Visiting a hair salon during the COVID-19 outbreak is daunting. All of us our showing our natural roots these days. Neighbors, family, and strangers out and about. In a way, it's freeing. Time saved getting your hair cut and colored and learning to let go of some of your vanity. However, I like my hair colored and have since I was 25 and started to go prematurely gray. I was lucky enough to get my color done in late February right before the March shutdown of everything. I cautiously went in yesterday to get my hair done. It was a good experience. If you'd like to see what my hair looked like before yesterday, you can see it in my prior post. My husband cut it in April since I could not stand the grow out stage. Definitely looks better today!
I've been with the same stylist for 17 1/2 years. A personal record. Erin McAlister (one of the salon owners) is the best! However, she's been quarantining since March due to family concerns. I got styled by the fabulous Dexter. He is one of the owners of Relish Salon too and I've known him for a long time. His work is amazing so I knew I would be in good hands. Salon life due to CDC rules is very different. Dexter worked extremely hard to balance all of the tasks they've had to do. He handled the multitasking like a pro and made me happy. It was exhausting to watch him.
Here's the precautions Relish is taking (what I witnessed and may not be everything they do):
* All clients wear a mask at all times with no exceptions.
*Stop at the table at the door to use hand sanitizer. Gloves are available if you choose to wear them.
*I got a cut and color so the only one allowed in the entire salon along with Dexter. No other clients due
to the time it takes to process and cut and they do not want to handle multiple clients at once.
*All chairs covered by plastic covers and changed between each client. On the shampoo basins too.
-Stylists wear masks and gloves.
*Towels washed and dried immediately.
*Hand sanitizer at every station.
*Salon floor cleaned regularly. At Relish, the concrete stained floor has lots its sheen due to the amount of cleaning so you know they are putting in the work.
By the end of the session, my mask had color stains on it from wearing it the entire time. It was challenging, I won't lie. At one point I had the mask on along with a cap and sat under a dryer. I was a bit panicky and a whole lot of hot, but made it through the experience. It's all so bizarre. All of us hope things go back to “normal” whenever they find a vaccine. Life won't ever be normal, however, hopefully businesses will be less challenged. They can make money again to support their families. Relish is being creative while abiding by guidelines and making it work. I booked my next appointment. Not until mid-August. Maybe life will be different again.
404.248.1009 | relishsalon@gmail.com |facebook.com/relishsalonglenwood| 924 Garrett Street Suites F&G Atlanta | instagram.com/relishsalon
