What’s it like to get a hair cut under the new rules?

Today is the first day businesses like hair salons have been able to reopen in British Columbia, and it’s a welcome sight for many people who are sick of having bad hair days.

One of the Vernon salons that has opened today is Voila Hair Studio on Pleasant Valley Road where owner and stylist Suzanne Roberts has implemented a number of safety policies and procedures.

You can see the complete list below, but among the rules is every customer has to undergo a touchless temperature check before entering, customers have to wear a face mask with disposable masks provided for $1 if the client doesn’t have one, and there is no blow drying to prevent the spread of potential coronavirus droplets.

Beach Radio account executive Helen Belford was the first customer through the doors today at Voila after being booked and then bumped for a cut and colour on the first day of the pandemic closure.

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Here is Helen’s account of how the appointment went:

“I just got my hair done! It feels great. Suzanne Roberts is my stylist and she followed the strictest of rules. I waited in my car for her to come and take my temperature. I [answered a] series of questions. When she determined I was not a threat I was allowed into the studio with her. She locked the door behind her and it was just her and I until done.

During my stay there she and I both used hand sanitizer several times and wore a mask. She also added a shield on top of a face mask while cutting and colouring my hair.

Following my departure she sat out to sanitize the entire hair salon before going through the same with her next client. No blow drying. Too risky,” Belford said.

Phase two of B.C.’s restart program began today which allows several types of businesses to reopen.

That includes restaurants, pubs, retail and office spaces, hair salons and barbers, medical services such as chiropractors and massage therapists, along with libraries, museums and child care facilities.

Here are the guidelines being used by Voila Hair Salon:

Client Screening – There will be no indoor waiting/seating area. Upon arrival for your appointment you will be required to wait in you vehicle until we come to meet you. There will be a touchless temperature check along with a list of questions that you must answer honestly before we can invite you in for your appointment.

Hand Hygiene – There will be hand sanitizer available for mandatory use prior to your entry into the salon.

Physical Distancing – Appointments will be staggered to allow for physical distancing. If you arrive early, you are asked to wait in your car to reduce the number of people in our reception area. The salon door will be locked during services. Sadly we will not be able to hug, and we will have procedures in place to protect each other while we are unable to maintain a physical distance.

Arrive Alone – The waiting room space is closed to guests and we will only allow one person to enter the salon.

Face Masks – You will be required to wear a face mask during your time on the premises. Disposable masks will be provided at a cost of $1 for colour clients and those who do not have a mask as well as those whose masks do not have ear loops. I will be wearing a face mask along with a face shield and disposable gloves during your services.

Blow Dry – In order to prevent further spread of potential droplets, I will not be offering blow drying after your service. Your hair will be towel dried only.

Disinfection – We will allow greater time between each client for regular disinfection procedures. If you have a fever, a cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, experiencing loss of smell and/or taste, or any flu like symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or flu like symptoms in the last 14 days, please reschedule your appointment.