Getting Your Salon Ready for the Festive Rush

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to get your salon prepped for the busiest season of the year. This is the time when everyone is looking for that extra glow, a fresh cut, or a simple pampering session before the festive gatherings begin. But if you play your cards right, the holiday season can also be a golden opportunity to increase your retail sales and make your clients’ Christmas shopping easier.

Here’s how you can prepare your salon to not only survive the festive rush but thrive in it.

Start Planning Early for a Stress-Free December

Let’s be honest: Christmas always seems to sneak up on us. One minute, you’re packing away the Halloween decorations, and the next, your clients will ask for appointments right up to Christmas Eve. The best approach? Start planning as soon as autumn hits. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to stock up on bestsellers and set up your displays before the real rush begins.

Clients start their Christmas shopping earlier than ever these days, so having your shelves stocked by early November can make a huge difference. Think about those products your regulars love and consider adding a few festive-themed items that are easy to grab as last-minute gifts.

Transforming Your Salon into a Festive Shopping Hub

Beyond the styling chairs and treatment rooms, consider turning your salon into a mini-Christmas shop. People are often looking for convenient, thoughtful gifts, and if they can tick a few names off their shopping list while getting their hair done, they will!

This is where having a well-curated selection of retail products comes in. For instance, imagine your client is finishing her colour appointment, and she’s in a bit of a rush. You mention that you’ve just stocked a gorgeous O&M Volume TRIO Gift Set—perfect for adding that festive bounce to hair. Before she leaves, she’s got one in her bag, ready to gift her sister.

Or another client has been eyeing the shelves while waiting for her appointment. She’s drawn to the O&M Mini Maintain Gift Bag, which is small, easy to wrap, and ideal for keeping hair in top shape during the party season. She’s thrilled to have found a practical yet stylish gift for her friend, who’s always on the go.

Stocking Fillers and Impulse Buys

Don’t underestimate the power of small, grab-and-go items. These can be a real hit for clients looking to add a little something extra to their gift list. Displaying eco-friendly products, like the O&M Charcoal Shampoo Bar and Hydrate Shampoo Bar, can be a terrific way to appeal to eco-conscious clients who want to give thoughtful gifts that are good for the planet.

And let’s not forget about the ever popular Invisibobble Slim Hair Ties. Pop these in a festive basket by the till, and you’ll see them fly off the shelves. Clients can’t resist adding a little stocking filler like the sleek bronze or pink options, which are perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to a Christmas outfit without breaking the bank.

Creating a Festive Atmosphere That Sells

Now, it’s not just about what you stock—it’s about how you present it. A festive, welcoming atmosphere can make all the difference in nudging clients towards making that extra purchase. Think about setting up a small Christmas tree adorned with your best-selling products or arranging festive lights around your retail shelves to draw attention.

If you’ve got the space, consider dedicating a corner of your salon to a gift display. Arrange the O&M gift sets alongside the shampoo bars and hair ties, adding some festive wrapping paper or ready-made gift bags to save your clients the hassle of wrapping them up themselves.

Upselling Without the Push

We know upselling can sometimes feel awkward, but the festive season is the perfect time to do it without coming across as too salesy. The key is to weave the recommendations naturally into your conversation. When a client mentions they’re struggling to find stocking stuffers, casually mentioning the Invisibobble Slim Hair Ties or the Charcoal Shampoo Bar can feel more like friendly advice than a sales pitch. It's about being helpful and customer-focused, not pushy.

Similarly, if a client is talking about holiday plans that include a lot of parties, suggesting the O&M Mini Volume Gift Bag for extra lift and volume can be a welcome tip that they’ll appreciate.

For clients who want to invest in a quality tool that makes hairstyling easier, consider recommending the AENO HD2 Hair Dryer. With its sleek design, advanced technology, and professional-level performance, this hair dryer is ideal for creating flawless styles at home.

Managing Stock Levels to Avoid Last-Minute Panics

The worst feeling as a salon owner is seeing those empty shelves during the final days before Christmas because you underestimated demand. Once you’ve decided on your must-have products, it’s worth ordering a little extra—especially for items that could be a hit, like the O&M gift sets and shampoo bars. The last thing you want is to run out when clients are eager to buy.

Consider setting up a simple stock tracking system so you can quickly see what’s selling fast and reorder before it’s too late. And if you have a mailing list, don’t be shy about letting your clients know when new stock has arrived. A quick email highlighting your festive products could bring in those clients who are still on the hunt for gifts.

Wrapping It All Up

The festive season is a fantastic opportunity to make your salon not just a place to get pampered but also a one-stop shop for Christmas gifts. By planning ahead, stocking the right products, and creating an inviting atmosphere, you can make your salon the go-to spot for clients looking to treat themselves and their loved ones this Christmas.

So, browse our full range of hair products and get stocked up before the rush begins. Your clients—and your bottom line—will thank you!