How To Prepare For Reopening Your Salon

Daniel Mason-Jones shares his tips on how to get prepared and how to get ahead amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

Q: What was one of the first things you did for your salon to get it prepared for re-opening?
A: We ordered additional hair color in the colors that are most frequently used. We understand that our guests have gone for a long period of time without coloring so we will be using additional color [on their hair]. Being proactive will save us additional stress. Also, I wanted to be ahead of things by making sure that we had enough PPE to operate for 4 to 6 weeks.

Q: What are some precautionary measures that your salon is taking as an operating business amidst COVID-19?
A: Contactless temperature checks will need to be taken at the door and we will log down their name, time the temperature was taken, and what it was. Gloves will be changed between every guest and masks will be worn all day-clients must wear masks too. All stations will be sanitized between each guest and each station will need to have its own sanitizer. Capes will be washed between each guest and all door knobs, light switches will be wiped down every 15 minutes.

Q: How are you managing salon bookings and client relationships as you prepare to open the salon?
A: Emotions are running high with scheduling and securing appointments. Due to so many regulations and restrictions, we are only able to see about a third of our guests. Staying in contact through social media or by phone is imperative to freeze these relationships in place and keep them from going to your competitors. Appointments are so coveted at this point that you should make sure the clients you have are committed to coming. The last thing you need is for a client to be booked for a long service then they don’t show up.

Q: Are you conducting consultations prior to opening? What is the majority service that you are getting requests for/anticipate getting requests for?
A: We are using virtual consultations. This allows you to see how in-depth your color corrections or color services will be. It also allows you to see in advance how long these bookings need to be booked for. We are anticipating a lot of color corrections, which we typically book by the hour.

Q: If there was one piece of advice that you could offer to a fellow salon owner/hairdresser, what would it be?
A: The biggest piece of advice that I would recommend to my fellow salon owners is try to remain patient during this time, there will be more feelings and emotions than ever imagined. Make sure to keep yourself in a positive state of mind as best you can and make sure to come up with plan A, B and C.

For more of L'Oréal Professionnel’s Back to Business content, check out:
"7 Steps To Reopen Your Salon"
"How To Refresh Extreme Fade And Brassiness"