How to prepare for the busy christmas season in the salon

The busy Christmas season has officially started so now is the time to ensure your team are prepared for the month ahead and to guarantee your clients leave the salon feeling ready to dazzle at their work Christmas party,  annual Friendsmas, Christmas Day with family and New Years Eve. Sally Brooks, the 2017, 2018 and 2020 British Hairdresser of the Year at HJ's British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional and co-owner of Brooks & Brooks in London, shares her top tips for surviving the busy festive season.

1. Create the right atmosphere during the busy Christmas season

Ensure the atmosphere in your salon for the busy Christmas season is upbeat and stylists aren't stressed around the clients. It may be busy and clients may be running late, but you have to ensure everyone feels pampered and relaxed.

2. Plan ahead for the busy Christmas season

The salon is going to be busy during the Christmas season so encourage your team to plan ahead to encourage all of the appointments are covered and all clients get the services they've booked.

3. Prepare the support team

Your support team from your apprentices through to your receptions are critical for the smooth running your salon at any time of year, but especially in the lead up to Christmas. Tell them how important they are and prep them for the month ahead.

4. Decorate the salon

Show your clients that you are getting into the festive spirit by creating an environment of fun – the right music and decorations as this can really make a difference. You should always stay professional but it's important to help your clients relax and enjoy themselves as part of their salon experience

5. Say thank you to loyal clients

The festive season is the ideal time to show your clients how much you appreciate them by offering mulled wine and Christmas biscuits during their visit and you could even give them a Christmas candle as a gift when they leave.

6. Late clients are inevitable

Some clients will arrive late during this busy period and it's better to be honest with them from the start about how busy you are. Explain that you will do what is feasible within the time frame to a 100% professional quality standard, rather than trying to cram it all in to a sub-quality standard.

7. Create a happy team for the busy Christmas season

It's essential to work with your team during this busy period. Organise a team activity that you can do together. At Brooks & Brooks we have organise ice skating every year and before we leave on Christmas Eve, we order pizza to clean the salon and give out presents.