Many spas, salons, and other wellness centers have already reopened as quarantine restrictions ease, albeit with strict health guidelines in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You might be one of the many folks itching for a self-care appointment after being overdue for months and suffering through countless DIY treatments at home that are just not good enough. Don’t worry, you’re not alone; we could all use a little pampering after months of pandemic stress.
But before you book an appointment at your favorite salon or spa, there are a few essential safety tips that you should know. Salons and spas themselves will have safety regulations in place, but it is also your responsibility to maintain your safety and the safety of others.
Book ahead
Most wellness centers no longer entertain walk-ins, unless they have no one penciled in for the particular time slot that you want. To be safe, book your appointment in advance. Spas and salons only entertain a limited number of guests at a time, and there may also be time limits in place for appointments to make way for sanitizing and help maintain social distancing.
Choose the right establishment
There are minimum safety guidelines in place that every business has to follow, but you would want to go with a salon or spa that goes the extra mile to keep both customers and employees safe. This is especially important if you are going for a risky type of service (involving close contact and touching) such as a facial treatment or a massage.
Read the guidelines
Before dropping in for your appointment, be sure to read the business’ rules and guidelines. Check the website or social media page. Doing this makes the appointment safer for both yourself and the business, as well as prevents any unnecessary confusion throughout the process. If you have any questions, call the establishment before popping in.
Bring your own supplies
Don’t forget to bring a facemask and hand sanitizer when going in for your appointment. If you’re going to be wearing a reusable mask, be sure to sanitize it properly before wearing it to the salon or spa. It is also a good idea to bring your own tools if you’re going in for a mani-pedi to prevent the risk of microorganisms getting into your skin.
Sanitize your hands regularly
Sanitize your hands on a regular basis and after touching door handles, light switches, magazines, and basically anything else that other people may have touched. When you have the opportunity, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Wear your mask properly
Make sure that your mask fits well, allowing no gaps around your face where air can pass through. Don’t take your mask off at the establishment unless you have to; wait until you get into your car to get a full breath of fresh air. Wearing a mask significantly cuts down the rate of transmission, especially when everyone does it.
Choose a home appointment
If possible, call for a home appointment service instead of going to the establishment yourself. This is not only more convenient but it also decreases your exposure to other people, although it may be more expensive. Make sure that the professional that comes to your home is wearing a mask and washes their hands upon arrival.
However, a home appointment may not be a good option if you live with people from at-risk groups (pregnant women, elderly, children, people with compromised immune systems), as there is still a risk of the worker carrying the virus from the outside and into your home.
Avoid the restrooms
The restrooms may not be getting sanitized as frequently as the rest of the premises, and these are the places that a lot of people use throughout the day. So if possible, avoid using the restrooms when visiting a salon or spa. Try to hold it in until you get home to avoid having to touch the door handles, faucets, and flush levers in the bathroom.
Know when to cancel
If you are feeling even the least bit under the weather, cancel your appointment. Many salons offer free cancellations to discourage people from coming in even when they feel sick. But even if your chosen establishment doesn’t, don’t take the risk. There are plenty of other opportunities to pamper yourself when you feel better.
Visiting spas and salons during a pandemic is still possible, but there are a lot of safety guidelines that you have to keep in mind. Social distancing, handwashing, mask-wearing–being proactive in COVID-19 safety is the best way to keep yourself, your loved ones, and other people safe while seeking self-care outside.
