The Professional Beauty Association's (PBA) Executive Director, Steve Sleeper, has been at the helm of the PBA during many times of turmoil--from tornadoes, floods, fires, and the ups and downs in the economy.  With the coronaviru COVID-19 declared a pandemic (meaning, it is prevalent over an entire country or even the world) by the World Health Organization (WHO), Sleeper shares some insight into how the virus could affect the salon industry, going forward.

WHAT IMPACT DO YOU SEE OR THINK WE’LL SEE ON THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY?

 “There will, no doubt, be an impact on the beauty industry due to COVID-19. Thus far, we’ve seen several industry events be cancelled or postponed, as well as a decline in salon visits in infected communities. The full extent of what this will look like has yet to be seen.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP CONCERNS IN REGARDS TO THE EFFECT OF CORONAVIRUS IN THE SALON ENVIRONMENT?
“Our top concerns are the health and wellness of the individuals in the industry, their clients and customers as well as the potential economic impact on the salons and licensed beauty professional. Aside from maintaining health as the most integral priority, we want to help ensure that the salon world is minimally impacted economically.

PRECAUTIONS FOR STYLISTS AND PROFESSIONALS TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD?
“The health and well-being of both the professional salon industry and its clientele is a top priority, and the best way to help ensure that is to practice great salon and personal hygiene always -- not just during this public health emergency, but always. This is a great example of why beauty professionals are licensed and that salons are regulated, inspected and have oversight by a state level regulatory body. It’s all there to ensure that the health and safety of everyone in the salon environment and their public customers are protected.”

FROM THE PBA:

Currently, the CDC has not recommended quarantines for individuals other than those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or those who have been potentially exposed to the virus. As long as salon professionals are practicing safety and hygiene precautions and related communications, the CDC has maintained business as usual for the time being.

Historically, the professional beauty industry has thrived, even through challenging times. A smart way to ensure that the salon industry is prepared for whatever the economy brings is to have a strong cash-flow plan in place. The PBA offers roadmaps and business building tools for its members to help gain fiscal stability -- even through tough times.

PBA also has in place a tele-health insurance program at a reduced rate for Members of $10/month. This service allows our Members to virtually connect with board-certified professionals for medical consultations, questions, and concerns. For more information on this benefit as well as others, visit probeauty.org.