By Emily Leinfuss

Coral Pleas’ #1 priority while carefully planning Cutting Loose Salon’s re-opening was (and is) the safety of her clients’ and employees’ health. “As the owner I needed to do everything I could to safeguard each person who enters my salons.” So she planned everything down to the letter such as:

• Stylist stations were distanced to create plenty of room between and around them at both salon locations. 
• Employees were divided into A and B teams to work three 11-hour days so there’s only half the number of staff as before, in each salon, at any time. 
• A greeting station was created to take the temperature and screen every client who enters. 

Of course, cleaning and disinfecting is a huge priority. Stylists and staff (about 70 people at two locations) were carefully trained to properly treat and upkeep their workplaces according to CDC guidance. And, after some of the standard salon disinfecting supplies became hard to get a hold of, Coral found a company that provides hospital-level cleaning products. 

Another shift resulted from enforcing the rule of no more than 10 people per 500 square feet. Stylists used to see multiple people concurrently and have assistants to help keep things rolling. Now they attend to one guest at a time, doing most of the services themselves.

This has changed the salon experience socially and practically. “It took some getting used to. Being really busy was the only way I knew how to work. We’ve had to slow down and enjoy the process.” 

All these new rules and protocols – social distancing, wearing masks, CDC-based screening, cleaning and sterilizing stations and equipment after every client and more – all are in gear. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be further adjustments. 

“The situation changes all the time and I keep up with all the news,” said Coral. “At the end of the day you want to be able to say to yourself, ‘I did everything I could for my employees, my staff and my business.’”

Cutting Loose has two locations for your convenience – at University Park at The Square at UTC and in Lakewood Ranch at River Club Plaza. To learn more visit CuttingLoose.net

To make an appointment use the Cutting Loose app for iPhone or Android: or call or text us at 941-358-6000 for the University Park salon and 941-404-7100 for the Lakewood Ranch location.