As the Chair Turns - September 2020

I hope this finds everyone in good health and not too restless. 

It has been a jam packed month in the hair world and a lot of confusion to boot.   While San Francisco was still under lock down, the State authorized personal services to be performed outdoors.  SAY WHAT?  Not only were the operational “Rules” ridiculous, this is impractical for just about every hair salon, barbershop, and nail salon throughout the state.  It’s also very unsanitary, unhealthy, and cheapens our industry.

There have been protests throughout California for weeks from hair salons and stylists about the ridiculous "outdoor" policy.  Again, opening outdoors is not a viable option for nearly every salon in California, especially here in San Francisco.   These protests, I believe, are what encouraged the changes the Governor made on Friday by allowing personal services to be done indoors (with limitations), no matter what tier each county was under.

The Governor’s and the Mayor’s press conferences on Friday have caused a lot of confusion on where hair salons stand on being open indoors or outdoors.  Marin and Santa Clara Counties (both Purple, I think) are allowing indoor services beginning Aug 31st. San Francisco (a Red tier) is stubbornly only allowing outdoors services beginning September 1st. Alameda (a Purple tier) is also only allowing outdoor services, but say they are "evaluating next steps and options for alignment with the state".  The  announcement by our Mayor was made before the Governor's press conference on Friday.  It should have been reviewed immediately once the Governor announced the new tiered system.  Because it wasn't, we now have this confusion.  Our Mayor said she would review everything this coming week.  San Francisco needs to get on board with the rest of the State, if you ask me.

There are salons, barbershops, and hair stylists in every county throughout California struggling with this same confusion. I've been asked by other barbers and stylists in SF on what to do.  I could only share my reasoning with them.  Everyone has to find their own comfort with this situation and make their own decision on moving forward.

I made the bold decision to go along with the Governor's announcement of allowing personal services indoors beginning August 31st.  I'm a little nervous about doing this, but feel it is the right decision.  I understand some of you may not be comfortable with my decision to reopen.  I do know that as soon as my email went out on Friday many of you were happy and excited to finally be able to schedule a hair appointment.

I also sent this message to the Governor over the weekend imploring him to "encourage" Mayors throughout the State to get on board with the State.

I hope this helped with any questions.

I’ve updated the “New Normal” with what you should expect and need to know for your upcoming appointments.   Please take the time to read this over.   It’s important.

I’ve been a little long winded here so I will just let you look over “What’s Inside This Month” below for the articles I’ve put together for you.

5 1/2 months has been a really long time.  I cannot wait to see each and every one of you in the coming weeks.

I am available by email, text or phone if you have any questions or concerns.  Or just want to chat.
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Be well. Take Hair! AND #MaskUp 

What’s Inside This Month
  What You Need to Know for Your Next Visit - the “New Normal”
  COVID-19: Watch This Space
  Scalp Massagers: Benefits and How to Use
  √ Barbicide COVID-19 Certification
  How to Grow Out Your Pandemic Buzz Cut
  Soothe Your “Re-Entry Anxiety”
  Coconut Oil for Hair: The Pros & Cons
  The True Cost of Human Hair
  Barbers - a walk down memory lane
  What I’m Reading: The Invention of the Police
  “Follically Challenged”: 4 Tips for Avoiding Hair Loss During COVID-19
  The Story of Hair: Ancient Egyptian Woman with 70 Hair Extensions Discovered