While lockdown rules are beginning to ease and the end to the pandemic looks a little closer than it did a month ago, the truth is, life will not revert back to normal for months, maybe years. With suggestions that social distancing and work from home options will become mandatory for companies, a post-lockdown world can feel hard to envisage.
This is certainly the case for hair and makeup artists; professionals that cannot deliver their services without human contact and interaction. Below, we look at a few ways that the hair and makeup industry will have to adapt post-pandemic.
Risk assessments
When hair and beauty businesses will be permitted to return to work, it won’t be a free-for-all. Artists will initially have to conduct risk assessments on certain jobs to ensure the service is worth offering from both the artist’s and the customer’s perspective. While there is no official risk assessment format yet, Glamdeva has been working on providing a template for all of their Pro’s, this is due to be released soon and is something to keep a look out for.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
In the initial first few weeks/months after lockdown, it is suggested that hair and makeup artists will have to wear PPE when working on customers. This is for everyone’s safety. PPE covers items such as face masks, visors, gloves and gowns, effectively providing a shield between the PPE wearer and those in which they come into contact with. Whilst this applies largely to salon based businesses, those that provide mobile services will have to take extra precautions as the risk of spreading any form of germs/bacteria is slightly higher.
Cleaning hands and products regularly
Regularly washing and sanitising our hands is something that we should all continue doing after the pandemic, with Covid-19 teaching us a lot about virus transmission as well as general cleanliness. For this reason, makeup artists and hairdressers will need to become familiar with cleaning methods and standards, investing in the right cleaning products and equipment to ensure the service they are offering is a safe one.
Limiting interaction
Having your hair and make done for a special celebration can be a very emotional and momentous occasion. It can feel natural to want to hug and thank the person that has perhaps transformed you for your big day. In the past some artists have been known to have gained special friendships with their clients. For years it has been the norm to show ways of affection through a hug, a kiss or even a friendly handshake. Whilst the lockdown restrictions have eased we are still being told to maintain our distance and to still remain alert. Unfortunately, showing displays of affection are not recommend and as unnatural as it may seem this will have to be adhered to until we can be sure that a vaccine is found.
How Glamdeva can help the industry post-pandemic
If you are a hair or makeup artist looking to return to work with a bang, then being online is essential, with the internet being where all of your customers will reside.
Here at Glamdeva, we are encouraging all MUA’s and HMUA’s to set up a professional account with us, joining the ever-growing community of artists using the platform to generate business. Head over to our homepage for more details on our platform and to set up a Pro account.