Well I think it goes without saying that COVID-19 is having, and will continue to have, a massive impact on our beauty industry. Especially as everything we do is hands on.
For nearly 30 years I have gone about my beauty career without ever having a second thought about not wanting to actually touch someone, unless contra-indicated to the actual treatment. Last week that changed. I was asked to do a SWOT analysis on the business I manage. I listed under ‘Threats’ COVD-19. My reason being, would my staff be comfortable or even willing to touch people and feel safe about doing so once this pandemic is over?
It’s not like doing a consultation where the client may be able to tick off any contra-indications, or the beauty therapist may be able to see. We are an industry where hand washing is a given. It has been drummed into you. You wash your hands before and after every client, whether you have worn protective gloves or not. Now it is different. Even though you have washed your hands, you have always got the worry in the back of your mind “did I touch the client?”, or “did they touch me?” Are they carrying something that you cannot detect? Do you now have it?
So, now that I don’t know the answer, am I willing to touch clients? I am actually unsure. Yes, I am scared to put myself in a position that I don’t want to be in. We don’t know if this disease will go away permanently. Will you feel happier if and when there is a vaccine? Yes, we will all be happier about this, but will this still make you feel safe to carry out your daily treatments?
We can always look at the other side of the coin. Will our clients want us touching them? Are they going to be afraid that they may contract this whilst in our salon or spa? Will people flock back to having the life they had prior to 23rd March 2020?
So many questions that need reassurance and guidance on how to proceed once lockdown is lifted.
I am unsure what I will do. What about you? Let me know your thoughts.
Tracy x
Very interesting. I think most people will feel the same way as to how to proceed once the lockdown ends. Let’s hope it all goes well and we can get some sort of normality within a reasonable amount of time.