A New Survey Reveals 53% of Salon Owners and Hairstylists Are Unsure About Their Province's COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines

TORONTO, May 28, 2020 /CNW/ - In a new survey by Salon Magazine, Canada's leading trade magazine for beauty professionals, salon owners, hairstylists and nail technicians are concerned about reopening their salons and returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey asked beauty professionals across Canada how they've been impacted by the pandemic.

Health and Safety

Though salons in some provinces have already begun reopening, 45% of owners say they are not yet ready to reopen. 

Some provinces announced their reopening plans less than a week before businesses were allowed to reopen their doors. This short notice has left many businesses without the necessary supplies and safety measures in place, forcing some salons to postpone their reopening date.

• 76% don't have enough personal protective equipment (PPE).
• 54% say social distancing is unrealistic in a salon environment.
• 29% have health and safety concerns for their team and clients.

Health and safety concerns are also expressed by hairstylists, nail technicians and beauty professionals, with 53% unsure about their province's health and safety guidelines and 36% say they are not ready to return to working in a salon from a health and safety perspective. In fact, 60% say COVID-19 will affect their career in professional beauty moving forward.

When their salons reopen, more than half of owners say they will be increasing their service prices to help offset the additional costs associated with COVID-19 and 38% say they will be introducing a COVID fee (a small flat rate added to each client's bill).

While the question of how long the pandemic will last is still unknown, 58% of respondents say that COVID-19 has affected their mental health.

Business and Finances

84% of salon owners are concerned about the amount of debt their salons have accumulated. Since many salons have been closed since mid-March, owners have been under immense financial strain with rent payments and additional operating costs.

As for their staff, layoffs and furloughs have been widespread. While the federal government has provided some financial assistance, 66% are still concerned about the amount of personal debt they've accumulated due to COVID-19.

Click here for the full survey results

SOURCE salon magazine