Will salons survive the lockdown?
Three months into the national lockdown and the personal care industry remains at a standstill. To provide insight into the current challenges facing the industry, Professional Beauty South Africa recently hosted a webinar with an internationally accredited beautician and owner of Terenzo Hairdressing International in Hyde Park, Terence Jansen van Vuuren.
According to the acclaimed beautician, it is important for everyone in the industry, including suppliers and consumers, to acknowledge that the industry will forever be changed. “It is not all necessarily negative, it is nearly as if someone pressed the fast forward button,” he said. Jansen van Vuuren noted that the lockdown has allowed the industry the opportunity to restructure itself and reopen in a manner that was even better than before.
According to Sheleen Shaer of Tanaz Hair in Illovo, her business has done just that in transforming its space and developing the skills and specialisations of her hairstylists.
“We have transformed the space to both accommodate the health protocols and prioritise the client.” Apart from spacing out the chairs to allow for a 2-metre distance and strategising her staff to work in shifts to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, the business is considering installing a blow bar outside of the salon.
Jansen van Vuuren noted that while salons will be seeing fewer clients at a time, beauticians must continue to respect themselves and their clientele. “You don’t need to charge clients too little or too much. If you charge them [the client] properly you [as a beautician] will be more comfortable to work on a one-to-one basis.” But both Jansen van Vuuren and Shaer remain optimistic that government will soon realise the potential of the industry. Shaer started a campaign on her Facebook page called ‘I Stand For Pros’, encouraging people to continue supporting the industry.
“Getting your hair or nails done is a choice so we need to educate people on the precautions and allow them to make that choice for themselves,” said Shaer.
In an effort to fast track the process, the National Bargaining Council for the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare Industry and the Democratic Alliance (DA) party continue to challenge the ban on the industry.In a recent development, the DA is set to present arguments to the Western Cape High Court in a bid to overturn the ban on Friday (19 June).
“The ban on personal care services, which includes hairdressers, tattoo artists and beauticians is irrational, unlawful and unconstitutional,” said the party’s Dean Macpherson.
