Mobile hair and beauty therapists..

Therapists working alone from home or mobile still need to apply all protocols and precautions relevant to their situation with regards to the coronavirus.

Mobile therapists should strongly consider advising clients to come to their home so that they can control the environment in accordance with the relevant protocols and guidance. If this is not possible, it could be an idea that the client would need to prove that all hygiene protocols have been carried out prior to the therapist visiting the client’s home – e.g. a checklist ascertaining that no one in the household has had any illness symptoms for the past 7 days which could be sent to the client electronically for completion and signature ahead of arrival.

Upon entering clients' homes, Personal Protective Equipment such as protective shoe covers, disposable gloves and a facial shield should be worn. The therapist should disinfect their hands in front of the client so they can feel assured protocol measures are being taken. Clients should be asked to wear a mask and provide an area with plenty of ventilation for the appointment to be performed. Household members within the client’s location should maintain social distancing measures to keep everyone safe. For hairdressers, in order to reduce contamination risks, washing services required before a blow-dry or after a tint should be done by the client unless a professional basin is available. 

Therapists are encouraged to use disposable materials between customers and that all equipment is sterilised after use. If it makes the client feel more comfortable, the therapists are able to use the clients tools for the treatment.

As soon as the therapist leaves, they should discard any used materials and immediately wash their hands with sanitizer or if working from a home salon with soap and water for 20 seconds. Aftercare advice should be provided after each treatment so clients can continue to practice hygiene in their own home. The aftercare advice should also include what to do if the client experiences COVID-19 symptoms. If within the 14 days the customer announces that they have Covid-19 symptoms, the therapist should ensure that they self-isolate and communicate with other clients that they may have come into contact with since.

Regarding appointments, therapists should follow the below guidelines: 
Not permit walk-ins and operate on an appointment basis only if working from a home salon
Only service one client at a time 
Allow for time between clients for cleansing, e.g. minimum 15 mins and allow longer appointment times to ensure there is sufficient time for putting on ppe and sterilizing the treatment area
Always have precleaned/disinfected or sterilised implements and tools ready
Operate on a no-cash basis if possible, having a credit card machine available.

And clients should:
Only enter when the previous client leaves if visiting a home salon 
Arrive on time and alone (this includes not bringing children) or if the treatment is in the client’s home try to encourage the client to ensure they are alone. 
Leave immediately after receiving treatment 
Should only bring a credit / debit card – avoid using cash where possible

The situation could change at any point up to the 4th July and could change again once trading has behun as we may get new rules and time goes on. Keep an eye on our social media as we will keep as up to date as possible and will post whenever new information comes to light

Take care, PBD x
 

16th June 2020