For many of us, there has been a lot of bad hair days over the past two months. Since salons and barbershops were ordered to close in March due to the COVID-19 concerns, a lot of shaggy folks have been seen around town. So when the governor finally announced that salons and barbershops could open back up on May 15, there were a lot of happy stylists and clients jumping for joy.
During her press conference on May 13, Governor Kim Reynolds modified previous proclamations and allowed for the opening of more businesses, including salons and barbershops. As with all recent business openings though, there were detailed guidelines for opening back up. These included a limited capacity of no more than 50% and that salons must operate by appointment only to curtail people gathering in waiting areas. Social distancing had to be observed, ensuring customers would be six feet apart when at the salon. And of course, increased hygiene practices were called for.
The stylists at the Clarion salons wasted no time getting ready to welcome back their customers.
Many noted that they had previously been disappointed at the end of April when the governor had ordered their continued closure. So these ladies were ready to get back in business.
Most got on the phone right away. Marcie Brodersen, owner of Main Street Style and Tanning, said she spent that Wednesday calling her clients arranging appointments. This was no quick task either. The different salons had to sort through dozens of clients who had called in during the two off months and those that had been canceled when they been forced to closed.
Kay Marker, owner of The Hair Studio, said trying to get everyone scheduled took a bit of juggling. “We had people who by this time had missed two haircuts,” she stated. She did emphasize though that calling her clients was a great feeling. “A lot of them wanted to chat, so it did take a while, but it was great to hear their voices.”
That first week, to say the area stylists were busy would be a vast understatement. Most of them worked through the weekend for longer hours. At Envy Salon by Brittany, owner Brittany Howieson, said that she and her staff have been working six to seven days a week, with eight to ten-hour days to try to catch up. Kathleen Watts, at Appearances Salon & Spa, reported similar hours and also worked through that first weekend. “We hope to be able to catch up and get back to normal hours in a week or two,” Watts said.
In addition to helping as many clients as possible, the owners and their staffs have the added job of maintaining the safety and hygiene guidelines, which they are all taking very seriously. Floor plans have been rearranged to space out work areas. All the salons consulted are requiring or suggesting clients where wear a mask and offering hand sanitizer to clients. A couple have temperature-taking stations when you enter the business. And of course, there is a lot of cleaning taking place.
Marker explained that she carefully researched safety protocols before she opened back up. “I’m part of some stylist Facebook groups, and they offered great guidance.” She even upped the ante by having clients sign a consent form that asks about travel and illness.
Clients have been very understanding when it comes to the new normal at the salons. Howieson stated, “Our clients are amazing and have been super patient and compliant with everything. They understand we don’t want to risk anyone getting sick.” One client who got her hair done at The Hair Studio recently agreed, saying, “We understand the safety measures and are happy to follow them. Everyone is just doing a great job.”
Undeniably, the salon owners were happy to see their clients and offer some normalcy for everyone. Watts stated, “We’ve really enjoyed getting back in touch with people. And getting your hair done can really be therapeutic for people.” Monica Staudt who had Brodersen refresh her perm that first Friday said, “I was just thrilled to be able to come in.”
From a financial angle, getting back up and running has been crucial for the owners and staff alike. Howieson emphasized, “Everyone at Envy is self-employed, so financially the relief of getting back to work when we all have little kids to provide for is huge.” Marker concurred, noting that they probably won’t ever be able to make up for the lost months, but the generosity of people has also helped. She admits to choking up when one of her clients tacked on a big tip last week.
The other owners agreed that the support of the community has been humbling. “We really appreciate everyone,” Watts said. “This is one of those times when it’s great to live in a small town.” More than one owner also mentioned how helpful the gift card program that the Chamber organized was to them. “Those helped pay some bills when I needed it,” confirmed Marker.
By all reports, it fortunately doesn’t sound like business will be slowing down at the area salons any time soon. All the salons reported that their schedules are pretty full for the next several weeks, with some being booked well into mid-June. All note that they’ve tried to get people in when they have cancellations and still encourage people to call for availability. When you do come in, though it might be hidden under a mask, the stylists will most definitely greet you with a smiling face.
