In short? No, you don’t need a liability waiver to open your salon. But, many salons and barbershops are using COVID-19 waivers and client screenings to protect their business during this time. Whether you want to cover your legal bases or reassure your clients of your added safety precautions, explore the pros and cons of implementing a liability waiver in your salon.

What is a Liability Waiver?

A waiver is effectively a legal document that acknowledges the risks of visiting a salon. Depending on your state, a waiver can prevent your business from being held accountable if a client or employee contracts coronavirus in your space. However, in order for a waiver to hold legal weight, it must be carefully drafted with state-specific language and consulted by a legal professional.

How to Craft a Liability Waiver

The best way to build a liability waiver is to consult with an attorney. While standard consent forms can be found and customized online, legal language and regulations will vary from state to state — meaning they’re best handled by a legal professional.

The Pros & Cons

A liability waiver can help highlight the safety efforts you have in place and clearly communicate those precautions to clients. This can help build trust and reinforce your safety measures. Above all, a waiver can limit or prevent legal liability if a client gets sick after visiting your salon. However, requiring clients to sign a liability waiver could make them anxious about safety risks and encourage them to stay home or seek out other salons.

Try a Questionnaire Instead

If you’re worried about concerning clients with a legal form, start with a questionnaire instead. This questionnaire can be built online using tools like Google Forms or a plug-in on your professional website. Ask your clients if they have experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 or have come into contact with someone with symptoms. A questionnaire can help give you and your clients peace of mind without any legal obligations. If you choose to add any legal language to a questionnaire, be sure to consult with a legal professional or an attorney.

Use Salon Signage

Another great way to make your clients and fellow stylists feel at ease is by using salon signage. Use mirror hangers to show clients the steps you’re taking to keep them safe. Print and hang signs around your space to show your clients and other stylists that you’re promoting a safe space. For step by step guidance on how to keep your space ultra-clean between appointments, explore our Deep Clean Checklist.

At the end of the day, keeping you and your clients protected comes down to minimizing risk. Stay up to date on your state’s suggested safety orders and reduce the amount of unnecessary contact in your salon. Explore six ways to minimize face-to-face time in your salon today.

Note: Always consult with your state Board of Cosmetology or a legal professional for actionable legal advice.