Health + Safety Checklist for Salons and Barbershops

Are you thinking that it’s almost time to open your salon doors? Have you been wondering if you’re ready to start welcoming the public into the shop for a fresh cut or a clean shave?  

Certain states in America have already begun reopening just weeks after the coronavirus put most of the country on lockdown, reports numerous news organizations including the New York Times. And that means it’s time to brush off those tools and get ready to showcase your talent.  

But before loyal customers start making appointments for their next summer look, here’s a short health and safety checklist for salons and barbershops.  We created this list because we want to help you make sure that your space is ready for the dedicated clients who are truly looking forward to returning to your chair.

Stock up on Health and Safety Gear 

Masks and Gloves 

Shops will need to have masks and gloves on hand for every employee, regardless of whether or not that staffer will be working with clients. This includes receptionists, along with cleaning personnel. But make sure you’re also ready to hand out extra masks and gloves for clients, who will most likely request them.  

Face Shields  

Stylists and barbers should also invest in face shields. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, face shields offer some advantages to masks, such as indefinite use, ease in ability to clean, and comfort. Face shields also help wearers avoid touching their faces, which medical officials recommend to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Capes 

Be ready to have disposable capes available, which can be safely discarded after every use to minimize contact between clients and staffers. Give each new customer their own disposable cape. Reusable capes will work too, though you must clean them after every use, in accordance with the fabric recommendations written on the care label.  

Smocks 

Industry professionals are recommended to wear disposable smocks, which can be thrown away once a session is complete. Rewearable smocks will suffice, but you must launder them after every session with a client. And of course, proper laundry directions must be followed.  

Neck Strips 

If you haven’t stocked up on neck strips, now’s definitely the time. Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, every barber and stylist should have been using neck strips to keep the workplace sanitary. Neck strips can absorb sweat or other body fluids that can transmit the virus. 

Cleaning and Disinfecting 

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces are two of the more important steps that can and should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

If people haven’t been inside the shop or salon for over a week, a normal but careful cleaning routine before reopening is all that’s necessary.  And that’s because the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been shown to survive on surfaces longer than that time frame.  

Keep in mind that it’s important to use U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved products that are effective against the spread of COVID-19.  Regardless of which EPA-registered disinfectant is being used to clean and disinfect, it’s also important to follow this health and safety checklist, which was published on the EPA website:  

1. Make sure you’re using an EPA approved product.
2. Carefully read the safety and health directions, then follow them exactly.
3. Pre-clean the surface with soap and water, especially if the directions mention pre-cleaning or if the surface is dirty.
4. Use the product for the suggested amount of time to make sure it’s effective.
5. Wear gloves and dispose of them afterwards. Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning is complete. 
6. Safely lock up cleaning products and keep them out of reach of children.

Create a Safety and Health Routine 

Remember that your shop will require more frequent cleaning and disinfecting than a home, because of the number of people that will visit. Before the shop reopens, create a routine, so that frequently touched surfaces and objects are properly cleaned and disinfected.  

Disinfect door handles or knobs, desks, faucets, tables, light switches, counter tops, desks, phones, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Any tool used for services, tables, or client chairs will also have to be routinely cleaned. 

But also create a plan for valuable electronics, which may include cell phones, tablets, touch screens, remote controls, and keyboards. Carefully review any information provided by the manufacturer of the electronic device.  

If it’s impossible to locate any information from the manufacturer, the CDC recommends alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. And afterwards, dry the surface.

Safeguarding the Workspace

In addition to cleaning and disinfecting the shop, it’s equally as important to remove items that could spread the virus from person to person. Before people enter your workspace, remove unnecessary things that patrons may touch or hand to one another.  

Some common examples include flyers, magazines, newspapers, business cards, and service menus. Basically remove any unnecessary paper products. But also get rid of extra mirrors, remote controls, phone chargers, and paper weights.  

Consider discontinuing the use of paper appointment books. And eliminate cash payment options. It’ll also be important to set some additional time aside between appointments. That will give you some time to follow your health and safety checklist.  

The Booksy app is designed to help with all of these needs, in regards to scheduling appointments, eliminating the need to exchange cash, and discontinuing the use of an appointment book. 

For any stylist or barber who hasn’t already signed up with Boosky, click here today. And handle business without the unnecessary risk of touching cash, credit cards, and appointment books that can spread COVID-19.