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Governor Brian Kemp announced last week that barber shops and hair salons would be allowed to safely reopen in an effort to help small businesses rejoin the economy, however they would have to implement new sanitation guidelines that are enforced by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.

The new guidelines enforce temperature checks and screening questions for all clients.

They also limit the number of people allowed in the salon, recommending it be a 1:1 client/barber ratio, with all other clients remaining in the car or parking lot until it is their turn. They are asking all hairdressers inside the shop to make sure their client is six feet away from other clients and that all clients and hairdressers wear protective masks. In addition to this, all equipment will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to the next client and all unnecessary items such as magazines and newspapers will be removed.

Hair Shapers, Affinity Salon and Joe’s Barber Shop are only a few of the salons and barber shops that have reopened their doors and are implementing these new guidelines.

When clients arrive at Hair Shapers, they are to call the salon, where receptionist, Samantha Brackin will come check their temperature in the parking lot with an ear thermometer and ask them health related questions. She will then ensure they have a facemask before they both enter the salon. If the client does not have a facemask, one will be provided to them.

Brackin said only the client and herself will enter, she said the salon is currently not allowing anyone to sit in the waiting area, including kids or spouses.

“We are really going by Gov. Kemp’s guidelines and I think our clients are grateful we are taking these precautions so seriously,” Brackin said.

The doors remain locked during a client’s appointment with a note on the door, explaining the new implementations. Brackin said these one on one appointments have taken away the luxury of allowing for a hair cut while hair color processes, but the salon wants to put the safety of the client and all the hairdressers at the forefront.

All of the stylists are wearing gloves and masks throughout the appointment, while sanitizing their hands frequently. In addition, they are wiping down door handles, combs, seats and anything a client may come in contact with during their visit as frequently as possible.

Brackin said that while they are taking all precautions necessary they also have responsible clients who make her feel at ease during this unprecedented time.

Affinity Salon owner, Niki Cox said they are taking similar precautions.

All clients are asked to send Cox a text message when they arrive. She will then go get them and take them straight to wash their hands, before checking their temperature and asking them health-screening questions.

Cox admitted that prepping to open back up the salon, she was a little nervous about clients having a temperature or cough, but no one has given her any trouble and most everyone comes prepared with their own mask.

She is still getting used to washing and cutting hair while customers wear a mask, admitting she clipped the first customer’s mask on accident and had to get them a new one.

She said the one to one ratio has cut down on income, but she does really like some of the new protocols.

“I’d like to see a vaccine come out before we do away with any of these new protocols,” she said.

Cox has asked all of her customers to bear with her as she implements everything. She has been working from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. and is still booked out through the month of May and into June.

“I will get with you as soon as I can,” she promised.

Joe’s Barber Shop is implementing similar measures, however they are allowing ten people in the shop. The ten people include four barbers, four clients and two people in the waiting area.

Barber Henry Kelly said once clients arrive, they put on their masks, check their temperature and ask health questions.

Kelly said customers have begun gradually flowing back in, but the business is not as it was before.

“I’ve been praying that God is with us and that all these safety measures will bring me comfort,” Kelly said.

The barbershop will remain open for its regular hours and have enhanced cleaning and sanitation.

While these are only a few of the salons in the community reopening, it is encouraged that clients contact their stylist to ensure they follow their salon’s personal guidelines.