Since the COVID-19 wreaked havoc into our lives months ago, a lot of businesses have to adjust to the so-called “new normal”. Some are able to survive the pandemic and are able to reopen but with certain restrictions like physical distancing and wearing masks. One of the most hardly-hit businesses is hair salons.

Fortunately, there are hair straightening salons and hair salons specializing in color that have reopened in many parts of the world. The same also goes to other types of businesses like food establishments and some malls. Meanwhile, a lot of people turned to online stores to buy their necessities.

The thriving world of online shopping

COVID-19 has made our lives a little more challenging than before. Back then, we can to the mall just because. Or have a Brazilian keratin straightening treatment at your favorite salon. However, we cannot do this too easily unless we follow certain health and safety protocols.

Enter online shopping. It has been around for many years now and has indeed made shopping a lot easier for customers. But because of the ongoing pandemic, online businesses and stores thrived a lot these past few months. Studies have shown that at least 30 percent opt to stay at home due to the pandemic.

Both big and small-time businesses shifted to online operations. That way, they will be able to cope up with their target customers’ demands and purchase behavior. Among industries that saw growth in the e-commerce platforms include:

• Food and beverage
• Health and beauty (including face masks and hygiene products)
• Entertainment (Toys and games)
• Home improvement/hardware/home décor
• Pet supplies

Buying beauty products online

One of the most in-demand products bought and sold online are health and beauty products. A lot of people were mostly stuck at home, so why not make the most of it? Your favorite Brazilian keratin salon may not be open during the quarantine period. But this doesn’t mean you should ignore your hair and skincare needs.

That is why online stores seem to be a heaven-sent these days. Imagine buying all of your beauty needs without going outside of your house. Instead of having a keratin treatment by a hairstylist in a salon, you can do your hair care routine in the comfort of your home.

What to consider when buying hair products online

However, you should also be wary of what you buy online. Unfortunately, counterfeit products and fraudulent transactions are rampant in online businesses. Of course, you won’t let that happen to you.

That is why you should do your research when buying any stuff online. Some things you need to consider when buying quality hair products online include:

• Does it suit your budget?
• Does it have a return policy/refund in case of product defects and the like?
• Does the brand offer other product lines that cater to different hair care needs? (ex. hair color, human hair extensions, keratin treatments, etc.)
• Are the products made from natural ingredients, or at least the ingredients can be easily seen in the packaging/description?

Buying online or in-store?

We will continue seeing the unstoppable growth of e-commerce in the next coming months. Even if the virus does slow down soon, online stores will continue to thrive mostly due to the convenience and practicality.

However, a lot of people may have apprehensions when it comes to buying stuff online. Since the COVID-19 virus is still around the corner, online stores will surely help a lot with buying your necessities. However, there are also customers who prefer to see the actual product first before buying it.

Here are some things you need to consider if you decide to buy beauty products online or in-person.

In-person:

• You are able to experience and compare the product before buying it.
• There is no shipping fee, which adds to your expense.
• There is also no waiting period. Instead, you can buy it immediately if you want.
• You can also check the expiration date immediately.

Online:

• So many choices, too!
• There are also hidden “gems” (ex. brands that are not usually available in brick-and-mortar stores) that you can find in many online stores.
• A lot of products sold online are sold with discounts/on sale.
• It is convenient to buy stuff online – no need to expose yourself outdoors and risk having the dreaded virus.

Choosing whether buying online or in-store depends on your lifestyle and current situation. For your hair care needs, there is some keratin treatment salon in Rockville MD that are already open. It’s up to you whether to buy online or avail hair products and services in person. Make sure to do necessary measures to keep yourself safe from the virus.