DETROIT – Hair and beauty are not considered “essential business” therefore they are closed right now per the Michigan governor’s orders. That has put stylists and salon owners in a bad spot.
“It has impacted our business industry so greatly in the worst way possible,” Besa Chandler said.
Chandler has been in the business for 32 years. She works at Liquid Salon in Bloomfield Hills. She’s thankful Gov. Gretchen Whitmer included self-employed and independent contractors in those eligible for unemployment benefits.
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“I have no source of income and can’t work right now, none of us can,” Chandler said.
But that isn’t stopping clients from trying to get their stylists to do their hair.
“Clients are begging us to come to our house to do their hair,” Katie Hedrick said. “I think it’s so important for us to stay at home. It defeats the purpose for social distancing.”
Hedrick works at Journey Salon in Clarkston. She makes her living in the beauty business and she would love to be able to do clients’ hair right now, but our collective health, she said, is more important.
“I understand it’s important for women to look and feel beautiful, but we have to focus on friends and families and staying healthy so that we can continue our relationship behind the chair when we’re allowed to go back there,” Hedrick said.
Chandler agrees and said there are some products that could tide someone over for right now.
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“[Use a root spray.] You shake it and spray it on your root area," she said. "It’s temporary. It washes out, but it will get you through until you can see your professional stylist.”
Chandler recommends L’oreal Professionals Hair Touch Up root concealer.
Her salon, Liquid Salon, has the product in stock in a number of different colors, and they are shipping for free. Call 248-626-3700 or send a message via the salon’s Instagram -- @liquidsalon
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.