‘We’ll do what we have to do to survive’: Nail salons reopen following COVID-19 shutdown
Being asked to pick a color at the nail salon will bring many joy on Monday, but for one Murrells Inlet business owner, it means surviving.
With a slew of restrictions lifted in recent weeks statewide to boost the economy, along with allowing restaurants and retail establishments to reopen at a limited capacity, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster permitted close-contact businesses, such as spas, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo parlors and gyms, to officially reopen on Monday following a near two-month shutdown caused by the coronavirus.
Despite working with a smaller staff and limiting the amount of clients allowed in the salon per visit, Four Seasons Nail & Spa owner Tony Tran is happy to be open again and service his loyal clientele. In preparing to reopen, Tran put several safety measures in place, including enhancing sanitary protocols and installing plexiglass partitions between nail technicians and clients.
With eight pedicure stations, only two will be used, with at least eight feet kept between clients, and shields erected between chairs to provide added privacy and safety. Tran said only three customers are allowed in the salon at a time and by appointment only.
Clients, along with staff, are required to wear face masks at all times, he said, with masks provided to those who don’t have one.
Furthermore, clients will no longer pick a polish from the color wall themselves as they walk in, Tran said. A polish pamphlet will be provided upon seating with the nail technician obtaining the desired color. Hand sanitizer is also provided at the main entrance of the Murrells Inlet salon, with all services still provided.
While Tran has accepted business will be different for some time and revenue may not be the same, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to stay open.
“I’m so happy to be back because we’ve been in business for so long and I work every single day and staying home for me wasn’t easy,” Tran said. “I love to work, and I love to talk to my clients. I need to see them. We’ll do what we have to do to survive.”
With appointments booked through Saturday afternoon, Myrtle Beach resident Pam Amberg was the salon’s first appointment Monday morning. When restrictions lifted, Amberg said she called the salon right away to get her pedicure scheduled. Amberg said she was visiting the salon every three weeks prior to the mandated closure.
After nearly nine weeks without being pampered, Amberg said it felt so wonderful to be back in the salon, even if it means wearing a face mask and shielding herself from others. She also praised Tran for ensuring the safety of his clients and providing a comfortable environment to escape the COVID-19 pandemic for a few hours.
“I think they’ve really done a good thing here,” Amber said. “This is going to be the new way of living, and we’re just going to have to get used to it.”
