Question

Hey ladies, I have a very important question to ask, and I would like honesty, good or bad - doesn’t matter. I know that taking preventive measures and precautions are really important, especially now. Working in a salon, we’ve been on the fence about implementing plexiglass desk dividers for each station for once we get to reopen. What are your thoughts? Should every salon implement this new normal? Or no?  

Answer 1

I would be comfortable without it. I however would also be comfortable without masks and there is good and bad to everything. I think over implementing preventative measures will actually harm all of us in the long run by suppressing our immune systems.  

Comments

@kery31 my 86 yr old grandmas been on lock down in the nursing home since March and just tested positive for covid. Sooo that says something.  

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@estimable I believe the virus is real never said otherwise but I also believe we are compromising ourselves in many ways with the precautions.  

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@estimable the staff hasn't. So that's how she would've gotten it. Hope she recovers soon.  

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@villar I get that, but they’re keeping family out to prevent that same thing.  

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@kery31 I do too, I have different views on it.  

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@estimable 99% of people recover from this you can pick up the virus at the grocery store. We need to let our immune systems work.  

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@kery31 I don’t think it’s the preventive measures that are suppressing our immune systems. what is “ hurting” People is the overuse of chemically filled cleaners and antibacterial products that kill all our good germs and also are filled with toxins that are doing more harm to our bodies. You can take preventive safe measures with products that are free of these toxins and are safe to use without compromising your health.  

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@estimable sorry about your grandma. Keeping you in my thoughts.  

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@estimable I’m so sorry to hear, how is she doing now?  

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@cornelia8 absolutely! I had a friend ask me why I don't use all the chemicals  

Answer 2

I wouldn’t feel the need to have a divider unless the stations are really close

Answer 3

If I was getting my hair done. I’d feel fine w/o it. If you wanted to wear a mask fine.  

Answer 4

I’m annoyed by the dividers. For me personally, I’d seek a salon that doesn’t have them ‍♀️

Answer 5

I am hoping things like this are NOT going to be the new normal! Right now, it might be a good idea, even though I wouldn’t look for salons that had this, but after this is over, I’m hoping all of this is a memory and we go back to the real normal.  

Comments

@megathere76668 I agree

Answer 6

I think they r unnecessary because there is usually already space/privacy in between. I think the mask r more than enough. along with just a good cleaning of the chair.  

Answer 7

I don't think it's wrong either for you to ask clients to sanatize their hands b4 they sit down.  

Answer 8

I would be ok without

Answer 9

My husband is a service manager at a car dealership and they put up plexiglass on each desk that has to work with customers. They found people in general don’t keep distance just cause we are not used to it. I think the people in the salon need to do what makes them feel comfortable to work and feel protected.  

Answer 10

Hey @ariel Such a great question. I am the owner of Pretty Convenient App Did you receive the update from ABS regarding Gov Pritzker recommendations for salons?  

Comments

@ariel I’ll friend request you so I can tag you on the page it’s posted. Do you have an email list of all the clients from the last 2 years? It’s a great place to begin. I’m not sure at this time if there will be space in the books for new clients. It will depend on the size of team and the dimensions of the salon/spa

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@grueling6707 I don’t have their emails, but we have all of their numbers in our system. Our salon isn’t the biggest, 8 manicure stations and 6 pedicure chairs. I don’t know if we’ll be able to take new clients during this time because it’ll be appointments only for a while and we already have so many current clients to take care of.  

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@ariel yes, you are so correct about the new clients and adjusting the space for sure. Reach out if you guys would like to talk. I’m waiving my coaching fee for Pretty School while we are all in quarantine here in Illinois.  

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@grueling6707 can you tag me also please

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@ariel zen salon and spa put up the plexiglass for the nail stations. Being you are face to face with someone I think it’s better to be safe. For hair, I would be comfortable with no mask since hair stylist is behind me. You will never satisfy everyone. Disney will be requiring masks and temp checks and so will places all across the country. The sooner we all accept this is the new normal for now, the better. If we all remember, we used to not have to remove our shoes at the airport but it became the new normal. We have to all adapt for the greater good.  

Answer 11

Permanently no, short term until things are definitely safer yes I would be ok with protecting you and myseld

Answer 12

I think you and your coworkers need to do what makes YOU comfortable and feel safe going back to work.  

Answer 13

No. Not necessary. I have seen clear shower curtains hung in another states

Comments

@vitek I like the shower curtain idea. How cost conscious! I wonder if it’s as effective as actual plexus dividers? I could see so many applications of this method. Sorry, just nerding out over here.  

Answer 14

I think any extra precautionary measures in place makes a business look like they care. I respect that.  

Answer 15

Hi! Also a local hairstylist here. And while I think it’s unnecessary, it looks like the guidance will either require a divider OR utilizing every other station when possible.  

Answer 16

Employee and customer must just wear masks mean while.  

Answer 17

I would say no. I agree with the comment above too. Id be totally fine without masks and without the dividers. I feel that yes the virus is there and can be dangerous, but so can the flu. We aren’t helping by preventing ourselves to be exposed. We need to build an immunity. I do agree that if we implement the washing of hands (sanitizer) before someone sits down, and sanitizing stations. I feel like the dividers are very impersonal. Kinda like we are visiting a inmate. ‍♀️ but I also feel if this is what salons are going to do for the new “normal” then we have to accept it and move on. Good luck!  

Answer 18

I would personally expect to see dividers of some sort if the stations, and employees using those stations, aren't 6 feet apart. If stations are already spaced then I see no need.  

Answer 19

I would be ok without if the stations were spread out a little but there will be people who will feel more comfortable with them. I would personally do everything you can to be as safe as possible for now to make sure all your previous clients return.  

Answer 20

This thread has told me that I won’t be going to a salon anytime soon, unfortunately not because of the staff, but too many people in the comments who still don’t understand what we are up against. Good luck to you!  

Comments

Hey ladies, I didn’t mean to upset anyone by posting this. This was not my intention at all, and I hope you all understand that this was really me trying to figure out what is best to do from a small business standpoint for when we are able to open up again.  

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@ariel I totally get that, and I apologize for coming in guns blazing. It seemed like an innocent question and I didn’t think you were trying to stir an argument.  

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@operculum89862 it’s okay, I just wanted to be mindful of others for when we finally get to open again, how to navigate this new & temporary reality the best way I can.  

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@ariel definitely, and thats how you came across! It wAs a great question!  

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@ariel I’m not upset. I have learned that when people know they are losing a battle, they start name calling. No worries. I’m a big girl. Been in the healthcare business for 20 years. Educating people has always been the biggest challenge. It’s all good.  

Answer 21

If the stylists and customers are wearing masks then what’s the point of a divider? And yes I take this seriously. My job is to advise dental practices on how they’re keeping patients safe so I also actually know what I’m talking about. Get air purifiers if anything.  

Answer 22

I couldn’t breath through a whole appointment w a mask on sorry not sorry

Comments

@estimable I can barely last to run in and out of the grocery store

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I know I hate wearing it.  

Answer 23

I think masks are enough. Require hand washing upon arrival and limit number of hairstylists and clients in at one time.  

Answer 24

Please think of yourself and your staff, as well as other compromised clients. At this point it doesn’t matter what people “want”, it’s what’s necessary.  

Comments

Lau Ren what is necessary? The experts don’t even know.  

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Precautions are necessary . I work in the beauty industry and when I go back, we are being supplied with face masks and face shields. I also have a family to go back home to. Guests will have temps taken and be required to wear a mask. It’s so disappointing to see people so carefree. It’s not gonna be like this forever, but for now it is what it is.  

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@estimable if the experts don’t know, as you say, then your neighbor, old high school friend, Facebook commenter etc with no medical knowledge sure don’t know either. Maybe experts don’t know but they are giving their recommendations based on their intimate knowledge so far. I also trust my mother who is a respiratory therapist and is seeing the effects of this virus.  

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First of all it’s from people who are actually nurses and respiratory people.  

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@operculum89862 take care of your family and I will mine ❤️

Answer 25

I hope you’re able to open soon. Dividers are unnecessary in my opinion

Answer 26

The thing is, there will be guidelines that must be followed per the state board. If you don't like those guidelines, you won't be able to go to ANY salon. These are things we must follow to keep our business license and our cosmetology license. You will be mandated to wear a mask. You will have to take temps. You can't get your hair blowdried. They are things we as stylists need to follow. So, as a client, if you feel that all of these things are unnecessary and you refuse to follow them, you won't be allowed in the salon.  

Comments

@afterwards I am in the market for a new stylist. So far, I like your chances! (Along with one or two others in here who seem to have a head full of good sense)!  

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@chouinard I do have a running list, and am always taking new clients. Because of this whole pandemic it may take a while before I can see you, but my messenger is always open  

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@operculum89862 haha ! I hear u. Grey hair as well but the mask and stains on my clothes create a distraction  

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@chouinard I can tell you personally @afterwards is the best! ❤️❤️

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My hair is now nearly down to my ass, and I'm gonna just wait this thing out. I have all daughters so we're lucky in that we can just grow our hair out. We may all look like Rapunzel. come to think of it, we'll just donate our hair when it's safe to get haircuts.  

Answer 27

@ariel if the CDC and/or OSHA recommends them, then yes. If not, do what aligns with the level of risk you feel comfortable taking on. I would be hesitant to listen to anyone on here unless they can prove they have credentials that grant them authority to speak on the matter. The client is NOT always right in this matter. Frankly, I’d be more worried about what your employees think right now. if they don’t feel safe, your client experience will likely suffer, regardless of what you decide. Good luck! Edit: also. would having dividers allow you to keep more chairs filled? Might help you recover any impact to your bottom line more quickly if it will allow you to keep more chairs filled more consistently.  

Answer 28

No dividers but more spacing would be acceptable. I think we just all just need to be more responsible of our own health and best wellness practices. Wash hands often, sanitize, cough or sneeze in your elbow, and just stay home if you feel an illness coming on. I think we are all more cognizant of this now and if it's implemented all the time we all have less chance of getting sick no matter what virus is floating around.  

Comments

@totter the same things most people were doing before  

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@estimable yes but not all. Part of my daily job is accessing people as they come into my work space. Pre Corona the level of stupidity of sick people traveling astounded me at times. I've noticed that people are literally scared to go out sick as it should have always been. I just hope people will be more responsible leaving the house when sick in general

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@totter I agree. I hope we have a much better understanding of how to stay the hell home when we're sick from now on.  

Answer 29

I think that you can never be too safe. I think the dividers would be a great idea as well as wearing masks. This too shall pass.  

Answer 30

Hi! We own a tattoo shop, although not the same. check out our page and what we did. @constabletattoo We think it's better than plexiglass. Jim explains it all in the video on our page and is ready to help small businesses.  

Comments

@villar Berg do you know when you guys can reopen?  

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@estimable we are the same as salons. The 2 dates we have right now is May 29th or June 1st. as soon as we get the green light, we will be open.  

Answer 31

I’m a licensed massage therapist and esthetician. I’ve been Receiving emails from Cosmetologists Chicago about guidelines and protocols that may be implemented for spas and salons. I can forward them to you if you would like

Comments

@clearstory can you please it send to me?  

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@clearstory I’d be interested to read that, as well, please!  

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Me too please!  

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@clearstory can you please forward to me as well

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Ok just send me your email I’ll gladly forward it

Answer 32

I know this stinks and I appreciate your efforts. Dividers are good. Masks of course and maybe use every other stall. It’s just for a while longer- not forever. ❤️

Answer 33

All of these precautions are only a temporary change as part of the “new normal. ” Eventually, we will be able to resume life without masks, or dividers, or all of the extra stuff, just as the world moved past the pandemic of 1918.  

Answer 34

I own a salon and i opted for the air purifiers and he plexi glass shield for the front area. I moved all the stations so they are 6 feet apart and no waiting area any more. The shampoo bowls can only uses every other and must wear a face shield when shampooing. The plexi glass dividers for stations was extremely expensive and just wasn’t reasonable for my situation.  

Comments

@tempered78760 Stephenson do u mind sharing cost of the plexiglass at the register? I'm in retail and getting ready for when we open our little shop

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@bonnell10 the cheapest i found was on amazon for $90 each it was 18 by 24 inches. It was more expensive to make my own. They are pretty pricey. I had to get 2 so i spent about $200

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@tempered78760 Stephenson what's the salon name?  

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@ide17854 Hansen salon360

Answer 35

Yes! Take every precaution you can. It’s too risky especially if there’s so much unknown still. Good luck!  

Answer 36

I will place a higher level of trust in a salon that places a high value on the most vulnerable of us, not just those few who are loudest with their irrational demands. You taking the time and expense to add plexiglass dividers makes me much more generous financially to your business.  

Comments

@chouinard  agree

Answer 37

I will happily support whatever you all need to do to protect the health and peace of mind of your employees. <3

Answer 38

As there will be state requirements each business must offer to reopen safely, public opinion (at that point) may not initially matter!  

Answer 39

If you would like to discuss feel free to message me. I'm a dental hygienist and educator. Aerosols are my wheelhouse.  

Answer 40

I’d rather take my chances then inhale toxic chemicals.  

Answer 41

I would. Just to protect yourself and your family. You don't want to bring it home.  

Answer 42

My local salon did this

Comments

@fakir this is cool! Do you know when they are reopening?  

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Lau Ren whenever the stay is lifted. They haven’t posters anything yet.  

Answer 43

My opinoin as a client going into a nail salon. Masks on everyone, social distancing, (if that means plexie glass between close tables or spacing out clients) prefer provider of nail service to wear gloves. Again my opinoin I'm 61 with health issues. Good luck and stay healthy to all

Answer 44

You need to consider how the air flows in your shop, stagnant air keeps the virus in place, trapped in the air, airflow means the virus travels from one place to another on the air currents. Remember you can NOT see or feel the virus particles. So a barrier stops the virus from free floating through the air. Depending on where your air flows you could be creating more problems without thinking about it. There was one case where the left side of a restaurant had 10 cases come from 1 person, 4 at his table, 4 “downwind” from his table (behind him) at 2 other tables, and 2 upwind from him. But the other side of the place had zero people infected because they were out of his air stream. Hope that makes sense.  

Comments

@scumble4835 Parkman not being snarky but would you post where your info came from? I had no idea air flow was involved and can't find it on the cdc website.  

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@gravimetric2 thank you

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@scumble4835 Parkman thank you

Answer 45

Yes, absolutely.  

Answer 46

I am so waiting to a cut and color. I would follow any guidelines to get this much needed self maintenance done!  

Comments

@analyse for reals! My roots are like 6 inches lol.  

Answer 47

No Your going to be touching bf people washing hair wiping color of face etc. Think about it at grocery store that plexi glass is there yet your cashier touched every single 1 of you groceries and the bags they go in. ‍♀️

Comments

@caudill @estimable yes! My sisters and I were talking about this. They touch your food, your money, bags etc. False sense of security if you ask me!  

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@caudill @estimable the plexiglass would separate the stations, not the stylist from the client. So it would separate you from the stylist/client sitting at the station next to you.  

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@estimable Agreed until 1 of those pieces thar was installed flimsy hurts someone and they get a law suit then not so much lol.  

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The grocery store plexi is to keep you from infecting the cashier - not the other way around