Making Summer Work for Your Salon Business

Summer is often viewed as a quieter period for beauty salons, but in reality, client needs don’t disappear during the warmer months — they simply evolve. With a thoughtful, seasonal approach, summer can become a valuable time to strengthen client loyalty, increase retail sales, and prepare your business for the busier seasons ahead.

Here are practical, salon-proven strategies to help you make summer work for your business.

Create a Summer Feeling in the Treatment Room

Clients are naturally drawn to experiences that feel light, refreshing, and restorative during summer. Treatments inspired by hydration, cooling, and recovery are particularly appealing for sun-exposed skin.

Consider incorporating:

• Cooling and hydrating facials

• Marine- or algae-based treatments

• Gentle exfoliation paired with nourishing masks

• Aromas that feel fresh and clean

Tip:Position selected services as seasonal treatments to give clients a clear reason to book now rather than later.

Focus on Short, High-Impact Treatments

During summer, many clients prefer efficient appointments that still deliver visible results. Express services allow you to meet this demand while keeping your appointment book active.

Highlight services such as:

• 30–45 minute express facials

• Glow-boosting treatments with no downtime

• Back treatments for smooth, summer-ready skin

• Pedicures and foot care

• Hair removal and exfoliating body treatments

Clearly labelling these as “Express” or “Summer Services” on your menu can significantly increase uptake.

Use Summer as a Retail Education Opportunity

Sun exposure increases the need for protection, repair, and hydration — making summer an ideal time to educate clients while supporting retail sales.

Key product categories to focus on include:

• Broad-spectrum SPF skincare

• After-sun calming and repairing products

• Antioxidant serums

• Makeup with SPF for everyday protection

Tip:Pre-create simple retail bundles (e.g. Summer Essentials or Post-Holiday Skin Care) to make purchasing easier for clients and increase average retail spend.

Create a Seasonal Reason to Visit

A small seasonal event can re-energise both clients and staff. A Summer Open Day or in-salon focus week gives clients a reason to reconnect with your salon.

Ideas include:

• Live treatment demonstrations

• Short skin consultations

• Limited-time booking incentives

• Light refreshments to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere

For added goodwill, a small charity raffle can strengthen community engagement while keeping the event positive and professional.

Refresh Your Space Without Renovating

Summer is the perfect time for small visual updates that make a big impact. Even minor changes can refresh the client experience.

Simple updates might include:

• Fresh towels or cushions

• Updated retail displays

• Seasonal window signage

• Light décor that reflects the warmer months

A refreshed environment communicates care, energy, and professionalism.

Use Summer to Plan Ahead

When the pace eases slightly, take advantage of the opportunity to review and refine your business.

This is a great time to assess:

• Your service menu and pricing

• Treatment profitability

• Retail performance

• Opportunities to trial new services or concepts

Testing ideas during summer allows you to move into autumn and winter with clarity and confidence.

Remember the Importance of Self-Care

Finally, summer is also a reminder to look after yourself. Whether it’s adjusting hours, taking a short break, or investing time in professional development, caring for your own wellbeing supports long-term business success.

A refreshed salon owner leads a stronger, more resilient business.

Final Thought

Summer doesn’t have to slow your salon down — it simply invites a shift in focus. With the right strategies in place, your salon can remain active, relevant, and profitable throughout the warmer months.