How 2020 Has Shaped The Salon And Spa Industry
Throughout human history, change has been constant. Over the past two decades, digital innovation has been driving behavioral change. A key component of this change comes from the advancement in smartphone technology. This interconnected, online world has changed our lifestyle, habits and behaviors. Unprecedented events have also played their role in altering our habits and behaviors. An obvious example is 9/11, which changed the way the world has traveled for the past two decades.
During the past year, humanity has faced a new, unprecedented event. It’s still currently affecting our habits and behaviors, some whose effects may linger for months or years to come. In 2020, the COVID-19 virus consumed the world. It put tremendous pressure on countries, societies and communities. We’ve endured government-enforced lockdowns and social distancing and wearing masks has become our new reality. The Salon and Spa Industry was affected by this too, due to its close human interaction and personal touch.
Does that mean that the industry will fade away? No, if anything, it has rebounded and is currently thriving. So, if you’re considering a new career in the industry, read on and feel confident that it’s the right choice.
The need will always remain, despite the changes.
As mentioned above, humanity is always changing, but our needs often stay the same. The Spa and Salon industry will continue to thrive for one simple reason: people will always have the desire to look and feel good. The Salon and Spa industry gives people that opportunity. This could mean a new hairstyle, a relaxing massage or a physical makeover. This will often help people feel more confident and empowered to take on life’s challenges.
There is a need for Spa and Salon professionals.
Many people started working from home in 2020. Which means that grooming and dressing up standards have relaxed somewhat. The morning commute to the office turned into walking downstairs in your slippers and pajamas. In-office meetings turned to Zoom meetings, which meant a quick comb of the hair and a formal top over your pajamas. By now, for a lot of people, the novelty has worn off, and they’ve come to realize looking and feeling good plays a role in their work productivity.
For a while in 2020, the home self-care Youtubers had their moment in the sun. But most people have learned that nothing can replace the need for professional Spa and Salon practitioners. Stylists, therapists and masseuses commit to people and offer a personal connection.
They empathize and revel in their customer’s needs, happiness and satisfaction. The Salon and Spa industry thrives because it provides a social connection between professional practitioners and customers. Even if the interface between them has had to evolve and change over the past 15 months.
COVID-19 adaptations to the Salon and Spa industry to help growth.
Here are some of the ways the Salon and Spa industry has adapted to COVID-19 to ensure survivability and growth.
- Removing unnecessary contact: The waiting area has been spaced out. Clients waiting for services are now seated six feet apart or even told to wait in their car until it is their turn. They’ve also encouraged clients to book and fill out forms online to reduce the need for pens and clipboards.
- Maximizing online retail: A lot of Spas and Salons have gone online. Not only to sell products for home delivery, but also for pre-booking haircuts, massages and treatments. They’re also offering appointment cancellation fee waivers or credit for future bookings in case the client feels unwell or can’t make it.
- Streamlining operations and services: To reduce contact, Salons and Spas are staggering customer appointments which allows time for staff cleaning to take place between clients. In some cases, hair washing services or certain menu items are being removed. Salon and Spa staff are also working offset shifts in case one falls sick or contracts COVID-19, meaning it reduces the numbers they might infect.
- Sanitize and temperature checks: Sterilizing and sanitizing equipment between clients, taking temperature checks and offering hand sanitizer to clients before entering the premises, having staff and customers wear masks or face shields when in public areas and only allowing customers to remove their masks when the treatment or haircut calls for it.
- Going virtual: A lot of Spas and Salons are offering webinars online to educate clients or to attract new customers, offering tips on the right products to use or even doing one on one consultations. With the aim to offer self-care advice.
- Hitting the road: Some Spas and Salons are offering mobile services. Visiting clients’ homes or offices and reducing the need for them to visit public places. This allows them to offer private one-on-one style or makeover sessions in a comfortable environment.
Begin a Career in the Salon and Spa Industry
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career in the Salon and Spa industry, contact Health and Style Institute at 1-844-94-STYLE for more information on the programs we offer.
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