With the Coronavirus pandemic shuttering salons for over two months, baking banana bread is not the only new skill people have acquired. Some have found a stylist in their partners, while others have taken matters into their own hands. But we bet you miss that professional touch of your favourite hairstylist at your go-to salon. You miss the luxury. You miss the pampering. And certain things can only get done at the salon, not at home.

We have opened our parlour again and are hoping to service our clients like before, with small adjustments here and there.

Here is a list of measures that we feel both salons and clients could follow. We are practising them.

1. A client has to make a prior appointment

To ensure social distancing and avoid a crowd in the waiting areas, walk-in customers are best avoided at this point. Appointments need to be made at least a day in advance, as staff capacity has been reduced greatly, even to half, in many places.

2. Precautions have to be taken right from the time a client walks in

Masks are compulsory for clients. A client will be disinfected thoroughly from top to bottom, preferably with a disinfectant spray, first, body temperature will be checked, shoes will be left outside and disposable foot covers will be provided. Clients are not allowed to touch salon handles and doors. We are helping them with it.

3. Disposable dress

The staff are trained in the parlour protocol and are wearing disposable clothes.

4. All the surfaces are sanitised after every treatment

Surfaces like chairs and tables are sanitised each time a customer is done with his or her treatment.

All equipment is sterilised after each use. Products newly arrived are sanitised before use.

Clients are requested beforehand to get only the purse and phone, no extra object. No one is to accompany the client, no children, no attendants.

Self-declaration forms are given to clients once appointments are confirmed to declare if they have any health problems.

In times like these, we have to accept the challenge of the new precautions and get on with our lives. Stay well. Stay beautiful.

The columnist manages Ishrat's Hair & Skin Studio, Lord Sinha Road, Calcutta. Contact @ishratansar