The individuals who make up the workforce behind salons and barbershops around the country are asking their elected officials to #KeepUsWorking safely through the global pandemic.

The movement is led by Floyd’s 99 Barbershop and includes global beauty names Wahl, Titan Barber, Robert Cromeans,  Collin Caruso and independent salons, barbershops and workers across the country.

A press release from #KeepUsWorking, which is being led by barber and  Floyd'sTechnical Director Patrick Butler, notes that the beauty industry in America in uniquely positioned as it disproportionally employs minorities who are the most negatively impacted from the pandemic, is made up by local small business owners and has abided by strict health and safety standards for decades. The industry requires ongoing license and inspections by State Boards ensuring professionals are adhering to aggressive safety and sanitation process with a history of protecting beauty professionals and their customers.

The positive impact from the extensive training is more than anecdotal. A July 14 Center for Disease Control and Prevention report found that “among 139 clients exposed to two symptomatic hair stylists with confirmed COVID-19 while both the stylists and the clients wore face masks, no symptomatic secondary cases were reported.” 

The economic impact of the US beauty industry and its workforce is outlined in this White Paper by the International Salon and Spa Business Network: 

  • 47% of the salon industry workforce are minorities 
  • 60% of salon businesses owners are women 
  • Employs more than 2.3 million workers in the US 
  • Generates more than $57 billion in sales each year 
  • More than $37.7 billion paid in wages each year 
  • Over $3.7 billion in income taxes to federal and local governments each year 
  • More than 1.2 million salon industry shops 
  • The majority of salons are locally owned, small businesses 
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth of 10% jump in career opportunities for barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists over the next 10 years -- well above the national average 
  • A historically leading industry for job growth 

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Originally posted on Modern Salon

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