Over the course of the last few weeks, it's been inspiring to see how the beauty industry is coming together [1] to support each other amid the coronavirus pandemic. Beauty brands are doing things like donating proceeds from sales to charity groups, giving away products to medical staff working on the frontlines, and even dedicating factory space [2] to help manufacture high-demand items like hand sanitizer [3].
It's no secret that the service industry, among others, has been affected greatly by the virus, with all nonessential businesses closing doors [4] for the foreseeable future. Hair salons, nail salons [5], spas, and other brick-and-mortar beauty companies are unable to operate, forcing many employees temporarily out of work. This has left many customers wondering how they can support their favourite hairstylists, salons, and beauticians.
Luckily, there are ways to help. If you're a salon regular, purchasing a gift card online or leaving a positive Yelp review can go miles in keeping your go-to spot in business. You can also put your money behind beauty brands supporting hairstylists during this trying time. Read on to learn which companies are doing their part in helping the hair industry.
L'Oréal USA
L'Oréal USA Professional Products [6] is doing its part by donating to the Professional Beauty Association COVID-19 Relief Fund [7], which supports licenced professionals in the US who are unable to work due to COVID-19. The fund supplies emergency aid for short-term needs like food and bills.
The brand has also announced an initiative to provide relief to Americans and small businesses alike by freezing the existing payments of very small and small-size enterprises in its distribution network, including independent hair salons, until businesses resume.
Amika
Amika [8] created an affiliate program to help hairstylists get commissions on sales during this time. Stylists who register [9] receive 20 percent commission from orders their clients place. The brand is also providing digital master classes every day via Instagram for stylists to tune in to.
John Paul Mitchell Systems
John Paul Mitchell Systems [10] is rolling out a relief program for salons and stylists affected by COVID-19. The JPMS Salon Jumpstart Stimulus Plan includes enhanced education, digital support, and more. The brand is also partnering with its loyal salons and distributor partners to help rebuild cashflow reserves to aid its partners back into business as quickly as possible.
Hairstory
Hair brand Hairstory [11] runs a unique affiliate program that pays hairstylists income from sales they drive on an ongoing basis. This allows stylists to make a profit on commission even while their salons are closed during the pandemic.
Khairpep
Khairpep [12] launched an initiative called #HairArtistsUnite to build a support fund for the stylist community. The fund will be derived from 50 percent of sales of the Khairpep K18Peptide Masque. Starting March 23 util April 24, followers can nominate an artist or salon of their choice every week on Instagram [13] to win.