The festive season can be both an exciting and challenging time for hairdressers. As clients line up for their holiday hair makeovers, it’s crucial to be well-prepared to ensure everything runs smoothly. To help you stay ahead of the rush, here are 5 tips on planning for the festive season. These essentials will help you keep your salon organised, your team focused, and your clients happy.
1. Staffing and Scheduling
The festive period can be a whirlwind, and having your staffing plan sorted is critical to keeping your salon running efficiently. Confirm your team’s availability as early as possible to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours. It might also be worth considering temporary staff or extended hours to meet the increased demand. Make sure everyone is informed about their roles and responsibilities and schedule a team meeting to align on salon targets and services to be promoted. Proper staffing will make sure you don’t burn out your regular team and that every client gets the attention they deserve.
2. Business Closures and Communication
Decide in advance if your salon will be closing for any days over the holiday period. Whether it’s for Christmas Day, New Year’s, or an extended break, communicating your salon’s holiday hours is essential for both staff and clients. Update your operating hours on all platforms, including Google My Business, social media, and your website. This will ensure there’s no confusion, and clients can plan their appointments accordingly. Also, add holiday hours to your appointment reminders and email footers for clear communication.
3. Marketing and Promotions
The festive season is a perfect opportunity to create special promotions and boost your salon’s visibility. Consider offering holiday-themed packages like “Festive Hair Transformation,” and don’t forget about promoting your gift vouchers, they make excellent last-minute presents for clients’ loved ones and can help bring in new customers.
4. Social Media Magic
Social media is your best friend during the holiday season. Plan a festive social media content calendar to showcase in-salon activities, transformations, and gift ideas. Engaging content like styling tips for holiday parties, client testimonials, or fun behind-the-scenes moments can create a buzz around your salon. Don’t forget to include clear calls to action to encourage bookings, and make sure your posts are festive, consistent, and visually appealing.
5. Retail, Gift Packs, and Styling Tools
Stocking up on retail products and creating gift packs is key to maximising profits during the festive season. Offer festive gift packs that include popular products like shampoo, conditioner, and styling tools as ideal presents for clients looking for last-minute gifts. Create an eye-catching display in your salon to draw attention to these items and ensure they’re easy to purchase. You could also include affordable gift ideas like hair accessories, silk pillowcases, eye masks, hair jewellery, or candles. This gives clients more variety at different price points, catering to a wider audience. Limited-time discounts on styling tools, gift sets, or product bundles can encourage sales and help clear out old stock.
Download Your Pre-Christmas Checklist Now!
These five essentials will help you stay prepared and make the most of the festive season. To further ensure your salon is ready, download the Your Coach Christmas Kit. It’s packed with everything you need to keep your salon running smoothly and your clients feeling the festive cheer. Download the checklist here.
The Benefits of Joining the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC)
If you’re looking for support beyond the festive season, consider joining the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC). AHC membership provides access to industry-specific business resources and a supportive community of professionals committed to raising industry standards. Whether it’s business advocacy, staying ahead of industry trends, or networking with likeminded salon owners, AHC membership is your key to ongoing growth and success in the hairdressing and barber industry.