Mobile hair & beauty: Suggestions for safer working

The hairdressing and beauty treatment industry has been deeply affected by the current Covid-19 pandemic. With discussions and guidelines for salons to re-open, it is unclear as to when mobile beauty services will return to work and if so, how.

Accepting the new reality of beauty treatments post-COVID-19, mobile beauty services company, My Beauty Squad, is carefully putting plans in place to return to work once the government gives mobile personal care services the go-ahead. 

I have been running My Beauty Squad since 2016 in London, Birmingham, Dublin and Cork. In the midst of the pandemic, we have consistently shown support and empathy towards our freelance beauticians as they are self-employed and unable to work. During the quarantine, it was vital to check on our freelancer's mental health and facilitate information, resources and government guideline updates. 

There are many vulnerable people who are eager for beauty treatments but extremely wary of attending a salon. Mobile beauty treatments can be a key driver for the hairdressing and beauty industry if done safely and following a strict protocol. My Beauty Squad is currently conducting a survey which shows 73% of respondents are more likely to use at home salon services when lockdown allows, predominantly because they prefer to avoid potentially crowded areas and public establishments.

Providing at-home beauty treatments and maintaining a social distance is physically impossible. However, a positive difference between salons and at-home services is that the influx of people coming in and out of homes is significantly lower and the risks of cross-contamination are severely reduced. The safety of clients and beauty therapists should be the number one priority for all. Mobile beauty services should be allowed to provide personal care services with appropriate PPE and certification.

There are many advantages to undertaking mobile beauty services, for instance, the mobile beautician can perform all safety and hygiene measures in front of the customer, so they feel confident and secure in proceeding with their appointment. 

Here are some of our post-Covid mobile beauty plans to safeguard clients and beauticians and providing safe services:

Safeguarding mobile therapists and clients

My Beauty Squad's team of freelance beauticians will have completed a Barbicide^® Covid-19 Certification Course for and purchased PPE kit via the My Beauty Squad website. It has been created specifically for the beauty industry to allow them to provide safe services to customers. We have also developed a guide with in-depth knowledge on how to sanitise, disinfect equipment and the strict guidelines they need to follow.

Beauty appointments will be made via telephone or the My Beauty Squad app and be prepaid. Prior to confirming a mobile service appointment, the clients will answer a consultation form to answer questions regarding symptoms over the past 14 days and whether they have been in contact with anyone who is Covid-19 positive. 

Upon entering clients' homes, Personal Protective Equipment such as protective shoe covers, disposable gloves and a facial shield should be worn. The beautician will disinfect their hands in front of the client so they can feel assured protocol measures are being taken. Clients will be asked to wear a mask and provide an area with plenty of ventilation for the appointment to be performed. 

Treatments are to be performed by one stylist only or at different times if more than one beautician is required. Household members within the customer's location should maintain social distancing measures to keep everyone safe. 

Beauty maintenance & strict sanitation

Two-thirds of our survey showed respondents will be booking mobile beauticians post-lockdown for maintenance nail treatments. With so many people in need of professional manicures, pedicures, hair colour treatments, hair cuts and blow-drys will be made available to clients as they are easier to manage and less risky. 

In order to reduce contamination risks, washing services required before a blow-dry or after a tint will be done by the customer unless a professional basin is available. 

Nail technicians are encouraged to use disposable materials between customers and that all equipment is sterilised after use. It is extremely important customers are also aware of nail files, nail sticks and shared tools. They are welcome to have beauticians use their own set of tools.

As soon as the stylist leaves, they will discard any used materials, wipe surfaces they've touched and immediately wash their hands with soap for more than 20 seconds. Aftercare advice will be provided after each treatment so clients can continue to practice hygiene at home. 

If within the 14 days the customer notifies us they have Covid-19 symptoms we will also notify the beautician and ensure they self-isolate. If symptoms are developed prior to the appointment the same will be cancelled and fully refunded.

According to the NHS, the main symptoms of coronavirus are:

Clients are advised not to go to their GP, pharmacy or hospital. Instead, use the NHS 111 coronavirus service.

Client satisfaction & relationship building post-Covid

From the moment a customer books a mobile appointment, there will be constant communication updates as the appointment approaches. This is to reassure customers we're complying with guidelines and providing quality customer service. Our beauticians have built loyal client relationships and would like to reconnect post-lockdown.

As a brand, we will continue to demonstrate how seriously we are taking care of our clients and mobile therapists during this time. Through social media and online events, we are extending our customer service experience to update them on our plans and guidelines for at-home services after lockdown. Customers and beauty professionals can purchase our PPE kit from the 7th of June via My Beauty Squad's website. 

Published: 3.6.2020