Beauty & wellness industry now focusses on hygiene

Neha Saini

Tribune news service

Amritsar, June 30

After the Covid-19 lockdown, the wellness and beauty industry has undergone a complete change. With focus primarily on reducing contact-based services and maintaining highest levels of hygiene, the industry insiders say that the new normal would change the industry forever.

Working on appointment mode only, a majority of salons that have re-opened, are strictly following the safety guidelines, some even going an extra mile. Face shields, masks and gloves have become an essential part of services. Disposable equipment is widely in practice and the premises are being disinfected multiple times.

“Our services were never essential, but before the pandemic, beauty and wellness were among the most flourishing businesses. Post pandemic, it has become a luxury-based service. So all our efforts have been directed to build customer trust and maintain high standards of hygiene,” said Monika Kashyap, owner, Wellness Experts. She says that in totality, one cannot define the new normal for the industry but the way of functioning would definitely change forever. “The cosmetic procedures are being done with zero touch technology, professionals in the salon wear safety kits and selective clients are allowed to avoid overcrowding,” she says.

Screening of clients is also done in all major salons. Detailed precautions are taken. “We need to strictly put such safety practices in place in order to get clients and the business going. The industry’s survival and future depends on adopting new safety practices,” says Ritesh Rana, owner, Bridal Villa Salon.

Quotes

We are working with 50 per cent staff, trained in working with safety gear on. Premise and all equipment being used for services are being sanitised after every use. We are using face shields, gloves, masks and disposable linen and towels for clients. ……………… Vandana Kaur Walia, owner, Texture Salon

Seeing is believing and so for every client coming in, we are sanitizing the equipment in front of them to built that trust. We have screening and sanitising process for customers and staff and our opening hours are not fixed as we are only taking clients through appointments. Zero touch services are being offered. …………. Monika Kashyap, a wellness industry expert

We are disinfecting the premises and the customers by spraying sanitisers before every service. We are reducing surface contact by covering chairs arms and other surfaces that usually the customers might come in contact with. We are providing shoe covers, head covers and gloves to clients and our staff is wearing all the mandatory safety gear. …………………. Ritesh Rana, owner of a salon.

For every service we have prepared protocol that has to be maintained by the staff and by the client. Disposal kits are being given to customers to wear and staff is also wearing safety gear. Glass protection shields are being used by us to ensure zero risk of infection of any kind. ……… Amar Sachdeva, owner, Colour Lounge