Mobile app based home beauty service providers start operations against COVID orders, Tricity Salon & Spa Association demands action

A Gurugram salon operating with all standard 

operating protocol measures (file photo)

Chandigarh: The Tricity Salon and Spa Association, which has as its members 500 salons and spas spread across tricity, is up in arms against mobile app based home salon service providers starting operations, after some lock-down restrictions were lifted. The association has also opened a front against individual hair stylists who are advertising their ‘at home services’ in social media groups. The association is also worried about major financial losses of salon, spa and beauty industry which employs about 10000 professionals.

Guneet Swani, Founder of Stylush Salon and Academy and a member of the association’s core committee says, “We have information that freelancers associated with ‘beauty services at home apps’ have started operations. Moreover, there are many individual industry professionals who are posting their ‘home hair cut and other salon services’ regularly on social media groups. These are clear violations of government orders of shutting of salon and spa services in tricity. These unlawful operations might spread COVID 19 due to the unregulated movement of freelancers. They will not only put the client at risk but will also increase chances of spreading the virus among the household’s high risk members – the less than 10 year olds and senior citizens over 65 years”

Veer Kaul, another core committee member & MD of Headmasters Salon says, “The association through its 10 core committee members has taken up the matter of business losses and violation of orders by mobile app home beauty service providers with the different administrations of tricity, by writing to Advisor to Administrator, Chandigarh (UT), DC Chandigarh, DC Panchkula and DC Mohali. The missive has also been sent out to all MPs’ of tricity.”

Virender Bhandari, Owner of Naomis Headmasters and a core committee member informs, “It is noteworthy that guidelines related to the industry, in the post COVID scenario, have been prepared by Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council (B & WSSC). B & WSSC is promoted by National Skill Development Council (NSDC) under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.”

Naunihal Singh, Owner of Strands Salon and a core committee member adds, “The Tricity Salon and Spa Association has geared up all its member salons & spas and trained them online about the B & WSSC guidelines. We were always at the forefront of adopting cleanliness and sterilization protocols even before COVID 19 struck. However, this will be done now with renewed vigor with adoption of a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP).” Amit Sood from Jawed Habib, Panchkula another core committee member adds, “The SOP will include use of proper sterilized equipment, PPE, masks, disposable items, gloves, disinfected hygienic interiors and exteriors, strict social distancing norms etc.”

Nidhi from Boho Salon and a core committee member opines, “With these measures in place the Salon and Spa industry is ready to start operations the moment it gets a go ahead from government.”

Another core committee member Rashmeet Kapoor who is Partner at Hairmasters says, “Operations of home service providers like Urban Clap,MyGlamm etc  need to end forthwith as these also amount to an unfair trade practice. While on one hand major salons and spas are closed such mobile beauty services are being provided. This will impact on business of salons and Spas when they reopen.”

Rachit Malhotra, who owns Femina Plus and is a core committee member says, “We are threatened due to no business cash flows for last two months, we are saddled with fixed business costs like rent etc. We therefore request help from government.”

Amar, Director, Ananaya’s Beauty Studio and Spa and a core committee member says, “We seek a waiver of rentals from landlords for two months at least or in the worst case deferment of rent arrears for one year to help us recover financially.”

Another core committee member Arsh form Aura Thai Spa sums up, “The Spa industry in particular is facing financial issues and also a problem with app based home spa service providers, with no standardization. It’s very risky as you are getting people to your bedroom from wherever and whoever they have been to.”