UPDATED February 1, 2021

COVID-19 has changed a lot about how businesses run, and the hair and makeup industry is no exception. Here at AMH&M, we rescheduled every appointment from March 1, 2020 – July 1, 2020 and continue to practice social distancing and extra handwashing as we begin taking services. Although our doors are opening on July 1, we are taking very limited appointments. The top priority, even above the perfect bridal look, is to keep you healthy and safe.

So… Now what? How does this impact you and your appointment?

We are no longer taking your temperature with a touch-less thermometer to ensure that you do not have a fever.

HAIR:

Currently, hair services will be conducted in the same manner as usual, with the exception of wearing a mask. In accordance with Colorado mandates, both the client and the stylist will wear a mask at all times in the “getting ready” area and at the AMH&M studio.

MAKEUP:

As of June 1, 2020, full makeup services are permitted. A new face shield, and mask are required to be worn by the artist for each client. The client having their makeup done is not required to wear a mask for the duration of their appointment.

GUESTS:

At this time, no guests (including children and pets) are permitted to be in the studio for your preview.

THE GOOD NEWS:

Hair and makeup artists are required by law to be vigilant about their sanitation and infection control practices all the time, pandemic or not. My professional makeup and hair kits and the workstation are and have always been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after each client. Aside from following strict cleaning and disinfecting protocols regulated by DORA and other local agencies before the effects of COVID-19, I’ve now adopted extra safety precautions and placed even greater emphasis on deep cleaning. I am committed to continually evaluating what must be done to meet the needs of you, my clients, and to adhere to CDC guidelines as well as state regulations.

Looking For The Nitty-Gritty?

Things I do to keep both of us safe include but are not limited to the list below. The new additions to sanitation practices are italicized:

• I have taken refresher courses on Salon and Spa Infection Control, and require my team members to do the same. Without earned certificates from these programs, they will not be permitted to work with AMH&M.

• Disposable gloves are worn to clean and disinfect. Surfaces in the studio are first cleaned using soap & water followed by a hospital-grade disinfectant. On location, all surfaces, tables, and chairs are disinfected before setting up the workspace. (I always provide my own work surface, lighting, and chair.) In addition, all bags and carrying cases are disinfected inside and out, including handles, and wheels. Only disinfectants that are EPA registered and labeled as anti-bacterial, virucidal, and fungicidal are used.

• I wash my hands, and wrist with warm, soapy water for 30 seconds before beginning each service. I use hand sanitizer as an extra precaution before we start services.

• Only makeup brushes that have been washed with soap and water are used. Spray brush cleaner is never used between clients. Spray brush cleaner is only meant to remove color from a brush, not to sanitize. Hot tools and hair brushes are cleaned and sanitized with Barbicide between each client.

• All applicators, spatulas, and pins are kept in covered containers when not in use.

• Tools and supplies are only placed on a clean paper towel on a clean disinfected workstation, and all clean tools and supplies are kept separated from used ones.

• Pencil liners are sanitized and disinfected before and after each use.

• No makeup brushes or applicators are ever dipped directly into beauty products. I only work off of stainless steel palettes. No product is ever applied right out of the tube unless it is a new, unopened product that is yours to keep afterward.

• All tools and products are disinfected prior to packing my kit after completing a job. This prevents cross-contamination.

• More time has been added to each appointment to allow me to thoroughly disinfect the work station before the next client.

• A new pair of gloves and face mask is worn by the makeup artist for every makeup client and is changed during the service when necessary. PPE such as masks and face shields are also worn per Colorado mandates. 

• Clients are prescreened before appointments with touchless thermometers.

• All safety guidelines for reopening set by OSHA and the CDC are followed.

• If I or any team member exhibit any signs or symptoms of illness, we will remain home and a replacement artist will be sent in our place.

If you have an upcoming preview or hair extension appointment and aren’t feeling your best, please email or call and I’ll be happy to reschedule! I am waiving the 24-hour cancellation policy for previews and hair extensions until further notice in an effort to do my part in the community.

I will continue to closely monitor and educate myself on this developing situation and will make necessary adjustments according to state and federal guidelines. For information about Coronavirus, please visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Thank you for trusting Amy Merritt Hair & Makeup to keep you safe, and to make you look and feel like your most confident, true self. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out and email me here!

As if we haven’t heard it a million times – stay safe out there!