The coronavirus hit the pause button on a lot of our usual wellness appointments: dentist, doctor, acupuncture, massage, hair, nails…really anything that kept us looking and feeling good. And by now, you’re probably starting to miss these places terribly. For those salons that are reopening, you can say goodbye to the free coffee and tea service, cozy waiting areas, and dropping in without an appointment.
While many of these businesses are reopening and giving their employees work, coronavirus cases are increasing in many parts of the country. Salons are particularly risky because of the close contact with others for extended periods of time.
Here are 3 things you can do to mitigate the risk of exposing yourself and others:
Wear a mask
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While masks have become a political issue, science proves that wearing them eliminates the risk of coronavirus transmission. Masks prevent the spread of respiratory droplets, even if the person who’s coughing or sneezing is infected. Before you visit your salon, make sure to notice or ask if employers wear masks and to keep yours on through the duration of your appointment.
Find out what your salon is doing to control the virus
Do some research before you visit your favorite salon and try to get a gauge on how seriously they’re taking the coronavirus. At a minimum, salons should be ensuring that their employees wear masks, the appointments are spread throughout the day and that there’s social distancing and barriers between stations. If there’s no information of this online, call the place before you visit.
Try to cut the amount of time you spend there
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While a visit to the hair or nail salon can do great things for your mental health, it’s important to remember that the coronavirus is still raging and the risk of being exposed is high. Be safe with how you carry yourself and remember that the more time you spend inside a business, the greater the risk.
While you might come in for a hair trim and a manicure, avoid opting for a massage or a dye job, since these appointments take more time and increase the amount of contact you’ll have with other people.
