PLAN A Christmas cracker

Are you making the most of Christmas? Check out the NHBF’s tips for a fantastic festive season in your salon

The festive season means more than dragging out last year’s Christmas tree and hanging some tinsel over your mirrors. Christmas is a gift for beauty salons, so don’t waste this once-a-year opportunity to give your business a serious boost.

Salon window displays

One of the biggest things to focus on is making your salon window as eye-catching as possible.

Be really focused on catching footfall and bringing new passing trade into the salon. You will be surprised how many salons don’t make an effort with their window at Christmas.

You can try a theme such as “winter wonderland” or “party time” and include some of your Christmas merchandise.

Make a special effort inside your salon too. Everyone loves the colour and sparkle of festive decorations – give your clients that special “Christmassy” glow as they walk through your door.

Festive events

Always plan a Christmas client event for the end of November or beginning of December, where the local community are invited to browse and purchase products while sipping on bubbly.

The event could include makeover consultations, nails, hair-up, and everything to prepare for that Christmas night out or party. It gives you an opportunity to highlight the services you have on offer over Christmas so that clients will know well in advance.

Gift vouchers

Your business probably retails gift cards all year round, but Christmas sees a massive spike in gift card sales so, this year, have a Christmas-designed gift card package to help boost sales further.

Also, don’t forget to encourage your staff to mention gift cards while clients are in the chair, promote them in salon with an eye-catching display, and spread the word via your website, social media and email marketing.

Social media

Don’t forget to work on your social media channels and website. Share pictures of your window display and festive decorations, as well as Christmas pressie suggestions, style ideas, and any last-minute appointments you might be able to squeeze in. Encourage your clients to take selfies of their special Christmas makeovers and share them on your social media channels.

Don’t forget your staff

Make things fun for your staff too. Make sure you schedule at least one Christmas party for everyone to attend and involve everyone in your Christmas plans. Have a Christmas brainstorm and ask everyone for their ideas on making the most of the festive season.

A gift from the NHBF

Not a member yet? The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) is the UK’s largest trade body for businesses in the hair, beauty and barbering industries. Members’ benefits include:

• Members’ helpline for everyday business support

• Award-winning membership magazine

• Ready-made employment contracts

• Exclusive members podcast

• And much more

Join the NHBF before the end of December and quote PBN25 to get £25 off your membership fee. Visit nhbf.co.uk/join