Reopen your barbershop: How barbers can stay safe post-lockdown
With lockdowns lifting and restrictions easing up, it sure feels good to enjoy some semblance of ‘normalcy’ again! One of the trades that were worst hit by the pandemic was barbering. As barbers work in such proximity of their customers, it is considered one of the riskier essential services.
After months of lockdown, customers have realized how valuable their barbers’ services Barbershops are now overwhelmed, running at full capacity and this has made many barbers and shop owners nervous. The UAE health authorities have laid out comprehensive barber safety guidelines and precautions to reopen barbershops and salons. These aim to protect both barbers and customers and curb the community spread of Covid-19.
Wahl has always been committed to empowering and uplifting the barber community and we recognize the impact of the lockdown on barbering. It has become critical to their livelihoods to reopen barbershops, and here are our tips on how barbers can continue to work while protecting themselves well:
- Wear masks and face shields
This is one of the most important rules to follow, and the most effective. Shops that flout this rule are being fined and shut down – even more reason to stay covered. As barbers come into close contact with their customers, a shield and mask are essential to their safety. The covid-19 is a droplet infection, which means it spreads easily when people are close by. While masks are compulsory, face shields are a great addition to ensure minimal exposure to possibly infected customers.
- Maintain distance:
While it is impossible for barbers to maintain a distance from their customers, there are many ways customers can keep a safe distance from each other at the barbershop. First, encourage them to make appointments in advance so that they don’t have to wait with others in the common waiting area.
This is especially important if you are taking a child along as they tend to get fidgety and impatient while waiting for their turn. Secondly, if you see that your shop is getting crowded and the waiting area is full, request some customers to come back later. You could give them a specific time to return, like an hour. Third, remove unnecessary items like newspapers and magazines from the shop so that you reduce the chances of having contaminated surfaces.
- Talk to your customers about bringing their own tools
Tell your customers that you will be happy for them to bring their own tools if they like. Stress that this is important for their own safety. Many customers have tools at home but do not know that they can ask you to use them. The benefit of this is again reducing the chances of using a contaminated tool on multiple customers. Recommend tools that they can buy based on their style – Wahl has a great range of home grooming tools that they can choose from.
- Sanitize generously
Wahl’s Clini Clip is a disinfectant specifically intended for cleaning your blades and tools. Within 2 minutes of spraying it on your equipment, it kills 99% of virus, germs and bacteria. Clean your tools after every customer – do not skimp on this as these tools literally touch every customer’s skin.
Another important safety measure is to sanitize your shop every day. The more frequently, the better. Make sure there is plenty of hand sanitizer available throughout the shop for yourself and your customers to use. When your customers see that your shop is being sanitized frequently, they will also feel more confident about visiting you.
Remember – your customers feel just as wary as you! Make sure that your shop inspires confidence in them. When they see that you are using protective equipment, cleaning your shop & tools as well as consciously preventing your shop from being too crowded, you will be putting their minds at ease. Put up informational posters with safety information up for all to see.
Don’t hesitate to stand up to customers who refuse to follow the recommended guidelines. You are well within your rights to request them to wear a mask while waiting, and even ask them to seek medical attention if they have symptoms of the covid-19 infection.
Following the rules will give you reassurance, just as it will bring you more customers and keep your business alive.
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