All colours and hairstyles by Chantelle LaPrairie.
By Chantelle LaPrairie
While we currently aren’t able to visit our favourite salon for a well needed colour and cut due to Ontario’s state of emergency and stay-at-home order, we can certainly dream of better days ahead.
To get us ready, Chantelle LaPrairie, a freelance stylist working at California Hair in Burlington, Ontario offers her Salon Do’s and Don’ts for when we can all safely return to the salon.
Covid-19 Salon Do’s
😊 DO call your stylist if you are feeling unwell prior to your appointment. They will be more than happy to reschedule to keep everyone safe.
😊 DO call the salon if you have any questions prior to your salon visit. Better to be safe than sorry. Most salons will tell you what is required at the time of booking. If not, there will be information posted on their website, social media or on the salon door.
😊 DO respect the rules in the salon. They are in place to protect you, the other guests and the salon staff.
😊 DO let your stylist know if you are feeling unsafe in any way during your salon visit.
😊 DO show up exactly at the time of your appointment; not before and not after. With all the time-consuming sanitizing requirements before and after clients it’s more important to be on time. When you’re early it puts pressure on the stylist who may still need to sanitize their station and, in a smaller salon, may push the client numbers up to an unacceptable level. With so little time in between, it’s often difficult for your stylist to eat or take a necessary washroom break as well.
😊 DO bring a mask that you’re comfortable getting water, shampoo or colour on…it will happen!
😊 DO let your stylist know if you are on a budget. This way they can stay within it and offer services that won’t break the bank! When in doubt, ask for a quote based on your requested services. Most stylists are happy to give you a ballpark figure.
😊 DO check with your stylist if you’re thinking of colouring your own hair (if you have their contact info). Some salons are preparing color kits for their clients and may be able to help. Remember, box dyes can be tough to correct…best to call on an expert first!
Covid-19 Salon Don’ts
😮 DON’T assume your stylist is too busy. A large majority of stylists are working at 50% capacity. Many of our clients are too nervous to come out in public, OR on a restricted budget due to unemployment/cutbacks. Call and make an appointment if you need one. During these times your stylist is grateful to be busy and will likely fit you in regardless.
😮 DON’T call your stylist at the last minute to cancel an appointment (unless it’s an emergency or you are unwell). Not only is it inconsiderate, it doesn’t allow them a chance to reschedule someone in your place. Remember: this is their livelihood. Give at least 48 hours’ notice for a cancellation if at all possible.
😮 DON’T take your mask off during your service. It can mean a hefty fine for the salon…especially if they have already received warnings from the Health unit. Note: other clients can and will call in to the COVID watch line to report this. Don’t put your salon in jeopardy.
😮 DON’T wear a mask that has heavy straps that wrap around the back of the head. It makes it too difficult to work around.
You can find Chantelle on Instagram and Facebook. You can reach Chantelle at: 905.634.4466
Chantelle LaPrairie is a stylist, educator and hair color marketer with over 30 years of industry experience.
Her specialty is colouring and colour correction.
