Creative HEAD UK July 2020

TO PROTECT
AND SERVE
GATSBY & MILLER HAS BEEN REDESIGNED TO BE COVID-19
SAFE. FOUNDER JOHN ROADS TALKS US THROUGH THE
CHANGES HE HAS MADE TO THE SALON EXPERIENCE
L’Oréal Professionnel salon partner Gatsby & Miller in Amersham
shared its new-look space with The Daily Telegraph, illustrating
how lots of UK salons were preparing for life post-lockdown,
even if at the time no government guidelines had been shared.
With protective screens at reception and the backwash, and
stylists wearing PPE, this was a detailed look at the client
journey through the salon. Founder John Roads has a
background in risk assessment and health and safety, so
perhaps was a step ahead in pre-planning while waiting for
government guidelines to be issued. But he also worked with
L’Oréal Professional Product Division’s Back-to-Business support
guide as well as keeping a close eye on salons reopening across
Europe. It’s not been easy – the price of gloves has risen and
protective screen prices tripled between enuiry and fitting
such is demand. He stresses that these are all precautionary
measures taken following a diligent risk assessment. From
a health questionnaire and hand sanitiser at the entrance to
consultations via the mirror and a client PPE pack, there are
control measures in place to minimise risk throughout. So what
about clients feeling like their appointment is a treat, a luxurious
experience? “It’s the biggest single challenge for the industry,”
he admits. “It’s about rebuilding trust and a sense of balance
between an experience and a safe environment.”
CREATIVE HEAD 47