As states announce their reopening plans [1] and let nonessential business open their doors for the first time since COVID-19 closed many of them in March, many people are planning their back to the hair and salon [2]. But before you book your long overdue mani/pedi or hair colour touch-up, know that beauty appointments after the coronavirus will look a little different.
Just because businesses are starting to reopen [3] doesn't mean that things are going to go back to normal right away. As a part of many states' reopening plans, strict restrictions and guidelines have been put in place to keep the public safe. What this means is that many salons will be operating at a reduced capacity to allow for social distancing and walk-ins will not be accepted. Along with keeping a physical distance between yourself and other customers, you'll likely be required to wear a mask or face covering at your appointment, too, to keep yourself and those around you safe.
Ahead, we tapped industry experts to find out what you can expect at your next visit when salons reopen after the coronavirus.
Do You Need to Wear a Face Mask at the Nail Salon?
While nail salons don't require anyone to touch or look at your face, the beauty service does involve sitting within six feet of another person for the treatment. In short, wearing a mask is a good idea.
"I believe, especially in California, that wearing a mask will be required for everyone, including customers and service providers at all times," said Michelle Saunders James, owner of Saunders & James Nail Care [4] in California. "Service providers will have to change masks and gloves after each service."
But Saunders James questions if the sanitation process will be increased from just that, especially in California after the governor stated that the state's first case in community spread stated in a nail salon [5]. "Will we need disposable scrubs, face shields, towels?," said Saunders James. "How deep will our sanitation have to go for everyone to feel safe? Will smaller salons be able to afford to purchase these items? The questions run deep, and at this point, we don't have all the answers we need."
Do You Need to Wear a Face Mask at the Hair Salon?
Most face coverings secure behind the head which poses an issue for hairstylists. Similar to dermatology and facial appointments, you can expert to wear a mask into the salon at the start of your appointment and out of it afterward. "We have to do our duty at the salon to curate our environment to the best safety habits to the best of our abilities," said Riawna Capri, co-founder of Nine Zero One Salon [6]. "We're going to require all staff members (front desk, stylists, assistants) and all clients to wear a mask. Before clients sit down in the salon chair, we're going to check everyone's temperature with a temperature gun and we're going to require clients to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer."
Many states will also be requiring hair salons to limit the number of appointments they take at once. "Our job cannot be done six feet away, so we'll likely book every other station and then also book in shifts," said Capri. "People should expect longer appointment times, people should also expect a possible higher ticket than normal."
Do You Need to Wear a Mask at Facials?
It would be impossible to get a facial while wearing a mask, but that doesn't mean that your appointment will look exactly like it did pre-COVID-19. According to celebrity aesthetician Candace Marino [7], clients should follow their state's guidelines on wearing a mask when they arrive and leave the salon.
"When I begin seeing clients again I will adhere to the CDC/City guidelines in Los Angeles," said Marino. "I'm assuming we will all be required to wear masks, and then obviously, the client will have to unmask during the facial, while the facialist remains masked."
The new face mask policy for specialists will be in addition to the standard protocol skin-care clinicals already follow for keeping the space clean. "Generally speaking, facialists are hyper-sensitive to cleanliness," said Marino. "Not only do we want to protect our clients from all pathogens, but when you work in close proximity to clients all day, you really need to be protecting yourself to ensure your own health and safety."
Do You Need to Wear a Mask at the Dermatologist Office?
Many dermatology offices have remained open during the COVID-19 closures [8] because they are medical offices, however, they've only accepted patients for emergencies. As states reopen, those dermatology offices will begin to accept in-person patients for elective procedures. So, should you wear a mask? The answer is yes.
"When dermatology offices reopen in each state, I would recommend that all patients continue to wear masks from when they leave their home until they return," said Estee Williams, MD for LUMENIS [9]. This is especially important for anyone who is considered high risk for COVID-19.
If you're seeing the dermatologist for something that involves your face, specially around your mouth, it will be possible to remove your mask once you're in the exam room. "For certain medical procedure that require mask removal, this can safely be done as long as the other people in the room are wearing masks," said Dr. Williams.
In addition to wearing a mask, be prepared to answer a few questions upon your arrival at the office. "Patients must have their temperature checked and must fill out an exposure questionnaire and fill out a COVID consent," said Michael Gold, MD for LUMENIS [10]. "This will continue for a while until we are told we do not have to do this anymore."