If you are heading back to work, looking for work or seem you are continually on “zoom” calls, temporary touch-ups or giving yourself a trim in front of the bathroom mirror is not going to cut it after 6 months.
Adriana McNeill-Salinas has opened a new salon location in Bradford after operating a home-based salon for over 20 years. In her opinion, Salon owners are doing their best to meet the challenges the pandemic has created. The Hair Stylist Association of Canada has provided training on sanitation and disinfecting. Owners have invested in protective screens and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of the virus.
As a former instructor with the Canadian Beauty College, Adriana has focused on educating her clients on how to maintain colour and hi-lights for longer periods of time.
(Tip: Purchasing the right shampoo and conditioner, reducing the number of times you wash your hair per week and avoiding warm water, where possible, will help extend the life of your colour or hi-lights.)
Like restaurants, salons are responsible for taking visitor’s names and contact numbers to help with contact tracing. Adriana says she prefers to wear a full face mask for the safety of her clients. She also allows only one client at a time in the salon area.
Some exceptions are made for her special needs and elderly clients. Most clients have no issue following pandemic rules because she typically knows them. Which unlike larger retail outlets, where customers can come and go anonymously.
Taking on clients, even at one at a time, is offering a glimmer of hope for the salon owner and clients. “Clients miss the human interaction,” says Adriana. “This is what makes our profession special, there is a great human connection between stylist and clients.”
As for tips for those heading back to the salon, Adriana says, “If you do need to visit your salon make sure you have an appointment. Walk-ins complicate capacity restrictions. Be patient with the staff and know that they are doing their best because they care about you and want to make sure you are in a place where you can relax and enjoy your visit.”
For more information about Adriana’s Hair Salon or to book an appointment visit them on Facebook or call (905) 252-5099.