Like many services, Calgary’s beauty businesses were hit hard by the social distancing measures put in place due to COVID-19. Now, as Calgary begins the first phase of easing restrictions, many businesses are slowly reopening while still offering additional services and products.
If you’ve been anxiously waiting to get your hair cut, some Calgary salons have reopened with increased safety measures. But you can also still support local salons and beauty businesses even if you’re not ready to sit in a salon just yet. Check with a business you love to find out how to buy a gift card for later or take a browse at Go Pamper, a new directory for Canadian beauty businesses. There are also a number of businesses offering pickup and delivery for beauty products right now — read on for more information on that.
Please note that this list may change as Calgary’s COVID-19 situation evolves. We will do our best to keep the story as up-to-date as possible and will continue to add to it. For the latest information on whether a business is now open, doing product pickup/delivery or offering other services, please contact the business directly.
Bombay Beauty Loft
Bombay Beauty Loft and its hair concept Base Colour Company (which reopened on May 25) have special kits available to keep you feeling refreshed and looking your best during the pandemic. They’re currently offering curbside pickup and contactless delivery of “self-care peel kits” ($20 for one or $35 two) and custom colour kits ($45, contact them for customization). Clients can also request retail products or gift cards via direct message on Instagram or by email at info@bombaybeautyloft.ca. All payments are made via Interac e-Transfer.
2001 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-264-6262, bombaybeautyloft.ca
Distilled Beauty Bar & Social House
Distilled Beauty Bar & Social House reopened for hair appointments on May 25, and is following all safety guidelines provided by the provincial government. You can book an appointment online. The onsite café is also open for takeout only, or you can order in its goods via DoorDash. If you’re looking for retail products or gift cards, Distilled has set up an online store where you can purchase goods for curbside pickup or have them shipped to you.
2408 34 Ave. S.W., 403-685-0119, distilledbeautybar.com
District Studios
This beauty collective in Hillhurst is home to several businesses that normally offer services for hair, lashes, waxing and more. Four of the studio’s members are currently open, while others will follow once phase two of Alberta’s reopening plan begins. In addition to offering free contactless skin analyses and a “quarantine and chill kit” online, District has made it easy to buy gift cards and products from its members. For more information on a specific business at District, contact them directly.
300, 1918 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-999-5728, districtstudiosyyc.com
Diva Salonspa
All Diva Salonspa locations are now open for hair service and retail sales only. Spa and esthetic services will be introduced once Alberta reaches phase two of its reopening plan. Read Diva’s new procedures and policies or buy a gift card on its website, or call 403-590-9000 to book an appointment.
Seven Calgary locations, 403-590-9000, divasalonspa.com
Esmé Beauty
Esmé is offering gift cards, DIY pedicure kits, its own brand of hand sanitizer, shellac removal kits and a weekly floral arrangement through its new online store. You can pickup your order at either location or get delivery for an extra $10. Esmé’s beauty parlours on 17th Ave. S.W. and in Ramsay are both currently closed but Salon Bowie inside the Ramsay location is open for hair appointments.
825 17th Ave. S.W. and 9, 1020 11 St. S.E., 403-826-5353, esmebeautiful.com
Hedkandi Salon
All three Hedkandi Salon locations reopen for hair appointments starting on June 1. Nurses and frontline workers can sign up to be on a priority appointment list and get a special online promo code. Gift cards are still available for purchase online and in-salon gift cards purchased by May 31 come with a bonus card. You can also purchase products ranging from shampoo to at-home manicure kits online (the Calgary Food Bank gets 10 per cent of the sale profits).
Three locations, hedkandisalon.com
Johnny’s Barber + Shop
This barbershop reopens for hair appointments starting on June 1. Until then, consider buying a gift card online — in-salon gift cards purchased by May 31 come with a bonus card. You can also purchase the barbershop’s products online (the Calgary Food Bank gets 10 per cent of the sale profits).
709 11 Ave. S.W., 403-671-2016; Henry Singer, 545 8 Ave. S.W., 403-452-3917, johnnysbarberandshop.com
Notorious Hair Group
Notorious reopened on May 25 with a bang — the company auctioned off its first appointments in support of Pediatric Psychosocial Oncology and Survivorship at the Cumming School of Medicine. The Inglewood business is now open for cuts, colours and retail sales. Appointment requests are made online.
Unit A, 1335 9 Ave. S.E., 403-456-4441, notorioushair.ca
RedBloom Salon
RedBloom’s four Calgary locations reopen on May 27 for hair appointments and will feature new safety measures. Gift cards are also available online and products are available for curbside pickup at the Bridgeland location.
Four locations, redbloom.ca
SwizzleSticks SalonSpa
This Kensington salon is now open for hair services, with spa treatments currently on hold until later on in accordance with Alberta’s reopening plan. The salon is still offering curbside pickup for various products. Gift cards are available for purchase online and can be used for hair appointments, retail items and (eventually) spa services.
1211 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-270-7333, swizzlesticks.com