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For the first time in the history of the beauty industry, we are faced with a unique crisis impacting beauty professionals globally. This unprecedented and suddenly slow down or shut down is directly impacting the lives of many beauty professionals, including you. From all of us here at Perfect Locks, Gautama and Priyanka Swamy and our family, know that we are in this with you. Below are some helpful programs, suggestions, and resources for you, as well as some ideas for what you can do right now to get back on track.
VOLUNTARY OR FORCED SALON CLOSURE…NOW WHAT?
Behindthechair.com polled that currently 51% of all salons in North America are currently closed (per mandate or voluntarily). If you have been forced to close, the #1 thing to do now is not to panic. Take a breath…focus. There are resources. There is help coming.
Right now you need to:
- Prepare closure plans (hoping they won’t need them)
- If already closed, take action to stabilize your business and prep for a relaunch
- If still open, take SERIOUS precautions and reassure clients while ensuring a safe environment for all
If you’re still open, develop an emergency closure plan. Be prepared for the worst, but hope for the best.
- Prepare email blasts and notices on social media.
- Provide alternate solutions for clients that can help them in the meanwhile.
- Be prepared to tap into emergency resources.
5 IDEAS TO HELP YOUR SALON WEATHER THE STORM
Stylists everywhere have had to get creative during this crisis to offer clients solutions in between appointments until business returns to normal. Below are some examples that are working well!
- Some colorists and salons are prepping “color to go kits”, that are nominally priced color touch up kits to help clients keep their color in between appointments. This not only keeps you connected, but the client can and will seek out box color to color their hair otherwise. Comply with local and state laws, however. Considering using Facebook Facetime or prerecord a how-to video to show them how to do a touch-up.
- If you can’t or do not want to offer color kits to clients, join the #ShowUsYourRoots campaign! Stylists the world over are asking clients to simply show them support by WAITING for them. Don’t go looking for box color or other solutions. Simply wait. The movement has gained momentum with celebrities like Kelly Ripa promising to wait for their trusted stylist.
- Consider nominally charging clients for online styling classes on blowouts or use of styling tools to get styles at home in the short term. Some stylists have been going digital in this fashion, becoming virtual beauty consultants to coach clients through at-home beauty care and hairstyle ideas until the salon can reopen.
- Do NOT ghost. Share things on your social channels daily so you stay present in your client’s minds so they don’t have to wonder that you won’t be around when things “get back to normal”. Simple share hairstyle inspirations, transformations, at-home blow out tips, etc.
- If you haven’t already, take this downtime to digitize your salon. In the 21st century, the ability to place online retail orders, book appointments or even buy gift cards is a strategic necessity. Many salon owners have been directing clients who want to help to simply buy a gift certificate now that can be used when the salon reopens. Clients WILL support you during the closure if you simply tell them how they can help you.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT RESOURCES FOR SALONS
The Senate unanimously approved this week a $2 trillion Coronavirus Stimulus Package that expands resources available to business owners and beauty professionals everywhere. This includes self-employed, part-time and “gig” workers are now covered by unemployment benefits. Those who are unemployed, partially unemployed or who cannot work because of Coronavirus-related reasons would be more likely to receive benefits. Benefit amounts will be based on previous income and length of coverage varies by state. Self-employed workers would also be eligible for the additional $600 weekly benefit provided by the federal government.
The Professional Beauty Association has created a one-page centralized website page with info on recovery assistance for beauty professionals. They are offering a complimentary PBA Preferred Membership* (A $50 value) for licensed professionals and non-licensed salon employees. With a Preferred Membership, beauty pros gain access to their insurance marketplace.
The Small Business Administration has activated an expanded Disaster Assistance Loan to help all small businesses owner. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible.
Finally, the People First Initiative has suspended tax liabilities during through period through July 15th. So filing your taxes and paying on what you owe will be pushed out to that date with no one incurring any fees, interest or penalties. Further, IRS Tax Credits are available for some individuals and instances that can help further.
In our next blog, we’ll talk about planning for your salon relaunch and how you can come back from this interruption of business in a big way. Remember…stay strong. We’re thinking of you.
