The time has finally come, and salons across Ireland have reopened for the first time since March. But while it’s an exciting time for many of us, it’s important to remember that salons and clients will be expected to adhere to new rules and safety regulations for the foreseeable future.
So what can we expect, and how can customers help things run smoothly?
Plan ahead
Book in advance: Though salons are now open, places will be limited due to social distancing and there’s likely to be quite a waiting list. Most salons won’t be accepting walk-ins, so make sure you book ahead (preferably over the phone or online rather than in person.)
Be responsible: If you feel sick or you have a cough, don’t attend your appointment. But let the hair salon know, so they can accommodate someone else and rearrange an appointment for you.
Come prepared
Wear a mask: Though it may be compulsory in some but not all salons, it’s recommended that we wear masks particularly when social distancing isn’t possible, and that certainly applies when someone is doing your hair. This helps to protect your stylist and protect you. Make sure you use a mask that fastens behind the ears rather than round the back of your head, so it can stay on throughout the appointment.
Leave coats and bags at home or in the car when you can: Some coat/cloakroom areas in salons have been removed to avoid minimal contact.
Bring a good book, magazine, or download an audiobook or podcast: Magazines and other shared items won’t be available in salons any longer, so come prepared with your own entertainment; especially if you’ll be there for a while (such as dye appointments).
Bring your own refreshments: Some salons may not be offering tea, coffee or water, to reduce contact. You could check this when making an appointment, bring your own in a bottle or travel mug, or go without to reduce time you have to remove your mask.
Be prepared to use card payments: Like many other businesses, many salons are likely to recommend paying by card (or online in advance), to reduce physical contact.
Be sound
Don’t be late. Or early: Salons are under massive pressure to get through a backlog of clients, so keep to your timeslot. You may have to wait outside if you’re early as there may be a limit on numbers allowed in the salon, and they’re unlikely to be able (or willing) to squeeze in latecomers.
Be patient: Everyone is getting used to the new regulations and safety measures in place, so things may take longer than usual. Extra cleaning and specialised rotas will be in place, and many stylists are also extending working days and hours to accommodate their clients. So be patient, and remember that stylists are working hard in stressful circumstances.
Be honest: To save time and for the best possible results, it’s important to be clear about what you want, and honest about anything you’ve done at home such as using a box dye or giving yourself a trim.
The time has finally come, and salons across Ireland have reopened for the first time since March. But while it’s an exciting time for many of us, it’s important to remember that salons and clients will be expected to adhere to new rules and safety regulations for the foreseeable future.
Plan ahead
Book in advance: Though salons are now open, places will be limited due to social distancing and there’s likely to be quite a waiting list. Most salons won’t be accepting walk-ins, so make sure you book ahead (preferably over the phone or online rather than in person.)
Be responsible: If you feel sick or you have a cough, don’t attend your appointment. But let the hair salon know, so they can accommodate someone else and rearrange an appointment for you.
Come prepared
Wear a mask: Though it may be compulsory in some but not all salons, it’s recommended that we wear masks particularly when social distancing isn’t possible, and that certainly applies when someone is doing your hair. This helps to protect your stylist and protect you. Make sure you use a mask that fastens behind the ears rather than round the back of your head, so it can stay on throughout the appointment.
Leave coats and bags at home or in the car when you can: Some coat/cloakroom areas in salons have been removed to avoid minimal contact.
Bring a good book, magazine, or download an audiobook or podcast: Magazines and other shared items won’t be available in salons any longer, so come prepared with your own entertainment; especially if you’ll be there for a while (such as dye appointments).
Bring your own refreshments: Some salons may not be offering tea, coffee or water, to reduce contact. You could check this when making an appointment, bring your own in a bottle or travel mug, or go without to reduce time you have to remove your mask.
Be prepared to use card payments: Like many other businesses, many salons are likely to recommend paying by card (or online in advance), to reduce physical contact.
Be sound
Don’t be late. Or early: Salons are under massive pressure to get through a backlog of clients, so keep to your timeslot. You may have to wait outside if you’re early as there may be a limit on numbers allowed in the salon, and they’re unlikely to be able (or willing) to squeeze in latecomers.
Be patient: Everyone is getting used to the new regulations and safety measures in place, so things may take longer than usual. Extra cleaning and specialised rotas will be in place, and many stylists are also extending working days and hours to accommodate their clients. So be patient, and remember that stylists are working hard in stressful circumstances.
Be honest: To save time and for the best possible results, it’s important to be clear about what you want, and honest about anything you’ve done at home such as using a box dye or giving yourself a trim.
Great Lengths Ireland educator and salon owner of Streetlife Hair, Edwina Hayes, says, “One of the most important things is to give your stylist is a good recent history of your hair and desired look beforehand. This cuts down consultation time and ultimately time in the salon chair. Have you done a box dye to cover greys? Have you chopped off the ends yourself? Make sure to tell your stylist!”
Enjoy yourself
We don't know about you, but it's hard not to be delighted at the thought of getting rid of those dark roots, uninvited grey hairs, the (now slightly wonky) too-long fringe, and shapeless style; however much we remind ourselves that it's 'just hair'. After all, it’s been at least three months since we sat in the salon chair… enjoy.
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