Right, I know I’m not the only one desperate to get my hair done! One Leicester hairdresser is making sure her customers feel as good as they can whilst stuck at home by offering home root touch up kits delivered to your door.
We caught up with Jamie from the award-winning Meraki salon on Queens Road to find out more.
So Jamie, tell us a little about the root touch up kits you’ve launched…
Initially we tried to reassure clients they could last a few weeks longer than normal, but after the government made it clear we would be one of the last industries to reopen, our clients clearly started to worry. We have been inundated with messages, calls and requests for help to get clients over then next few weeks! As professionals we can’t recommend box-dying and root sprays will work for a while. So to help our clients we’ve decided to supply professional, premixed and bespoke colour kits that includes everything needed to see them through until we can open again. It’s amazing to see the change with businesses going online, and Maraki has joined the revolution. Our clients have been ordering on-line and we’re making local deliveries because we thought, why not take the colour to them?
All kits are packed in a paper bag and delivered to the doorstep, following social distancing rules of course.
Have you started to think about measures you can put in place for when the lockdown lifts?
It’s been top of my priority list as a salon owner. I want to ensure the safety of all my staff and it’s clients. As stylists PPE is already part of our daily routine so it will just be used more often and refreshed after every client.
Our waiting area will be removed and replaced with individual coat racks for each Client to hang their own coat, where they will find a sanitation station to clean hands and phones before being taken over to the section.
We are lucky enough to have the space to social distance between clients but just to be safe We will have dividers between the sections and backwashes for extra protection. There will be 15 mins after every appointment to clean down and sanitise everything.
The number of people in the salon at a time will be limited and all payments will be by card and contactless where possible. Our card machine is completely flat so can easily be wiped with alcohol after every use.
The staff now have uniforms that they will put on when they arrive and take off before they leave and face coverings are in winging there way to us right now.
I truely believe we can operate as a salon and keep everyone as safe as possible.
Is the colour ordering for previous Meraki customers only?
Yes. All our clients are required to have a skin test prior to any colouring service. We also have their bespoke colour notes on file. As much as I’d love to offer it to everyone I don’t feel it’s possible.
Do you have any tips for looking after your hair at home?
The easiest way to look after your hair is simple. Use less heat. Invest in a salon quality shampoo, conditioner and mask. Olaplex is also one of our favourites as it really repairs the hair from the inside. If anyone has any questions they can DM us on Facebook or our Instagram and we would be happy to help.
How do at home hair dyes compare to in the salon?
At home colours are not consistent. Every head of hair is different and requires different depth, pigment, peroxide etc. I appreciate they may work for some but as a professional I always advise against them. If it was to go wrong it can leave you looking and feeling worse than before and cost more time and money to correct. the other major factor for me is that most people wont buy an extra box to perform a skin test 48 hours before. As an example, my best friend has a huge reaction to colour and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, it can be life threatening in some cases and it’s really not worth the risk.
What are you most missing about being at work?
I miss the banter with the team! But above all else I really miss making others feel confident and amazing. Hair can do that, it’s obvious through the calls and messages how much it’s getting people down. I can’t wait to make a client feel happy.
Meraki is located on Queens Road and you can find out more via their website or find them on Facebook and Instagram.