Itching to get a haircut? Here are the guidelines you need to know and follow!
With GCQ (General Community Quarantine) in place in Metro Manila, a number of salons and barbershops have reopened and are now operating again. As much as we want to just bolt to the nearest salon, we first need to read about the safety measures that are in place for most, if not all, salons and barber shops.
For a safe and enjoyable salon experience, be sure to follow the listed safety guidelines for beauty services such as salons and barbershops:
Book an appointment beforehand
Most, if not all, salons and barbershops require clients to book an appointment beforehand. This protocol is done to control the number of people in the shop, and for contract tracing purposes as well.
While many salons and barbershops are operating once again, they aren’t allowed to fill up the shop, with the government only allowing them to operate at 50% capacity. In the same regard, this is why you will need to call and schedule an appointment beforehand to check if their limited staff is able to accommodate you on your preferred date.
Temperature Checks and Health Declaration
Be sure to keep your health in check and minimize going out before your appointment. Before the hair or beauty appointment begins, temperature will be taken and in most cases, clients will be asked to fill up a health declaration form, too.
Face Masks and Face Shields are Required
Last September, the government issued the wearing of a face shield in public areas to be a mandatory requirement. This is in addition to the required face masks that should be worn in all public areas as well. That said, masks and shields are required to be worn upon entry; while face masks should be worn throughout the entire service period.
No Companions Allowed
Since salons and beauty services are only allowed to operate with a limited number of both clients and staff in the shop at certain time frames, companions are not allowed to wait inside. If the client will need a companion, they must also be booked for an appointment at the same time.
Multiple Sanitation Stations Throughout the Shop
Additional sanitation stations are also available upon entry and throughout the shop, such as alcohol dispensers and alcohol foot baths. Some salons and beauty shops also have air purifiers and sanitizing machines to sterilize and disinfect the area.
As a guest, be sure to sanitize regularly and wash your hands when you can!
Social Distancing
To adhere to the social distancing guidelines set by the government, salons are only allowed to operate at 50% capacity, as previously mentioned. That said, they are required to distance customers at least two meters away from one another, usually leaving a seat unoccupied between customers. Staff must also observe physical distancing from other clients and minimize chatter.
Staff are Required to Wear Full PPE Gear
The staff of these beauty services are all required to wear full PPE gear - this includes, face masks, face shields, disposable gloves, aprons, and closed toed shoes at all times. After each client, they are required to dispose of gloves and have their aprons sterilized.
Sterilization of Tools and Equipment
All tools and equipment are sterilized and disinfected after every client. The chairs that were occupied by the previous client, are also disinfected afterwards.
Cashless Transactions
To prevent the spread of the virus, many beauty services have shifted to cashless payments and transactions - such as Credit or Debit Card transactions and Paymaya or GCash. An acrylic divider is also placed in front of the reception for extra caution.
