The Hairdressing Claims Blog

16/11/2020

Five ways COVID-19 has permanently altered our hair care habits
Hair care habits have changed forever

COVID-19’s had a profound and long-lasting impact on all aspects of our lives – from our mental and physical health to our income and job security. The changes to these many facets of our lives have been heavily documented in news headlines since March. By now, we’re well versed in our ever-evolving lifestyles as instigated by the pandemic.

But what about other, subtler alterations to our daily habits? In today’s blog, we delve under the radar to analyse specifically how we’re now looking after our hair…

You see, both lockdowns have been characterised by have-a-go haircuts and DIY hair jobs at home, occasionally culminating in less-than-desirable results. Sales of hair clippers and box dyes have skyrocketed as we’ve set about the task of lockdown hair maintenance ourselves.

Lockdown has also become known as the period during which a small contingent of rule-breakers engaged the services of their hairdressers illegally. Although forbidden to do so, reports of underground hairdressing have been rife, evidenced by bulk buying of salon-professional products.

When salons finally reopened their doors from the first lockdown on 4th July, we headed in our droves back to our hairdresser’s for correctional appointments and ‘proper’ haircuts (not just a simple trim). Interestingly, a significant proportion of people actually did the opposite – embraced their hair au naturel and chose low-maintenance colour treatments instead. We described these post-lockdown tendencies in our earlier blog.

Fast forward to now with a second lockdown in place to control the spread of coronavirus and a transformational experience awaiting us at the salon when they reopen their doors for a second time this year, what are our hair care habits? Here’s what we’ve found:-

#1: Less is still more in terms of maintenance

We lasted five months without visiting the salon and the future remains uncertain with the second lockdown still in place forcing hair salons to close yet again. Because of this, women are looking for hairstyles requiring minimal upkeep more than ever.

#2: Indulgence in self care

It thus follows that we’re investing heavily in washing, treatment and styling products to care for our hair at home. A figure being bandied around on the internet is 34% of women increasing spending on hair products to achieve the salon-at-home appearance.

#3: Longer gaps between appointments

With the vast majority of us having gone so long without a professional haircut and some realising that our own attempts at hair maintenance weren’t too bad after all, plus that the financial savings to be made are sizeable, we’re waiting longer between one appointment and the next. When we’re able to go to the salon, that is. For these monetary benefits, we’re willing to forgo our pre-COVID regular hair schedules.

#4: Switch from salon to mobile hairdressing

A number of factors are in play here. Rising unemployment figures and limits on how many clients are allowed in salons at once have led to growing volumes of hairdressers going mobile. Additionally, as a consequence of customers feeling uncomfortable in the salon due to extra security measures or health concerns and tighter finances because of reductions in earnings, more customers are booking home visits. Again, only when restrictions permit.

#5: Localised business support

Refocused priorities on the environment and localisation during lockdown mean we’re trying to lesson our carbon footprint and help businesses in our close vicinity so they can weather the storm which continues to rage. In other words, we’re favouring salons situated nearby as opposed to travelling further afield. This could be bad news for big brands but great news for small-scale hair salons.

Time will tell if these trends will carry on beyond COVID-19. If you can relate your current experiences with any of the above, we’d like to conclude with a note of caution. Always be mindful of adhering carefully to instructions on home hair kits so you don’t suffer harm at your own hands.

Similarly, if choosing mobile hairdressing services upon lockdown lifting, check that your stylist has adequate insurance cover. The risks are different and typically higher for home rather than salon hairdressing. You need to know that compensation can be claimed, should you get wounded by your hairdresser. Read our ‘6 reasons to sue your hairdresser’ blog to discover what can (and does) go wrong, from burns and chemical injuries to cuts and trips – applicable both to salon and home.

Remember, too, that help is readily available for individuals subjected to hairdresser negligence who want to launch legal action. Contact us in confidence for a free, no obligation consultation.


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