Hoping to fix that botched DIY haircut or finally touch up those grey roots? Salons in Minnesota are set to reopen on June 1, but don’t expect to be able to walk in and get an appointment.
The coronavirus pandemic that shut down many of Minnesota’s businesses the past two months will have lingering effects for the months. Going to the salon or barber will be different once they reopen. Here’s what to expect.
IT MAY TAKE A WHILE TO GET AN APPOINTMENT
Considering it’s been since March 17th that anyone could get a professional haircut in Minnesota, salons are anticipating a backlog of appointments. In fact, it may be a few weeks before many of us can even get one.
“I spent four hours calling clients, and I only scheduled through two weeks,” said Tracy Reese, hairstylist at Andre Franca Studio.
Additionally, salons will have to limit capacity to 25 percent so social distancing can help stop the spread of the virus. Less capacity means salons can serve fewer clients per week.
STYLISTS WILL HAVE TO MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME
It was a shock to many to discover grey roots suddenly appear on our heads. Righting that wrong can be a time-consuming process. Salons are also booking longer appointments with sanitization in mind. Work stations and tools will be sanitized between customers.
Reese also expects consultations will take longer. Many of her clients seem inspired after two months of letting their hair grow out.
“They hated their hair eight weeks in, but now that they’re 15-20 weeks in, a lot of them are thinking about growing their hair out, or trying something new.” Reese said. “The consultation is going to be more intense.”
NO WALK-INS AND NO WAITING ROOM
Forget flipping through magazines or gossiping with the receptionist before your appointment. In an effort to maintain social distancing, salons will tell clients to show up to their appointments on time, and not early.
Great Clips has moved their check-in services online, and clients will use an app to alert stylists that they have arrived. Clients must then wait outside the salon until they are called in.
“The most notable change that customers will feel throughout the industry is that any waiting will likely be happening in vehicles.” Great Clips franchisee Brian Stevens said.
WEAR A FACE MASK. YOUR STYLIST WILL
According to Gov. Tim Walz’s reopening plans, masks are required by both stylists and customers.
Wendy Holtzapple, an independent stylist working in Minneapolis, will be taking as many safety precautions as she can.
“I purchased a bunch of face shields and some goggles, and I made a bunch of face masks.” she said. “I’ll minimize talking because that’s part of the transmission, and I’m going to have a gentle fan at my station.”
YOUR FACIAL HAIR WILL HAVE TO WAIT
Beard trims and facial waxing are temporarily suspended at many salons, such as Regis Salons, to avoid touching faces.
Besides, it’s difficult to trim a moustache when the moustache is behind a face mask.
SETTINGS MAY GET UNTRADITIONAL
“I think the best situation would be to cut hair outside,” Holtzapple said. “I’m going to try and do some outside for people who are more vulnerable health-wise.”
In addition to “garage salons,” the cosmetology industry may see an increase in salon suites, which allow hairdressers to serve clients one-on-one, without sharing equipment or space with others.
