Hair salon is not just a place to get professional help in the hair department, but also a comforting source of self-care.
When it comes to getting a haircut or hair treatment, we often leave it in the hands of the professionals who work their magic and leave us feeling good afterwards.
It's no wonder customers return to their favourite salons regularly.
But the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically affected businesses across various industries.
Having to comply with social distancing in order to curb the transmission of the virus, hair salons and barber shops have yet to receive the green light from the government to resume operations.
Gracesalon in Bangsar has not been in operation since the MCO commenced with the exception of retail services-- but expenses such as salaries, rental and insurance of premises continue to be incurred.
Salon art director, Grace Leong said the landlord has been very supportive towards the business.
"We are very fortunate the shopping mall management has provided all tenants with a rental relief package."
The salon has been in business for more than 50 years with a team of nine full and part time employers.
It offers hair services ranging from haircuts, hair colouring, perming, straightening, scalp and hair treatment and in addition to that, it sells Aveda hair care products.
STAYING ENGAGED
Over the years, Gracesalon has established close relationships with its customers, so despite not being able to meet them at the salon, the team regularly checks in on them via phone and e-mails.
"Many customers called us up enquiring on hair colouring services, especially those who want to colour grey hair," Leong says.
So Leong and her team crafted a DIY Colour Takeaway kits for customers who want to colour their hair at home.
The kit comes with a personalised colour formulation, colour brush, gloves and hair clips as well as towel and cape followed by colour care shampoo, conditioning treatment and leave-in texturiser for extra moisture.
"Clients usually visit us every four to eight weeks to maintain their hair colour. During MCO, regular customers who want to maintain their hair colour opted to get one of these DIY kits to do at home."
Customers can choose to pre-order the Colour Takeaway kits and collect them later, otherwise they can have it delivered with additional fee.
The colour formulations will be prepared fresh just before the customer arrives to collect it. But she says the colorant must be used on the same day.
"Since we started this service, the feedback has been very encouraging Most of the customers are relieved and happy with how their hair look and they feel better too. However others still prefer to get the service done in the comfort of the salon."
Leong said the salon provided solutions to the needs of its customers. Throughout the MCO period, many customers have complained about their unmanageable hair.
Besides colouring kit, Gracesalon offers a limited range of simple scalp and hair treatments which can be done at home.
Leong said people should pamper their hair with moisturising and repairing home care treatment in their spare time.
KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE
When the authorities deem it's safe for salons to re-open, Leong said salon staff will have to be prepared for a sudden increase in demand for hair services.
"They have the responsibility to deliver quality and satisfactory services while keeping clients and themselves safe. Any case of Covid-19 detected is not only detrimental, but suicidal to the business.
"Therefore, salons need to plan ahead by providing detailed briefing to the team, do trial runs, and working through standard operating procedures before welcoming the return of their first customer," she said.
COMPLYING TO SOP
Leong ensures the company will definitely co-operate with the authorities to comply strictly to the SOPs for the safety of its staff and customers once hair salons are allowed to operate.
Customers will have to make prior appointment before visiting the salon and the receptionist will explain the SOPs to the customers before appointment.
Leong said customers who are unwell are discouraged from coming for their hair appointments.
In its effort to limit the number of clients in the salon, Gracesalon would request clients to come alone for their appointments.
Should they bring a friend or family member, they will be asked to wait outside the salon area.
The salon will provide hand sanitisers and seats will have a two metre social distance gap.
Tools and equipment as well as all surfaces will be regularly cleaned and sanitised throughout the day and towels will be used with antibacterial detergents, but clients can choose to bring their own if they wish.
