Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1250436
56 indie stylist Volume 1 Issue 1 STILL NO GUARANTEE Cosmetologists should remain mindful of the continuing risk of COVID-19 transmission. When you choose to resume services, revised protocols should be put into place for the health, safety, and comfort of your clients and your staff. In lieu of a cure, vaccine, antibody tests, or other intervention for COVID-19, there is no way you can venture back into practice without some heftily revised protocols to protect you and your clients; yet, like with most other pathological encounters, there is still no guarantee that you or your clients will come away from your interactions unscathed. IMPORTANT REOPENING CONSIDERATIONS Always abide by the guidelines and recommendations of your state and/or local governments, as well as the rules and regulations of your regulatory agency in regard to reopening your practice. This plan may go above and beyond your state. If you live in a state that has not yet lifted the stay-at- home orders and you are taking clients, you will not be covered by your professional liability insurance in case of an accident or claim. If you are working as a contractor, consult with your salon to understand the precautions that they are taking on behalf of you and your clients. For more information on the CDC's guidelines for businesses and employers visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/organizations/businesses-employers.html. AHP believes a requirement in any reopening plan is the heightened use of personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically face masks, which is something new to many cosmetologists and their clients. Understand, however, that PPE is scarce and any available supplies are being redirected, rightly so, to frontline workers and health assistance staff (nursing homes, home health aides, etc.) who are still operating without the proper supply of equipment they need to work safely. AHP believes it's professionally unethical to divert supplies from this delicate supply chain for non-emergency equipment requests at this time. Consider other options for face coverings for you and your clients in the interim. WHAT YOUR NEW BUSINESS MIGHT LOOK LIKE WHEN YOU REOPEN Use this time to update your business practices, including changes to your cancellation policy, waiting room layouts, scheduling/booking protocols, and language changes for your website and materials. Consider the number of clients you will be able to accommodate and if your hours of operation should change. With new working protocols and greater infection control standards, appointments should be staggered, with time allotted for increased sanitation and disinfection. Avoid double booking clients during chemical processing. Consider purchasing a metal rolling cart that can be used in place of your station and easily disinfected after each client. Consider scheduling appointments first to those clients who have had standing appointments and/or were canceled due to the COVID-19 shut down. Use every other station and every other shampoo bowl so as to maintain 6–10 feet social distance between you and your client and the other cosmetologists and their clients. Once a shampoo bowl has been used, place a marker on the bowl to indicate it needs to be sanitized so that the next person knows not to use it. If you are choosing to remain closed, here is some sample language to communicate with clients: Our goal is to be a stress-free and fun home away from home for you and our team. The well-being of our clients and our team is our number-one priority and for this reason, we are taking extra precautions and have chosen to stay closed at this time. We look forward to welcoming you back in the coming days.