Whether it’s allergy or flu season, we’re all susceptible to illness — and in these unprecedented times, it's more likely than ever. But odds are as a lash artist, you are your business. So how should we deal with our clientele when sick, all while taking care of ourselves so we get back to full health?
Keep reading for our tips!
Communicating with Your Clients
Be honest with your client.
Let the client know you have ~a tickle in your throat~. Being upfront and honest is always the best policy — but you don’t necessarily want to scare your clients, particularly first-timers, away. Gently let them know that you aren't feeling well, but that you're taking the best possible care of yourself and will be feeling better soon (if you know this to be true). Be clear what your symptoms are if the client asks for clarification; these days, you can't blame clients for wanting to make judgment calls on whether to get tested for COVID if they've come into contact with you in the last 7-10 days, even if you know that you do not have COVID.
Offer makeup appointments for a couple of days in advance, if you can. Reassure your client that you are adhering to the strictest sanitation protocols for tweezers, tools, massage beds, and bathrooms in your studio.
Wear a mask and self-medicate.
If you absolutely must service a client, your best bet is to wear a mask and self-medicate so your symptoms are imperceptible to both yourself and the client — and so that the client is as protected as possible. (Nowadays, you should be wearing a mask with carbon filters in the studio when clients are around whether or not you're feeling sick!) If you have something relatively manageable, like seasonal allergies or a cold, keep a large mug of hot tea, Kleenexes and cough drops within reach while lashing.
Delay your appointments by a few hours.
It's totally understandable if you're hesitant to straight-up cancel your appointments or reschedule them for a different day — nobody wants to risk a client changing their mind and going somewhere else.
One compromise might be to ask your clients if they would be willing to come at a different time the same day. If you know you'll need the early morning to rest up and gather your energy, ask your morning clients if they wouldn't mind coming in in the late morning or afternoon.
On the flip side, if you know your body will start powering down in the evening and you would rather work during daylight hours, ask your evening or late afternoon clients if they might be able to come in earlier.
If you start to notice symptoms of illness the night before a fully booked day, make rest and hydration a priority and try to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep. If you have any breaks between clients, maximize that downtime to take a nap or eat.
Stay Warm.
We know your lash studio needs to stay temperature- and humidity-controlled in order to maximize lash extension retention and keep your adhesives curing juuust right. However, that doesn't mean youcan't warm up. Layering your usual lash studio clothes with a cozy hoodie or sweatshirt or keeping your head and ears warm with a well-knit beanie will help boost your immune system's fighting power against viruses and bacteria.
Preemptive Measures
- Wash your hands often.
- Look out for sick people around you.
- Have a mask-on policy at all times. Put your foot down if clients complain — your health, and that of your other clients, is at stake!
- Be aware of any early signs of sickness you experience.
- Take vitamins daily to boost and protect your immune system.
- Be sure to get enough sleep each night.
If you do notice early symptoms of getting sick, don’t worry — you can still fight off a full-blown illness!
If you catch yourself on the brink of a sore throat or stuffy nose, it is time to load up on vitamin C. The antioxidants give your immune system much needed fighting power. Plus, it can help stop you from developing additional symptoms if you remain vigilant.
Practice Self-Care for Long-Term Prevention
It's impossible to avoid getting sick for the rest of your life, and particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, every single person should prepare for the very real possibility that their body may succumb to an illness at any time. One of the best ways to delay that day as long as possible, however, is to practice intentional, preventative self-care. Making time for yourself every day — your hobbies, your friends and family, to read good books and cook yourself nutritious meals — is one of the best ways to keep your immune system healthy and strong in the longer term, and your income stream flowing!
Try to Take a Day Off So You Can Rest
Staying home to take care of yourself is grossly underrated these days. You can’t hustle non-stop; your body can’t handle it. No one’s can!
Your body does most of its recovery while you sleep, so it’s important that you rest up and maintain a healthy sleeping routine. (Finally a reason to stay in bed all day!)
Hydrate aggressively
Drink more water than you think you need. It’ll help flush out all the toxins in your body. Keep a temperature-controlled portable tumbler or water bottle near your lash station, and take a few sips every 5-10 minutes.
Drink herbal tea. It’s yummy and provides your body with antioxidants and natural remedies.
Feed Your Sickness!
You need to eat so your body has the sustenance and energy necessary to heal! Be sure to eat the right kinds of food, not just anything. Foods heavy in protein, vitamin C, and omega 3 will provide your body with the caloric energy necessary to get better quickly.
These tips can help you either prevent illness or significantly decrease the time you spend sick. Just remember for next time that a little self care can go a long way. You (and your clients) are totally worth it!
Ultimately, your business can’t function properly if you’re not in top shape, so take the time to stay rested and well fed, so you won’t have to deal with illness at all.