Most sectors were impacted by lockdown in 2020 and 2021. The hair industry was undoubtedly amongst the hardest hit as hairdressers were unable to work for several months at a time.
The lifting of all Covid restrictions in July is the final stage in our government’s coronavirus response, signifying ‘business as usual’ for everyone, salons and mobile hairdressers included.
So, what’s been learnt over the past 17 months? Thankfully, it’s not all doom-and-gloom. Our nation’s 43,000 salons, and 250,000 hair and beauty workers* coped extremely (and surprisingly) well. Here’s how:
Creativity – With so much time spent on furlough, the opportunity was seized to rethink processes and embark upon a refresh exercise. Obviously, all salons were forced to do this to some degree by implementing mandatory safety and hygiene measures. Read our earlier ‘New-normal hairdressing regime’ blog for a reminder.
Of course, many of these cleanliness routines are likely to be here to stay, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but salon owners have applied creativity elsewhere in their businesses by, for example, converting outside areas into extended salon spaces and devising new loyalty schemes. Hairdressing clients are all the better for it.
Embracing technology – Pre-Covid, 70% of salons managed bookings via paper diaries. When Covid hit, a digital revolution happened with one salon software company reporting a 350% uptick in new clients of their electronic booking system. This is not only helping salons become more efficient but also comply with their NHS Track & Trace requirements.
Other technology being used now like never before are digital consultation tools for their ability to provide professional services while maintaining social distancing.
Sidestepping cash payments – Concerns about the risk of banknotes and coins transmitting the virus have led to salons insisting upon card payments, sometimes even upfront to avoid transactions after appointments. As well as introducing another level of security in these troubling times, it’s caused further streamlining of the hairdressing experience which clients have benefited from.
Working in a ‘new normal’ way – How does the term ‘new normal’ apply to hairdressers? Changes have been made to make clients relax and feel safe, ranging from spread-out seating to dividing screens to half-capacity bookings, which is also a topic covered in our ‘New normal hairdressing regime’ blog referenced above. There’s been tightened guidance reducing the gap between patch tests from twelve to six months too. Access our ‘Tighter guidance insisting on more regular patch testing’ blog for more on this subject.
Moving on to how hairdressing clients have reacted:
Undergoing hair revolution – With no choice but to let our hair return to its natural state and not having to do much in the way of styling during lockdown has resulted in a different approach to hair care. From less is more to longer gaps between appointments, discover our revolutionary habits in our ‘Five ways Covid-19 has permanently altered our hair care habits’ and ‘Post-lockdown hair trends’ blogs.
As we all continue to adapt to the ‘new normal’, it’s vitally important that standards don’t slip. When visiting your hair salon, you still need a comprehensive consultation, no matter how it’s undertaken, because virtually is more than sufficient. You still need a patch and strand test before having your hair dyed, which will require a physical visit to the premises for application of dye at least 48 hours prior to your time slot, every six months. You still need to be looked after carefully and professionally during your treatment, even if it might appear challenging due to fewer stylists being available.
Should these essential nurturing duties be neglected, you can suffer harm by your hairdresser. We specialise in hair treatment injury claims and can help you claim compensation for hair damage. Simply get in touch by emailing enquiries@hairdressingclaims.co.uk, calling 0800 141 3682 from a landline for free, phoning 0333 202 6560 from a mobile or completing our online enquiry form.
* Based on 2019 National Hair & Beauty Federation statistics.
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