Salons and Spas Are Reopening — Here’s What to Know Before Getting a Treatment

After closing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, spas and salons are starting to reopen, and TBH we couldn’t be more excited. Our brows, nails, hair and skin are begging for the touch of a professional. Before rushing out to your first appointment, however, it’s important to consider how we, as clients, can help make the experience safer for everyone involved. Our favorite beauty destinations are doing their part, we should do ours. How, you wonder? We asked a handful of beauty pros what they want their clients to know before coming back in. Here’s what they had to say. 

If you’re going to the hair salon...

“If you do have any possible symptoms, please reschedule your appointment to help ensure the safety of your stylist and other guests in the salon. Come wearing a mask that you can comfortably breathe in for the duration of your appointment. If you have a hairstyle that requires close work around the ears or face, don't take off the mask but simply remove the ear straps and hold in place during this time. Lastly, if you normally like to leave gratuity for your stylist in cash, tip on your card or use a cash app to show your gratitude instead so that you can both avoid handling cash.” — Nick Stenson, MATRIX artistic director

“Come in with your hair washed to speed up the time you are in the salon if you are getting a cut, so the stylist will only need to damp you down. You should also bring multiple disposable masks as they will most likely get wet if you shampoo there — especially if you are doing a color service.” — George Papanikolas, MATRIX brand ambassador and celebrity colorist

“Please be understanding about booking your appointment and have patience! Once things open back up, everyone will want a haircut and their roots done. We will get you in. Show up for your appointment on time. We are scheduling for your safety and ours. Come to your appointment solo — no kids, friends or spouses, and bring only what you need with you, leave everything else in the car or at home.” — Ted Gibson and Jason Backe, owners of STARRING by Ted Gibson

If you’re getting a facial or other skin treatment…

“The best thing you can do as a client returning to your spa or salon is to be mindful of space, respectful of the new rules and understand that we are all working to take care of each other's health and safety. We ask that you be flexible as we are all trying to navigate through this period. Once you arrive at the spa, being mindful of social distancing is very important. This may mean you need to wait before approaching the front desk or skip the hug for your favorite staff member.” — Josie Holmes, esthetician at SKINNEY Medspa

If you’re getting a spray tan…

“We ask that clients book an appointment ahead of time (rather than walk-in) and arrive promptly at their scheduled appointment time. In addition, we are requesting that clients wear a mask to their appointment and to reschedule their appointment if they’re feeling unwell or have been exposed to anyone that is feeling unwell. We will also require a credit card upon booking for our new contactless checkout process.” — Courtney Claghorn, founder of SUGARED + BRONZED

If you’re getting your brows done…

“Come in wearing a mask and you have to wear a mask for the duration of your appointment. It’s good to use hand sanitizer or go to the restroom and wash your hands before you start your service. You have to be on time. We are going to be taking extra time in between clients to clean and sanitize more so than ever, so it's imperative that you’re on time for your appointment.” — Joey Healy, celebrity brow expert and founder of Joey Healy Eyebrow Studio

If you’re getting a manicure…

“Clients should be on time so that the technician has enough time to disinfect properly after they leave. Also don’t bring anyone, including friends or children. If you’re sick, you need to stay home.” — Gina Alcedo, founder and CEO of Nailvana.LA