Hair salon makes COVID-19 safety changes ahead of re-opening

FRANKLIN, Tenn (WTVF) — As many businesses gear up to open their doors again some say things so far will not be the same.

Back in March, Gaven Smith owner of Studio Gaven Hair Colour in Franklin, was already putting guidelines in place to protect his team and clients from the spread of COVID-19.

He said staff were sanitizing, social distancing and making sure people washed their hands upon entry.

However, when the order came down to close all non-essential businesses, Smith admits he had mixed emotions.

“It was like a huge burden of relief and also there was a stress of also closing. I mean 71 people I laid off” said Smith.

The salon doors have been closed for more than month; in order to rebound Smith says there will have to be some changes when the city of Franklin decides to re-open.

“We’re asking all the guest to bring in their own mask; we have some available if needed and we’re also asking the team to wear mask and gloves,” said Smith.

Besides scissors and combs at each station, clients will also notice things like tissues, cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer.

“We have partitions at the shampoo area to block all people at the shampoo area. We have everything available that’s needed,” said Smith.

Not just at this salon, Smith is a salon consultant and his job is to make sure other shops in Middle Tennessee get used to the new normal as well.

He says he’s in daily meetings with other salon owners discussing the much needed changes until there’s a cure for COVID-19.

Smith says he doesn’t expect to be open on the first week of May, he say they’ll likely reopen in the second phase.