The holiday season is one of the busiest—and most profitable—times of the year for salons. With clients eager to look their best for festive gatherings, gift-giving opportunities, and year-end celebrations, it’s the perfect time for salons to maximize their revenue. But how do you ensure you’re fully capitalizing on this busy period? Here are proven tactics to help your salon sleigh the season and boost revenue.
Offer Special Holiday Promotions and Packages
Holiday promotions are a tried-and-true way to attract more clients during the festive season. Offer seasonal packages that bundle services together, such as a “Holiday Glam Package” that includes a blowout, hair treatment, and style for one set price. You can also create a series of “Festive Color” packages, offering clients a special rate on color treatments designed to enhance their holiday looks, like rich brunettes or vibrant reds.
Another idea is to offer a discount for clients who book multiple services in one visit or purchase gift cards. For instance, offer “Buy $100, Get $20 Free” gift cards to encourage repeat business. Make sure to promote these offers both in-salon and on your social media channels to drive interest.
Emphasize Gift Card Sales
Gift cards are a top revenue generator during the holidays. They make the perfect last-minute gift and appeal to everyone from loyal clients to new customers looking for a thoughtful present. Make them irresistible by bundling them with a small bonus, such as a free conditioning treatment or a discount retail purchases.
Create attractive displays near the reception area and make it easy for clients to purchase gift cards online. You can also offer digital gift cards to accommodate those shopping from home. Promote these on your website, social media, and email newsletters with messages like, “Give the Gift of Gorgeous Hair This Holiday.”
Retail the Right Products
Holiday shopping doesn’t stop at gift cards—many clients are on the hunt for luxurious, high-quality beauty products to give as gifts. This is your time to highlight retail products and create irresistible holiday displays. Bundle your top-selling products into “Holiday Hair Kits” that are perfect for gifting.
Curate selections that promote healthy hair during the winter months—think hydrating masks, serums, or styling products that offer protection against the cold, dry air. Offering limited-edition holiday sets can also drive more sales, as clients will feel the urgency to grab these exclusive items while they’re still available.
Elevate the Client Experience
The holiday season is all about creating memorable experiences, and the same should go for your salon. Elevating your client experience can encourage repeat visits and increase word-of-mouth referrals. Consider offering complimentary add-ons, such as a festive head massage, a nourishing scalp treatment, or even a glass of sparkling wine during the appointment. These little touches make clients feel pampered and valued, making them more likely to return—and splurge on additional services.
Don’t forget to create a welcoming, festive atmosphere in your salon by decorating for the holidays, playing seasonal music, and offering small perks like holiday-themed snacks or treats.
Promote Pre-Booking for the New Year
While the holiday season is the focus, don’t lose sight of the months ahead. As clients book their December appointments, encourage them to pre-book services for January and February. Offer a small discount or incentive, like a free deep conditioning treatment, for anyone who schedules their next appointment before they leave the salon.
Pre-booking helps fill your schedule during slower months and ensures clients continue their hair care routine into the new year. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce new services or products that you’ll be offering in the coming months.
Leverage Social Media and Email Marketing
The holidays are a perfect time to step up your digital marketing game. Use your social media platforms to showcase holiday looks, special promotions, and behind-the-scenes salon moments. A simple before-and-after post of a holiday hairstyle, paired with a call-to-action to book, can drive traffic to your salon. Don’t forget to use festive hashtags to increase visibility.
Similarly, email marketing is a powerful tool to stay connected with your clients. Send out festive newsletters showcasing your holiday promotions, gift cards, and retail offerings. Be sure to remind clients to book early to secure their preferred appointment times during this busy season.
The holidays are a golden opportunity to increase your salon’s revenue, but it requires strategy and preparation. By offering enticing packages, promoting gift cards, elevating the client experience, and leveraging your digital platforms, you’ll be ready to sleigh the season and see your revenue soar.
