Covid effect: No more coffee and conversation at salons in Mumbai

MUMBAI: Stepping into a salon with a gal pal or sipping a hot brew while luxuriating in a pedicure will soon be the stuff of yet another 'good old' days' story. As salons in the city prepare to open up (whenever government permits), a sea change is likely in the post-Covid salon experience. For starters, as the industry ups its game with a slew of safety measures, clients will end up paying more.
Among other changes patrons can expect are having to don protective gear, services only by appointment, salon staff kitted up in PPE kits, temperature checks and sanitization drills, health and travel declarations and digital payments.
"The day-to-day operations will undergo an overhaul. All efforts are being made to reduce skin contact between clients and staff. We have sourced waterless manicure and pedicure from Brazil that comes with a single-use kit of disposable tools," said Samir Srivastav, CEO, Jean Claude Biguine India.
The focus on safety will also mean fewer chairs in the salon. "Only two out of the existing four chairs will be used at a time. We will also discourage anyone accompanying patrons. Threading services which require staff to hold the thread in their mouth will be replaced by another technique. No magazines will be available or beverages offered," said Suhail Mohammed, owner of The Glam factor at Malad.
Home services too will undergo a revamp. Mukund Kulashekaran, SVP, Beauty and Wellness, Urban Company said, "We get our partners (beauticians) to download the Arogya Setu App so that they know if they are in a safe zone. We have also provided them digital thermometers and they are required to send a reading every morning. If it crosses a certain threshold, they get a doctor's consultation free through video conferencing." The company is also offering insurance and 14 days' leave with minimum pay in case a partner is diagnosed with Covid-19. Partners have also been asked to share pictures once they reach a customer's home to demonstrate they are wearing protective kits.
Some salons have been reaching out to clients on social media to prepare them for the transition. Enrich Salons has posted a series of videos and illustrations on its Facebook page on safety measures. "In order to maintain social distancing, we are encouraging you to come alone for your appointment," reads a post.
The reboot at salons will come at an extra cost. "The cost of increased hygiene could be an additional 8-10% hit on the bottom line," said Spoorthy Shetty, CEO, BBlunt Salons and Academy. At JCB, a 15% hike on basic services is being considered. At Urban Company, customers will have to shell out an extra Rs 39 for the PPE kit.
But it's unlikely clients will be complaining about the price hike. In cities where salons have begun offering services, the response has been encouraging. At JCB outlets in Bengaluru, the footfall is nearly 60%. At Urban Company, home appointments for men's grooming have seen an upward trend. And, while numbers might be lower in comparison, bills are higher. "Clients, who have waited it out, are willing to spend on grooming," said Shetty.