Please note: Hair.com is not and will never claim to be a health resource, during this time, or otherwise. To stay up-to-date, we encourage our readers to stay informed via your local and national news sources and through information provided by the CDC, WHO, and your local public health departments.
The Hair.com mantra has always been: "We've got you covered between salon appointments," and that mission has never been more important to us than during this current moment in time. Over the past few months, we’ve done a lot to adapt to the changing world from providing at-home advice from stylists to supporting local salons. We’ll continue to be here with the same tips, advice, and pro-backed info that you've come to expect from us over the years, as well as continuing to provide access to all the best professional hair care and styling products you may need during this time.
But, the core of Hair.com is the salon professional, and we want to share some ways you can support your stylist and your local salon, even if you're going a bit longer between those appointments.
Are salons closing again?
Hair salons are open with restrictions and safety protocols in place for most states. Many states, however, are beginning to put restrictions on certain businesses again, and personal care businesses like hair salons may be one of them. You should check with your state’s current guidelines for any news on salon closures or new restrictions.
Donate to the Professional Beauty Association COVID-19 Relief Fund
The salon community is experiencing unprecedented hardship, with thousands of hairdressers out of work and without income. If you are in a position to help, consider donating to the PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund was created to help support licensed beauty professionals who are experiencing financial hardships due to the virus. Donate here.
Feeling sick? *Please* stay home.
Like restaurants, salons are held to very high standards of cleanliness and practice mandated sanitary practices. During this time, many salons are upgrading the frequency of those practices beyond regular state requirements. However, despite upgraded measures, your stylists and colorists are relying on you, too!
If you don’t feel well or you've come into contact with someone who may have been exposed, please call your salon and reschedule your appointment. Most pros don't have paid sick leave, and they also don't always have the luxury of working from home. That color, cut, or blowout can wait a bit until everyone is feeling healthy. Many salons are even waiving their late cancellation fees in order to encourage clients to do the right thing.
If you go to the salon, consider going during quieter times.
Many salons that are staying open during this time are changing their hours to accommodate alternative schedules due to school closures, work changes, and to keep the number of clients at any given time to the mandated minimums. If you typically go during lunchtime, consider making an early or late appointment. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after your appointment and avoid touching your face. If a salon requires it, always wear your mask.
If you're social distancing, purchase a gift card for a later appointment.
If you're practicing social distancing but still want to support your local salon, consider purchasing a gift card that you can use at a later date. This will help them keep the business going while we all work together to keep each other safe.
Follow your faves on social media!
Stay in touch with your favorite stylist virtually and follow them and the salon on social media. This will keep you updated with the latest schedules, any deals, as well as give you an inside look at beauty trends to try at your next visit!
Pre-book and pre-pay.
Many independent stylists aren't able to stay in operation right now and may be struggling with sources of income. Even if no gift cards are available, consider pre-booking and offering to pre-pay a portion of or the full amount of your upcoming service. A reminder that we are all in this together, and every little bit helps.
Resist the urge to DIY… yes, you… put down the scissors.
We get it. We don't like to stretch too much time between appointments either (between the visible roots and the split ends from heat styling, we need that regular salon trip). But, in this in-between time, resist the urge to take matters into your own hands. DIY hair color can leave you needing a costly color correction later on down the line, and don't even get us started on cutting your own hair. Don’t believe us? See what the pros have to say.
Use this time to hide roots with root concealing sprays and by experimenting with new hairstyles. Avoid unnecessary damage and split ends by putting down the hot tools for the time being and embracing your natural texture or try those heatless styling tricks you may have never had the time to try before.
We're firm believers that haircare is a form of self-care, and during this time, it's important to take time out to give yourself a moment, try a new style and share it with us @hairdotcom, or just lounge around with a deep conditioner in and binge-watch a show, but most of all, be mindful and stay safe!
For Professional Salons & Stylists! Announcing the Hair.com Salon Professional Affiliate Program
Hair.com has set up a Salon Professional Affiliate Program, operated through Rakuten Advertising affiliate network. This FREE program allows Licensed Salon Professionals to receive a commission when they sell a product on Hair.com using their unique referral links. Our hope is that this program can help you stay connected with your clients in these uncertain times while helping you to earn supplemental income until you can get back behind the chair. Learn more and sign up here.
Xo,
Your friends at Hair.com