Corona Control: Keep Yourself, Your Business and Your Clients Healthy

It's no secret that COVID-19, the disease caused by the Coronavirus, is at top of everyone's minds. However, there are so many unknowns and things out of our control with the current situation, so we wanted to help you focus on everything you can do to ensure that you, your business and your clients stay safe and healthy.

Here are some tips for operating your salon amidst a global health crisis:

1. Follow CDC Safety Standards

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is constantly updating this interim guide for businesses and employers to plan, prepare and respond to Coronavirus as more data and additional information becomes available.

2. Encourage sick clients and/or employees to stay home

If you have clients and/or employees that are experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory illness and/or are exhibiting signs of a fever, encourage them to stay home.

3. Waive cancellation fees

For clients, let them know that you are waiving any cancellation fees in the wake of the Coronavirus epidemic. In waiving cancellation or rescheduling fees, you will avoid the risk of having an infected client coming in to see you in order to just avoid cancellation fees. Although your cancellation fees are important in setting a standard for respecting your schedule, clients appreciate any actions taken by businesses to ensure health and safety is a priority.

Not only will you avoid coming into contact with Coronavirus, but you will also avoid the flu that is currently also circulating and any other springtime bugs. Your clients want to know that you are taking any and every precaution to keep your studio clean and disease-free, so just letting them know that may actually make healthy clients feel safer coming in for an appointment, avoiding cancellations overall. Sounds counterintuitive - offering cancellations may cut down on cancellations - but the world is turned a bit upside down right now!

4. Clean, disinfect and sanitize regularly

Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in your salon, including your workstation, doorknobs, sinks, reading materials, beauty tools, technology, credit card processor and drink stations. We recommend using disposable wipes and disinfecting sprays during this time to make it convenient and easy to wipe things down more than usual. In a small space where clients are seen in close quarters, it will make everyone feel better even just to see a pack of Clorox Wipes or Lysol Spray on the counter.

5. Offer hand sanitizer and/or soap

Given that you share bathrooms in your building, it is a good idea to provide a hand sanitizer of some kind in your studio directly. Although we can all hope that folks are washing their hands, it doesn’t hurt to have a little extra reinforcement - and you can make sure that hands are being sanitized right in your studio! Offer clients a gel or spray hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol for best results. Just like with the Clorox Wipes - sometimes just seeing a hand sanitizer out and available gives your clients the feeling that they are in a clean and safe space. If you can't get your hands on some hand sanitizer, put a bottle of hand soap near your sink. 

6. Keep your immunity strong with herbs and supplements

Sometimes with all the external hype, we forget that immunity is really an inside job! Fortify your system with herbal elixirs, supplements, tinctures, tonics,and of course, lots of fruits and veggies.

While Coronavirus cannot be avoided by herbs and supplements, a balanced immune system is better able to handle anything that may come your way. A compromised immune system will not fare as well, so keep your immunity strong and balanced in order to prevent anything else that may also be circulating at this time. At the very least, you are using this worrisome time to invest in your health. A little extra self-care never hurts!

Try these powerful herbs and supplements to support immune function:

• Oregano oil: the oil of oregano is revered for its antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• Garlic: raw garlic contains antibacterial and antiviral properties that boost immunity
• Echinacea: stimulates immune function; often used to prevent common colds and flu
• Probiotics: a healthy gut is the foundation of strong immunity; take a daily probiotic to keep your digestion and immunity on track
• Vitamin C: powerful antioxidant; try a supplement or fruits and veggies like oranges, broccoli, and tomatoes
• Vitamin D: regulates the growth and function of immune cells, critical to immune response; get some sun or try a liquid Vitamin D tincture daily
• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi is an adaptogen that balances immune function; balance is vital with Coronavirus because the virus actually causes the immune system to go into overdrive; sometimes immune maintenance actually requires a slowing down of the immune system rather than a strengthening, which can cause the body to overreact. Tulsi is an intuitive herb - working with the body to bring the immune system to balance.
• Immunity teas: if you aren’t big on taking pills, oils or tinctures, try picking up some herbal immunity teas. This would be a great thing to offer to clients too during this time. They’ll feel taken care of and at ease - a steamy herbal immune booster with their treatment - how thoughtful!

7. Do not skimp on SLEEP!

The time is right to catch up on any sleep debts! Skimping on sleep can lead to compromised immunity, making you and your clients more susceptible to anything from the common cold to the Coronavirus. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, whether you need to take the weekend to catch some ZZZs or build 20-minute power naps into your afternoons. Sleep is key!

8. Communicate what actions you are taking to keep your studio a safe COVID-19 free zone

Many businesses large and small are currently sending out updates about the Coronavirus to assure clients that they are taking extra precautions, staying flexible and ensuring that their business is a safe and healthy place to visit. To give your clients peace of mind, you can send out an email letting them know what you are doing to make your salon a Corona-free-zone. They will find comfort in your studio space because it's private and totally in your control. 

Updates can include:

• We are routinely cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting the salon to ensure health and safety.
• We are waiving cancellation fees for anybody feeling under the weather.
• We are following CDC health and safety standards.
• We are offering herbal immunity teas to add an immune booster to your treatment.

Above all, do not panic. Running a clean, safe and healthy salon during this time is a gift to your community - think of it as a safe haven for relaxation during trying times. Your clients will appreciate the escape from the hype and madness, and your salon will never have been more squeaky clean!

For more information on communicating with your clients, click here.