Hairdressers shares salon trends that are here to stay following COVID19

Throughout the pandemic, many industries have had to adapt to a new normal and hairdressing is no exception. One month after reopening, Marcello Moccia and Karen Perry, stylists from Room 97 Creative in Leeds believes that some of the changes to salon culture are likely to remain, even when all restrictions are lifted.

The stylists reflect on why they think these reopening trends will continue to benefit clients and salon owners as we move out of lockdown.

The value of the hairdresser
If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that cutting and colouring hair is best left to the experts! In the past, hairdressing has been seen as an undervalued career but during the pandemic it was all anyone could talk about. We definitely feel more valued, and that people now recognise the high level of skill required to create professional looking hair.

Intimate appointments
Social distanced appointments are as standard in hair salons, with each client comfortable at their own section. However, we’ve found that the privacy and calmness of appointments following reopening has been beneficial to our clients and team. Many salons may look to continue with staggered appointments and fewer people in at one time, to support a more peaceful experience for their customers.

Embracing natural hair
Not only have clients lived with their natural hair colour and texture during lockdown, they’ve started to celebrate it! For those with white and grey hair, we’ve definitely seen more clients wanting to enhance their natural colour rather than cover it. There are some fantastic colouring products that help stylists to blend white and grey hair so that it still
makes the clients look and feel great. Plus, many have been enjoying a curl comeback following their time away from the salon. We’ve enjoyed working with clients to enhance their curls and waves for a more natural finish.

Recognition for high hygiene standards
On reopening, all sectors are prioritising the health and safety of customers, but for salons this is standard practice. Hair salons have always worked to a high standard of cleanliness to keep their environment sanitised for their clients and it has been nice to see that customers value the safe space we have created.