Brixham based hair salon successfully reopens safely despite COVID-19 challenges.
Storm Hair Design is an award-winning, modern hair design salon based in Brixham. The salon, which was launched in 2016, is staffed by a team of nine stylists, including salon director and owner Sasha Perkes.
As has been the case for almost every business in Torbay, Storm has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and the multiple closures of hair and personal care businesses from March 2020 into 2021. On more than one occasion the businesses had to cease trading on short notice and staff were furloughed. Once re-opening dates were announced by the government, Storm Hair Design had to navigate the challenges of re-opening safely including managing staff, high customer demand, social distancing, PPE and generally ensuring all aspects of operating the salon were safe and compliant.
However, Salon Director Sasha and her team worked hard to adapt to overcome these challenges.
Prior to re-opening, Storm carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment that ensured all risks relating to staff and customers were identified and addressed.
To ensure the health and safety of staff and customers, Storm carries out contactless temperature checks before all appointments and all customers are asked to adhere to the ‘Test and Trace’ procedures on arrival. Temporary measures have also been introduced to salon equipment, with Storm investing in disposable capes, gowns and towels to ensure that any potential risk of transmission was minimalised.
Clear signage is on display inside and outside premises to alert customers to maintain a social distance and to wear a face-covering inside. Hand sanitiser is accessible throughout the premises and the salon is cleaned and ventilated thoroughly throughout the day. The salon’s layout has been adapted to aid social distancing, and appointments are distributed evenly throughout the day to minimise congestion. All staff are equipped with the correct PPE, including face coverings, visors and gloves and have been trained to carry out enhanced cleaning and hygiene practices throughout the day.
In addition to the above procedures, Sasha and her team have considered the additional needs and wants of Storm’s client base. Once allowed to re-open, the team offered more vulnerable clients the opportunity to have quieter or ‘one to one' appointments to ensure their safety and confidence was prioritised.
Sasha Perkes, Director at Storm said, “After over a year of uncertainty my team and I are delighted to be back open. It’s been a really difficult time for so many businesses and navigating the guidance on re-opening was difficult. However, we’ve been dedicated to reopening safely”.
We work with Government, TDA and local businesses like Storm Hair Design, to ensure that grants, loans and other support available are accessed quickly and effectively to help businesses operating in Torbay.
The procedures brought about by COVID-19 have enabled some longer-term positive changes. Improved scheduling systems mean the business runs more efficiently as a whole, with appointments consistently running on time and less congestion in the salon waiting area. Additionally, the existing magazine offer for clients has now been moved online permanently, so customers can scan a QR code to access a range of reading material via their smartphone.
Sasha said, “The feedback from clients has been really positive. Clients can obviously see the changes we’ve made to our processes to keep them safe and we are so pleased to welcome everyone back to have some much-needed self-care. Ensuring the salon is COVID-19 compliant has been so important to everyone at Storm – we’ve been determined to get it right from the get-go”.