Are Salons in Japan Safe to Visit During the Coronavirus Pandemic?

As we roll into the middle of 2020, the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc around the world as the most widespread virus to appear since H1N1. As no big leaps have been made towards a plan to considerably halt the spread of the virus for good, people are beginning to think of how to balance being safe but continuing daily life as quarantine was never a permanent solution. Let’s look at how this virus is affecting salons specifically around Japan, and whether it is safe or not to visit salons during this time.

The Novel Covid-19

One of the biggest panics the world has faced in the past 100 years, the coronavirus pandemic is making history as it spreads to every corner of the globe. About every 10 years a new virus usually makes the news. 10 years ago that was the swine flu, H1N1, which did cause a considerable panic for quite a few months. However how was that different from today’s case? The swine flu was no where near as infectious as this coronavirus.

What makes this novel coronavirus different from so many others can be described in 2 big points. The first is that this virus lives quite a long time outside the body. Researchers estimate anywhere from 6 hours to 4 days is possible for viral particles to survive outside the body, making the situation much harder to control. The other is the extremely wide range of symptoms individuals can experience after becoming infected with the virus, from one extreme to the other. It’s actually not rare to have 0 symptoms. Studies done on the patients leaving the Diamond Princess cruise ship that ran from Yokohama around areas in China say that nearly 40% of infected passengers showed nearly 0 signs of any infection. It’s believed these people are just as able to spread the virus as someone experiencing more flu-like symptoms. In some cases these people have been labelled super spreaders, able to travel and live freely while still infecting other people.

This virus has been around for over half a year now but no significant leap towards preventing the virus has been discovered yet. Now moving into May, many countries are opening back up after successfully controlling the spread of the virus using measures like closing all non-essential jobs, and strictly enforcing and regulating how and when people can leave their houses. And some countries are still suffering, with the total number of patients still fluctuating every day like America.

America has moved onto a state by state policy, where states can act as they see fit. Some areas in states like California and New York, being more heavily populated out of the 50 states decided to take strict precautions and mandate people wear masks at all times, as well as closing many business large and small, while some states decided not to do much at all, especially those states where the population density is low. Trusting people act with common sense isn’t necessarily the best path but not the worst either, only time will tell the effects of each actions states are taking.

"Are Salons Actually Safe to Go to Right Now?"

One big topic of discussion is getting a hair cut. Not only is this something that many people feel they can’t avoid, but many salons and barbers are extremely worried about their businesses. The business models for salons especially rely on a steady stream of customers more than others. A salon doesn’t make money off of stock, they provide regular services. And the individual workers and private hair stylists are not able to make any income during this time. Now that restrictions are starting to loosen up, people are now wondering, “Are salons actually safe to go to right now?”

A headlining story in America comes from Dallas, TX. Texas is a major state that decided to start loosening restrictions, however they set dates for when certain business could open in advance to let owners be able to plan their future a little more solidly. Salons were among the last stores to be allowed to open, however a salon in Dallas decided she had no choice but to open earlier and began taking customers. Looking at NYC, which quickly became the heart of the coronavirus panic as nearly 2000 people died in one day at the peak of this crisis, NYC is still strictly regulating businesses. It seems far in sight the day salons can open there. Many business have already filed bankruptcy, as many new yorkers can’t even afford to pay rent at the moment. Many salons are actually running illegally, in what’s been labelled as a blackmarket situation.

If you’ve read any news about salons during this time, you may see some crazy photos of stylists in doctors robes and masks. With full PPE, many stylists are heading back to work. Dealing in such an intimate environment, a salons is the prime place for a virus like the Coronavirus to spread freely. Doing everything in their power to not only protect themselves, but make customers feel safe, this might be something that will become more normal in the future.

While in America and other countries running salons are illegal right now, that’s not the case in Japan as they are allowed to be open during this time as ordered by the government.

The question is whether it’s okay to go to a salon right now or not. BSR conducted a survey to salons of what preventative measures they are taking to lower the risk to their customers. The Japanese government has said to it’s citizens this past week, there are three main things that dramatically lower the risk of catching the novel Covid-19: Washing and disinfecting hands and surfaces regularly, wearing masks while avoiding encloses spaces, and not spending time in high traffic areas. While we can control these three things, salons are also trying their best to do the same. In our questionaire we asked 5 questions:

1. What are you doing to prevent the spread of infection and disinfect?
2. How are you ventilating the store to ensure clean air flow?
3. What are the staff doing to manage their physical condition?
4. Are reservations restricted to customers?
5. Is there a change in business hours or how the staff work?

Let’s look at the area’s current situations, and how the respective salons responded to our surveys.

Tokyo Area

Circumstances surrounding the new coronavirus in Tokyo

4/7 Government announces emergency declaration
4/11 Governor of Tokyo requests closure of restaurants, etc.
4/16 Tokyo becomes one of “13 special vigilance prefectures”
5/4 Government’s declaration of emergency extends to May 31
5/5 Announcement that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government leave request will be extended until May 31st releases

These are the government declarations over the past month and a half. Almost all of the famous shopping areas throughout Tokyo have been shut down on an unprecedented level, as shops and businesses do their best to avoid coronavirus, and while some are hanging on many have already filed bankruptcy as Japan’s economy, the third largest in the world, takes a hit. Now that things are slowing down, some shops are choosing to open and try and adjust to the new times.

Here are the salons we talked to that are taking measures to reduce risk of coronavirus infection in Tokyo.

gokan OMOTESANDO

Gokan is a popular store with stylists holding exceptional ability, including the owner and head stylist Gokan who is actively teaching cutting nationwide. The sophisticated and simplicity is renowned here. The following measures are being taken here.

About the staff and store

-Staff are always wearing mask, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-regular ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis
-providing customers with masks/encouraging customers to continue to use masks during service

Here the business days and hours have been changed from Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 31st. Currently, it is as shown in the “Store Information” below. (* If you’re looking for a description of the salon normally please click the further information link below)

In addition, since each staff member gets a day off from each shift, please contact the salon directly for more information.

unsarto

A widely popular salon, unsarto boasts talented staff and even celebrities frequently visit here incognito. The following measures are being taken here.

The Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing mask, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-constant ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-actively scheduling reservations to control the number of customers in the store at all times

With unsarto, business hours have been shortened to end at 7:00 due to the declaration of emergency. The final reception time varies depending on the menu, so it is a good idea to consult with them at the time of booking. In addition, we are focusing as much as possible on reducing the number of staff to 70% to 80% by minimizing the number of staff.

BRIGHT

A popular salon featured in featured in the May issue of Hanako “100 People’s Daiginza”. In the “Ekiten” Ginza area word-of-mouth ranking, BRIGHT has achieved a remarkable award, the first place out of 496 stores for eight consecutive years. With a wide range of design and knowledge skills, and the ability to think about the design together with the guests to bring out the good points, it is a salon that can deal with any hair concerns and designs. The following measures are being taken here.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-using air purifier and constant ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis

At BRIGHT, the experienced owner and store manager, cover the area of ​​65m2 in a one-on-one style from start to finish, so the inside of the store is not crowded. Since 5/7, we are operating with a limited number of customers, so please check the website or contact the store directly for more information.

7 inch

This store is renowned for it’s easy to style looks, coming from the expertise in the cut and forms. This salon is also great at fixing fail salons visits in the past. Here are the following measures being taken.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-using air purifier and constant ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis

In this salon, the seating area is limited, as well as staff and customer numbers as well. By controlling the factors the salon is working to make customers who decide to come feel more comfortable.

lieu de PARTIL

Located directly along Nakamichi-dori where shopping is fun, this beauty salon is recommended for those who are sensitive to trends and have 5 talented stylists . The activities we are doing here are as follows.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-using air purifier and constant ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis

In addition to this, at PARTIL, each staff member carries out as much effort as possible, such as carrying goods that are effective in eliminating viruses .

PARTIL was temporarily closed until May 6, but business has resumed from May 7! However, business hours and regular holidays are different from usual for a while. Below are the current business hours.

The latest information will be added to this article as needed, but it is also posted on PARTIL’s official website , so be sure to check it out before visiting.

Anpians

This salon is known for its wonderful dry cuts, but even more for it’s fully female staff. The soft and gentle vibe here put’s peoples worries to rest and the customer base loves this.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-using air purifier and constant ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves

After a temporary closure, Anpians resumed business from May 7. We recommend making an appointment in advance. This is a salon for regular people, providing a moment of healing even in difficult conditions.

alotta

A new base for beauty salons, alotta is a popular salon with repeaters for those who want to purchase specialized products that cannot be purchased at drug stores and those who want to receive one-on-one service. The following activities are carried out here.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-using air purifier, constant ventilation and a space sterilizer by hypochlorous acid water atomizer
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis

alotta only uses private rooms currently, with constant ventilation. Please also refer to the “Store Information” below as business hours have been shortened.

Osaka Area

Circumstances surrounding the new coronavirus in Osaka

3/28 Governor of Osaka Prefecture announces a request to refrain from going out on weekends
4/7 Government announces emergency situation
4/16 Government announces extension of emergency declaration, Osaka Prefecture becomes one of “13 special caution prefectures”
5/4 Government’s declaration of emergency is extends to May 31
5/5 Creates “Osaka model”, a basic concept of self-restraint request / cancellation and countermeasures based on Osaka Prefecture’s own standards

Osaka prefecture started the lock down on 4/7 after taking light measures like asking citizens to refrain from going out on the weekend. This was an attempt to control the cluster outbreaks of the virus coming from popular live house shows on the weekends. However as time went on the measures proved to be ineffective. As the curve decreased over the month of April, Osaka continues to be vigilant and asks citizens to continue practicing self restraint until further notice.

As we practice more self-restraint, can we be safe going to some salons in Osaka? Let’s see what measures are being taken by salons in the area.

unreve

A stunning, stylish salon boasting high level techniques, and a fashionable customer base. The following measures are taken.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-using air purifier and constant ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis
-providing customers with masks/encouraging customers to continue to use masks during service

Further measures include creating a more one of one style environment, to reduce contact with other people, as well as cutting business hours for the time being. It’s recommended to book in advance to make sure you aren’t inconvenienced by the coronavirus precautions.

HAIR DESIGN melo

This salons style likes to throw away complexity and find beauty in simplicity. Offering hairstyles that do this, H.D. melo’s customer base is always left satisfied. The following measures are being taken.

The Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-using air purifier and regular ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis
-one person reservation system

In addition, regular waiting area magazines or drinks have been suspended for the mean time, to reduce risk. Since this is normally a smaller salon, you can enjoy a more quiet and comfortable environment.

MOSAIQUE

MOSAIQUE has been pursuing beauty for more than 20 years in the New Osaka area. In addition to the wonderful skills here, this salon is popular due to it’s cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The following measures are being taken.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-using air purifier and opening the door regularly for more ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-space between seats, and a reduced number for slots throughout the day

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis

This salon has blocked every other seat off for more space, as well as to control the density of the salon at all times. Definitely book a reservation here since customer numbers are being controlled at the moment.

KUPU KUPU HAIR

This salon has a strong and loyal customer base. Located on the eastern side of Osaka, this total beauty salon also has opened nail services and has an easy to access parking lot for those looking to avoid public transportation. The following measures are being taken.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-using air purifier, regular complete ventilation, and a space sanitizer using weak acid hypochlorite
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis
-can provide masks for customers

Kyoto

The situation surrounding the new coronavirus in Kyoto City

4/7 The government announces an emergency situation, but Kyoto Prefecture is not designated
4/10 Due to the increase in the number of infected people, the prefecture requested the government to declare an emergency.
4/17 Emergency declaration expanded nationwide, and Kyoto Prefecture announced emergency measures based on the Act on Special Measures
5/4 Government’s declaration of emergency is extended to May 31

In Kyoto City, the mayor himself commented, “I want you not to come to Kyoto,” and the Yamakoko cruise of the Gion Festival has been cancelled . Commercial facilities such as AEON MALL, PORTA, and OPA also announced temporary closures around Kyoto Station and in downtown areas such as Karasuma and Kawaramachi, and I feel a quiet mood at the level of living.

As a result, the number of infected people in Kyoto Prefecture has fallen below 10 since late April. By the end of May, the self-restraint mood seems to continue, but the impression is that the beauty salon is taking measures accordingly. Let’s take a closer look below.

MAULOA

A trendy salon that follows recent styles and fashion trends well. Many people come here to stay up-to-date and get some professional hair care. The following measures are being taken.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-Using an air purifier, constant ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis
-conducting a unique questionnaire for customers regarding the coronavirus

MAULOA is a pretty large salon, however they’ve halved their seating capacity to make sure that customers not only feel more comfortable, but to reduce risk overall of viral particles spreading. This with reduced business hours is how MAULOA is trying to protect their customers.

Relico-nid

Relico-nid is a smaller more private salon with a clean atmosphere. The stylists have built trusting relationships with their customers. The following measures are being taken here.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-Regular ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis

Be fine becs

This salon continues to lead the industry in Kyoto. As a well known store, the image of Be fine becs is fashionable, trendy, yet comfortable. The following measures are being taken.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-Constant ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis.
-can provide masks if necessary

This salon is working to adapt to the times to continue to bring their customers quality service while keeping them safe from risks as well.

Sapporo Area

The Circumstances Surrounding the New Coronavirus in Sapporo

2/28 Hokkaido’s original emergency declaration releases
4/7 Although the government declares an emergency, Sapporo City is not included
4/12 Announcement of Hokkaido-Sapporo City Emergency Joint Declaration arises
4/16 Government’s emergency declaration spreads nationwide
5/4 Government’s declaration of emergency extends to May 31

In Sapporo city, there are such movements. As for the situation in the city, the self-restraint mode is suddenly increasing due to the closure of underground malls, PARCO, and ARIO specialty stores. However, I feel that Sapporo and Hokkaido, which always take the initiative in responding to national movements, are very advanced.

In the following, we will introduce the beauty salons in Sapporo that take measures against the new coronavirus.

Glad Room

With more loyal customers jumping on the wagon, Glad Room has become extremely popular in the Sapporo area. With wonderful counseling, as well as great cutting skills people are left loving their new haircuts after each appointment. The following measures are being taken here.

The Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing masks, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-using air purifier, regular ventilation/humidifier, low-concentration ozone generator
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions

For the Customers

-preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis.

Operating a lower density than normal, business hours have not changed. In addition to regular holidays, some extra days have been added to further reduce risk of infections. If you’re interested in coming here, try making a reservation!

SEAM

A popular salon that gives women that effortless style many search for. With wonderful techniques and a relaxing environment it’s no wonder why this salon has rose to the top. The following measures are being taken here.

Staff and Store

-Staff are always wearing mask, disinfecting/ gargling/ washing hands frequently
-Disinfecting surfaces, bathrooms, and danger areas like door knobs frequently
-regular ventilation
-strict logging of customers and staff’s temperatures
-Restriction on unnecessary meetings and work duties beyond basic functions
-changing business days and hours

For the Customer

–preparation of sanitizing tools and products/encouraging customer to disinfect as well and take measures themselves
-declining customers/changing reservations considering health and recent travels on a customer to customer basis
-encouraging customers to continue to use masks during service

As of right now the salon is working on installing a low-concentration ozone generator machine, and improving sterilization technology use throughout the store. Preparing for the long run to continue to keep customers safe is the top priority of SEAM at the moment.

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