Take It Outside: State Allows Salons, Barber Shops to Operate Outdoors

California Governor Gavin Newsom Monday issued an update to the current Stay at Home order which allows, with the proper equipment and safeguards, California barbershops and salons to practice their trade outdoors.

While the City of Pasadena and the City’s Public Health Department have not yet issued any orders regarding the update, local shops and salons could soon be joining restaurants in sidewalks, parking lots, and alleys.

According to new State guidelines, outdoor operations may be conducted under a tent, canopy, or other sun shelters as long as no more than one side is closed, allowing sufficient outdoor air movement.

Also, salons and barbershops should not perform a service that would require a customer to have to enter the establishment.

In addition, say the guidelines, “hair salon or barbershop operators should consider where disposable glove use may be helpful to supplement frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer; examples are for workers who are screening others for symptoms or handling commonly touched items.”

Disposable gloves should be worn for services that require them, say the guidelines, and wearing gloves should be done in conjunction with regular hand washing, though it is not a substitute for regular hand washing.

Workers should consider using glasses, goggles, or face shields in addition to face coverings during the provision of services, particularly during face to face encounters, the guidelines added.

“Hair salon or barbershop owners or operators must acknowledge that lessees should only resume operations when they are ready and able to implement the necessary safety measures to provide for their safety and that of their customers.” said the guidelines.”

Requests for comments on local shops and salons, from City spokesperson Lisa Derderian and Public Health Director Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, were unavailable at publication time.