look out for ourselves and our fellow salon workers and patrons. With so many people so vulnerable to the unique challenges of COVID-19, being community-minded in this regard can make a big difference, and you might never know to whom.
Social distancing poses a few challenges to salon services. Social distancing is pretty much impossible during your service at Salons de Beauté, and Governor Stitt is aware of this. While it’s understood that social distancing cannot be maintained during a haircut or color, we’re asking salon owners and salon clients to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 by keeping distance between themselves and anyone not involved with the performance of the service, using divider shields when possible, and staggering work schedules. Thankfully, at Salons de Beauté, our mini salon suites make it easier to avoid other people, and our salon common area will remain closed until it’s safe to reopen.
The following personal protective equipment (PPE) will be utilized:
- Masks. State regulations require all salon and beauty industry workers to wear a mask at all times. The state is also asking clients to volunteer to wear a mask during any health, salon, or beauty services, or to be given a clean towel to hold over their face when a mask is impossible.
- Face Shields or Safety Glasses. Health and beauty professionals should, when possible, wear face shields or safety glasses during services to protect themselves and their clients.
- Hand washing. One of the best things anyone can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to wash their hands properly and frequently. Appropriate hand-washing is irrefutably effective in preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus. All health and beauty workers are required to wash their hands in warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds in between servicing clients and as frequently as possible during the service, as well as after smoking, eating, or using the bathroom. While we know that gloves can only be used sometimes, hand washing is something we can all do to protect each other. We also ask all clients coming to Salons de Beauté to ensure they’re washing their hands properly.
- Capes. Capes should be sanitized in between clients, either with spray or wipes.
- Neck strips or towels. Health and beauty workers are advised to use neck strips and neck towels to further protect clients and themselves.
- Clothing. By now, we all know we need to change clothes and shower after going out into the world. Health and beauty workers are no different. All salon workers and clients are asked to arrive at their appointments showered and wearing clean clothing, and to shower and change clothes after returning home.
- PPE Maintenance. All soiled drapes, capes, gloves, gowns, towels, and so on should be disposed of in a closed container and cleaned thoroughly before being used again.
This is only a portion of the guidelines and protocols drafted by Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering for salons in Lawton. For a more complete understanding of the rules and regulations, as well as the threat that COVID-19 poses to salon workers and clients and how those threats can be mitigated, we encourage everyone to empower themselves and click this link to read the complete Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering safety guidelines document as well as this link to the CDC page on social distancing.
Salons de Beauté is making an effort to support salon owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact us today and find out how we can help your dream of owning a salon in Lawton happen even in these uncertain times.