5 Tips to Set Yourself Up for Stylist Salon Success this Holiday Season

September 2023

The holidays are the busiest time of year as a hairstylist in the beauty industry. The phones are ringing, clients want to get in before the holidays, and you’re coming in early or staying late while also navigating those last-minute cancellations.

This time of year can feel overwhelming and exhausting for you. You work so hard to accommodate client requests and it leaves you on your feet for hours, skipping meals, and overconsuming caffeine. While you might be making more income during this time, you are doing it from a place that could leave you drained or worn out with nothing left to give your family, friends, or even yourself.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way.

If you plan ahead and commit to setting some boundaries, this could be the best holiday season you’ve ever had as a stylist. Here are 5 tips to set you up for success this holiday season:

Tip #1: Elevate Your Guest Experience this Holiday Season

How can you create unforgettable moments for your clients during this holiday season? Put yourself in your guests’ shoes and imagine the overall reaction when each visit is something meaningful, has a fun surprise, and is a token of appreciation for their loyalty. Here are a few suggestions on ideas to implement in the months leading up to and during the Holidays.

Picture this: October opens with an opportunity to give back. Among other things, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so one option to consider would be giving both yourself and your clients the opportunity to give back by sharing the work of the Rapunzel Project: A non-profit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients keep their hair while undergoing chemotherapy. Providing your guests with this knowledge could potentially change someone’s life for the better during a very difficult time. Take it one step further by putting pink tinsel in guests’ hair when they make a contribution to the organization.

As November arrives, the air spices up with seasonal magic. Treat your clients to the irresistible aroma of autumn apple candles or Pumpkin Spice cookies or coffee. You could pair this with a complimentary Rapid Hydration Mask to rehydrate the hair during dryer air or for post-summer recovery, offering a luxurious scalp massage and hot towel treatment. Then, we highly recommend pre-booking this service for their next visit. This not only improves their guest experience but increases your bottom line. November reminds us to give thanks, and showing gratitude through even the smallest of gestures can make a big impact on your guests during their retreat at the salon.

December is a continuation of gratitude and giving back. Wrap up their year with a thoughtful gesture – a small but purposeful gift. Consider mini gift bags filled with travel-size care or styling products to support their holiday events. Even a small hand-written card to show your appreciation is a way to elevate the guest experience while letting your guest know how much they are appreciated.

Tip #2: Prioritize Time Management During the Holiday Rush

Navigating the bustling holiday season requires a strategic approach to time management. Safeguarding your schedule is essential to prevent exhaustion and ensure you have ample moments to savor the festive season with loved ones.

Establish clear boundaries around your schedule—avoid arriving early or staying late to accommodate requests. This practice benefits not only you but also enhances the guest experience because it allows your social battery to remain consistent with each appointment, and you are not left in the red because of overexertion.

Encourage clients to book appointments in advance, and consider extending each appointment by an extra 10-15 minutes. This buffer allows ample time for any special services you may offer or choose to add-on after the consultation. Remember, the responsibility of upholding your boundaries lies solely with you. Let this commitment empower both your business and the services you provide.

Tip #3: Build a Cancellation List

Once you solidify your schedule and establish clear boundaries, it's time to commit to your cancellation list. Given the heightened demand during this time, it’s imperative to start a cancellation list for guests who seek appointments when your schedule is already full.

By proactively preparing for unforeseen changes, you're creating another layer of protection for your income while ensuring you can accommodate as many clients as possible without compromising your well-being or personal holiday experiences.

Tip #4: Invite Your Guests into a Retail Shopping Experience

Rev up your sales by hosting an enticing retail sale – think "Buy 2, Get 1 Free" – an easy ‘yes’ that clients can look forward to year after year. This is perfect for those last-minute shoppers or guests who want to treat themselves and try something new.

For an added touch of holiday goodness, consider leveraging Kenra Professional's prepacked holiday gift sets available during the holidays. Elevate the experience by pairing each bundle with festive-themed gift bags, setting you apart from other retail options.

If you are struggling with recommending, promoting, or carrying retail, we have you covered. Mandy Zehnder, Business Coach for independent hairstylists, invites you to join a free, dynamic retail challenge, designed to supercharge stylist income like never before. Become the sole resource where your guests go to maintain and care for their hair year-round using trusted products that you know and love.

Tip #5: Optimize Profit and Elevate Client Service with Time-Efficient Techniques

Unleash the power of time-saving services and techniques to amplify your profits and exceed your guests’ expectations. Some of our favorites are:

Simply Blonde Base Breakers - providing 1 level of lift in just 5 minutes
Studio Stylist Express – delivering permanent color results and coverage in just 10 min.
Rapid Toners - designed to process and tone in 5 minutes or less

These are all solutions that can refresh a balayage, provide a quick gray coverage, or enhance services that were initially a haircut only-- all in under 10 minutes.

Imagine these scenarios: a last-minute scheduler, a lunch-break appointment seeker, or someone in need of a quick balayage fix. These time-efficient techniques cater to multiple guest needs, granting you the ability to offer fast, yet high-quality services, which will ultimately boost your profitability.

Adopt these innovations into your routine and redefine how you serve clients, all while maximizing your earnings. For more information and free education on Express Salon Services, be sure to sign up for a virtual class that fits your schedule. It's time to leverage the tools you have for client satisfaction, increased creativity, and financial success.

Wishing you and yours a prosperous and joyful holiday season and all-year round!