Reopening: Precautions for Hair and Nail Salon Visits

It's been quite a few weeks since many of us have had access to our stylist, colorist, barber, or manicurist. Some have even taken matters into our own hands and sought out tips for cutting our hair during lockdown. With social distancing now part of the mainstream, salons are in a better position than they were at the start of the pandemic to safely reopen. It's widely understood that precautions must be taken and salon patrons are receptive to the idea.

In an interview with Healthline, infectious disease specialist, Dr. Sandra Kesh suggests that measures people can take prior to getting in the salon chair — and these precautions apply to nail salons, too. “Before you make your appointment, I would suggest asking the salon what they are doing for infection control measures with social distancing, disinfection, and general flow and volume of people within their space,” she told the health information website.

For those looking for a touch-up, trim, or color and wondering if it's safe to go to the hair salon, it's important to note that the nature of a global pandemic means that it's never going to be totally safe. What salon owners and patrons can do, is minimize their risk by taking precautions and practicing social distancing.

Even with these precautions in place, some moms are just not ready to make that appointment just yet. With cases rising in some states since restrictions were lifted, Katie Reed has reservations about heading back. "I don't think there are any precautions that a salon could take that would make it worth the risk," she told Mom.com. "I'd rather shave my hair off than have to ever explain to anyone why someone I loved lost their health or life."

TaKenya Hampton shares that sentiment, though she did go to the salon due to health reasons. "I went to the nail shop for a pedicure, but I have terrible ingrown toenails," she explained. "I told the salon owner I was scared and she scheduled me to be there by myself." Hampton told Mom.com that she appreciates that her nail tech went above and beyond and that she tipped her well for the extra accommodation.

The nature of a haircut leaves little flexibility for social distancing. But there are some precautions patrons and stylists can take to ensure the safest possible environment during reopening. In addition to minimizing the number of clients allowed in the salon, wearing a face mask is an easy way to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Scheduling extra time for sanitation and cleanup between clients is key. Countries like Germany and Denmark have instituted additional restrictions as to the types of salon services allowed. Hairdryers are only to be used if completely necessary and fresh air must be circulated throughout the salon while clients are in the building.

Clarissa Laskey recounted her recent salon experience and the precautions her stylist took. "They removed pretty much everything 'extra' in the salon besides the actual chair to sit in, the washbasins, and the hooded dryer. We both wore masks the entire time and she also wore disposable gloves," the mother of two told Mom.com.

While individual states have their own health department guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a reopening toolkit for businesses. These safety and sanitation guidelines include checklists and resources that serve as a guide for businesses like hair and nail salon reopening and tips for maintaining social distancing within the salon.

Patrons considering a visit to their salon should use their discretion and inquire with their stylist as to preventive measures being implemented. As states begin to lift restrictions, staying informed as to what is and what isn't allowed is key. The Behind the Chair website published an updated, state-by-state hair and nail salon reopening guide for that purpose.

Salon owner Angie Ravenel told Mom.com that beyond taking every client's temperature before they're brought in, she hasn't had to make many changes. "I already had strict regulations set in place to follow, now though, clients have to agree through email to have their temperature taken upon arrival, wait in their car until I come to get them, and keep a mask on during the entire visit."

When South Carolina started to reopen, Ravenel had been busy promoting her hair product so she was armed with additional sources of income during lockdown. "I was not ready to immediately jump behind the chair, I followed the news and the numbers for the safety of my clients.”

Nail salon safety precautions
Usually, as the weather starts to warm up and people head back to the beaches and pools, a fun transition to summer includes a stop at the nail salon for a cute pedicure.

With COVID-19 concerns looming, many of us are questioning whether it’s safe to head to the nail salon. Nail technicians have received detailed reopening guidelines from both the CDC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The guidelines not only address safety and sanitation issues, but also provide information on how to ensure employees stay safe at home so as not transmit the coronavirus to the workplace.

If you have concerns about the safety of your nail salon, there are additional steps you can take to limit your exposure to COVID-19. Wearing a cloth face covering is always recommended.

You may also want to consider wearing glasses or goggles to minimize the risk of respiratory droplets getting into your eyes. Finally, limiting the time you’re in the chair is key. Rather than sitting under the nail dryer for a few extra minutes, find a spot to sit outside the building while your toes and fingers dry.

Slowing the spread of COVID-19 will require cooperation, empathy, and sometimes a bit of inconvenience on everyone's part. To ensure we won’t have to go back on lockdown, it’s important that we all adhere to the health and safety guidelines set forth by the experts.