A Donegal hair salon owner is planning to introduce individual salon packs to give clients some peace of mind during Covid-19.
Anne O’Gorman, owner of Hair by Anne O’Gorman in Ballybofey, will offer customers the option of buying their own towel, gown, bowl and brushes for their treatments.
The packs will then be taken home by customers for them to wash after each visit.
The new measure is an added option for clients with safety concerns but it will not be compulsory at the salon. However, it is a more eco-friendly alternative to disposable gowns and capes, Anne said.
“We had a great response to the packs and a lot of people have been phoning to order one since we announced them,” Anne told Donegal Daily.
Anne, like most salon owners, is currently working through the Irish Hairdressers Federation’s safety manual ahead of reopening. While Ireland’s hair salons and barbers are scheduled to reopen on 20th July, it is expected that they may be allowed to open earlier than planned as the government accelerates plans to reopen the country.
“20th July is the official date but we are ready for 29th June if the announcement comes,” Anne said.
“Every guideline that we can implement we will be doing it with bells on.”
Anne said she has received a great response to her salon pack idea with customers already phoning to order them.
The packs, priced from €20, will be tailored to clients who opt for a wash, cut and blowdry, or a basic root touch-up, or more extensive treatments such as all over colour and highlights – which may require two or more bowls.
Masks will not be provided in the packs, but Anne said they will be compulsory in her salon. If a customer does not bring their own, one will be provided. Staff will be wearing full PPE, including masks, visors and gloves.
A visit to the hairdressers is set to be much-different experience than before. Nevertheless, Anne said she has been inundated with emails since opening her waiting list on Friday last.
Clients will see many changes in their local salons as safety guidelines are implemented. At Hair by Anne O’Gorman, the waiting area has been removed and all retail is taken out to help with deep cleaning at the end of every day.
“The salon is basically completely empty apart from what has to go there,” Anne said.
“We have a hand sanitising station, disposable towels and gowns for clients and there will be a full sanitisation of every area after a client leaves.
“Even though we do have a two-metre distance we are also implementing screens and we will have two colour bars so stylists won’t be mixing colours in the one place. “
Anne also has a plan to welcome clients back, with priority to be given to those who were previously waiting on appointments before lockdown. Any client who is vulnerable or who lives with someone who is vulnerable will be treated at times when the salon is quietest for minimum contact.
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