It’s officially November, which means the countdown to Christmas has officially begun! With the Christmas rush comes the busiest yet most exciting times of the year for salons, from festive hair transformations to lots of gifting opportunities for your clients. With the busy season, there is no better time to boost profits, show gratitude to your clients, and end the year on a high. And while busy doesn’t necessarily mean productivity, we’re here to show you how to make the most of the season and turn those Christmas appointments into extra income (and of course give your clients a touch of Christmas magic to last into the new year!).

Let’s be honest, retailing is the secret weapon for boosting profits at Christmas, and with many clients on the lookout for last-minute gifts, now is the perfect time to up your retailing game. Having a festive retail area will not only bring a hint of festivity to your salon, but also act as a mini shopping centre for clients who are lacking gifting inspo.

Gift Sets: Stock up on your favourite haircare brands, such as shampoo & conditioner duos, deep treatments, hair styling, or mini travel sets. These gift sets make an easy yet thoughtful gift that clients can pick up on the way out of their appointment.

Styling Tools: Retailing the same professional tools you use in the salon, such as curling wands, hairdryers, or straighteners, makes the ultimate sale. It’s an instant trust builder when using the tools during their appointment, and it allows your clients to practice the tools on themselves (with your expert guidance, of course!).

The Christmas season is the perfect time to upsell some extra self-care to your clients, and as most clients are already in the mood to treat themselves, it makes it that little bit easier. Let's dive into some salon experiences that will make your clients feel luxurious this season…

Deep conditioning treatment: Recommend a luxury deep conditioning treatment or mask alongside a cut or colour service to ensure your client's hair stays healthy and shiny throughout the festive season. Especially when your client will be using a lot of heat on their hair! These treatments make an easy add-on that will enhance results and add profit to every booking!

Hair glossing: Add a touch of shine to your client's hair with a glossing service, the ultimate treat yourself service that clients will become obsessed with. It’s perfect for reviving colour or adding hydration and shine for natural hair clients. It's quick, affordable and makes the perfect festive-ready shine treatment.

Want to learn more about hair glossing and how to implement this in your salon? Click here for everything you need to know about this underrated service…

Want to make your clients feel extra special this Christmas? Combining your most popular services into festive bundles can help your clients feel super pampered whilst encouraging them to treat themselves that little bit more.

Christmas Glam Package: Pair a bouncy blowout with a glossing or deep conditioning treatment for the ultimate glossy, high-shine, festive-ready hair that can ensure to last throughout the Christmas break.

Party Ready Package: Combine a cut, colour refresh and style of your client's choice for one set price. It’s simple for clients but also effective, and will keep your appointment books full right up to Christmas Eve!

If you’re not selling gift cards for your salon, what are you waiting for? They’re quick, easy and make the perfect last-minute present (plus they're an amazing way to fill up your column in January!). Encourage your regular clients to give a loved one a salon experience for the ultimate new year, new hair pamper, or the opportunity for them to purchase something from your retail display. What more could you want?

This Christmas, why not take advantage of the Alan Howard Christmas Colour promotion, where salon owners & hairdressers can receive high-value gifts based on their colour spend with Alan Howard? With LED TVs, coffee machines, and the trending Stanley Cup for you and your team to enjoy, your salon can receive a variety of salon-friendly and gift-worthy items with every colour investment! This is perfect for creating either a festive incentive for your team, the chance to update your salon's surroundings for the new year, or for you to gift to your loved ones. It’s time to stock up!

If you’re not running a Christmas giveaway on your salon's socials this year, it’s time to start! Being one of the easiest and fun ways to grow your following, it also enables you to connect with new and existing clients and give them something back for the festive period. Have your salon team together to discuss what goodies you could give away, from an electric hair styling tool to a bundle of your haircare favourites. This is a great way to get exposure for your salon on social, as well as give back.

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Whilst a busy period for your salon, Christmas is a golden opportunity to maximise your salon's profits before heading into the new year. So why not embrace the fun, festive period? Up your salon retailing game and boost those add-on treatments, and your salon will be flying into the new year!

For more information on our Christmas Colour, contact your local store or BDM to discover how you can use your points on our range of fantastic gifts.