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We've asked Amber Bromer of Salon Noir, Kathy Simonton of The Red Salon and Holden West of the Vandalia Barber Shop to share these tips with you.
"We miss our clients so much," said Bromer. "I wanted to come up with ways to still be able to serve them even if we have to do that from a distance. I've been doing videos on our social media to keep clients in the loop and also to advise them. I've tried to stay in contact with people as much as I can and answer questions or concerns that they have during this time. I also started an online shop which has been very helpful."
Simonton at The Red Salon in Dayton is also anxious to serve her clients once more (and perhaps have a laugh or two at the expense of those who attempted to cut their own hair while stuck at home).
“We miss our salon family so very much,” said Simonton. “Whatever happens, we may have a few good hair tragedies to giggle over together but it's OK! We've been through many good and bad times together and we will all get through this. The staff at the salon are all available to provide anyone that needs a root cover spray or retail products.”
Holden West of the Vandalia Barber Shop has taken his love for the community a step beyond this by commissioning local artists to paint words of encouragement and inspiration on his shop window.
“My wife, Krystle, and I thought it would be impeccable timing to spread positivity on a highly-trafficked street,” said West. “We also wanted to support local artists.”
The shop is located on 124 E National Road in Vandalia, right next to Jim’s Donuts. The window art was created and painted by Leslea Hipp.
💇 What should clients do about those roots starting to peek through?
“For clients with roots showing we offer a root touch up spray or clients can email us for an online consultation for some other fixes at salonnoirdayton@gmail.com,” said Bromer. “For blondes, we recommend either a toning purple shampoo and conditioner or a custom toning conditioner, which we make specifically for them. We can also do this for clients with vivid or pastel hair colors.”
“Try a root cover spray before reaching for the box color. It's temporary but it will definitely get you through,” said Simonton. “I would encourage any of our highlighted clients to just breathe and ride it out. A ‘shadow root’ is very trendy right now and It's not worth a corrective color appointment when we all get back in the salon.”
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✂️ How should clients handle their overgrown bangs?
"Even though we definitely don't recommend cutting your hair at home, I shared a bang trim video on our Facebook page," said Bromer. "Desperate times call for desperate measures! The main thing to be aware of if you do have to do this at home, is to never cut straight across. Always cut into the hair, taking the tiniest bit at a time. You can see me demonstrate it if you go to Salon Noir's Facebook page."
“If you decide to give yourself a bang trim make sure you keep in mind that they will shrink,” said Simonton. “After you decide which hairs to snip, release all the tension and trim less then you think you may want off. You can skip more if you need to.”
🧴 How can clients keep their manes healthy without a trip to the salon?
“Another great way you can maintain your hair from home is doing plenty of conditioning treatments,” said Bromer.
🧔 How should men approach a trim at home?
“For our male clients I would focus the trimmers around the ears and neck,” said Simonton. “A crisp fade isn't as easy as we make it look. That blending takes lots of practice. Embrace the longer hair! It's a new time for us all.”
“I would recommend purchasing a decent set of trimmers,” said West. “If you’re going to have your spouse/significant other trim your neckline, only cut the ‘short hair/fuzz’ — don’t dig into the longer hair.”
West recommends purchasing the Andis 32400 Slimline Pro Lithium Ion T-blade Trimmer in chrome, available on Amazon for $67.
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💳 How can you support your favorite hairstylists from home?
Those who wish to support Salon Noir (with two locations in Centerville and Lebanon) can do so by purchasing their products online. Those who purchase products from Salon Noir online or donate to the salon have the chance to win a number of prizes — including the grand prize, which is free haircuts for a year.
“Since we’ve had so many people helping to support us during this time I wanted to give back a little,” said Bromer. “I guess it’s pretty obvious that we are hoping things get back to normal as quickly as possible, but we will adapt as long as we have to. Once we are allowed to be out and about again I think it’s very important for all of us to support small businesses as much as possible to help us all get back on our feet!”
The Red Salon, located on Far Hills Avenue in Dayton, has gift certificates available for purchase on their website. Want to support your favorite stylist at the salon? Clients can also reach out to specific stylists with contact details provided on the salon's website.
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