California barbershops and salons can reopen. What to know before you go
Hair salons and barber shops can get back to business in El Dorado, Placer and Sacramento counties if they follow the state’s reopening guidelines. They are the latest businesses to get the go-ahead to reopen after retail and restaurants welcomed back customers last week. Barbers and hairdressers in Yolo County can reopen their shops Thursday, officials announced this week.
It’s good news for consumers after nearly three months under the state’s stay-at-home order to curb the spread of coronavirus and cases of COVID-19, but what will that next trip to the barber’s chair or styling station look like? Guidance for barbers and salons from the California Department of Public Health and CAL-OSHA gives us a good idea.
Here’s a walk-through:
Make an appointment
The days of the walk-in for a trim or shampoo-cut-and-set are over. Expect a call before your scheduled appointment time to confirm your visit and to determine whether you have symptoms, have been sick or were exposed to someone who has been sick. If yes to any of those, expect the appointment to be pushed out 10 to 14 days or more.
Wash your hair
If appropriate for the service, shampoo before you show up. It will speed up the appointment and minimize close contact with the hairdresser and others.
No children or others
Customers should come alone, if possible.
Know the rules
They will be a condition of entry and posted where you can see them: Use hand sanitizer. Maintain physical distance from other customers. And ...
Bring a mask
Face coverings are becoming standard equipment to protect against COVID-19 and will be required of both stylists and customers in the close confines of the barbershop and salon. Pro tip: Wear masks with ear loops to make sure your covering does not get in the way of the hair service.
By the way, the shop should also provide clean face coverings for customers and staff.
Expect a temperature or symptom screening upon arrival
Be prepared to have your appointment bumped if you are not feeling well. Stay home if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms - frequent cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat or recent loss of taste or smell - or are otherwise sick.
Bring a book
Like the walk-in appointment, say goodbye to the reception area assortment of magazines. Reading materials are touch points.
You may be asked to wait outside or in your car instead of inside the shop or salon.
Credit or debit?
Barbers and stylists are being asked to encourage credit cards and contactless payment. If that’s not possible, bring a check or the exact cash amount.
This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 11:51 AM.
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