It’s January, it’s cold out and your clients are hibernating, which means, after a busy few months in November and December, your salon might be experiencing a dip in business. We spoke to Joanne Magana, head of Eufora’s Salon Owner Network, to get some tips on how to keep your chairs full during the chilly winter months.

1. Change your promotions

When business is slow, it can be difficult to want to offer promotions on your services, but after a busy time like the holidays, it can be helpful to bring clients back to your salon. “I always recommend that salons do a ‘New Year, New You’ promotion in January and February to give clients an incentive to come back and explore new looks as a part of their New Year’s resolutions,” explains Magana.

2. Host events

The best way to get new clients in your salon to set up more business throughout the year is through word of mouth and the best way to do that is to have an event. Invite your existing clients for a “client loyalty night” and ask them to bring a friend and their tools so that your staff can “show them how to duplicate their hair at home,” for those times when they just can’t make it in for a style. Show them a few of your tricks, but keep some to yourself so that they still have to come back to their expert for the real deal.

3. Up your social media game

Speaking of word of mouth, are you using your social media to its full advantage? Magana stresses the importance of being on top of it and even doing social media contests throughout January and February when business has slowed down: “By encouraging clients to take post-service selfies or use a designated hashtag, it’ll increase your word of mouth and encourage guests to come into the salon for their fix-up.” (Remember to tag us in your hair transformations and we might repost it!)

4. Set yourself up for success

When the year is winding down, be sure to have the re-booking conversation with your clients. “Salons shouldn’t have a lot of downtime in January if they are consistently being professional, doing a great consultation and having the re-booking conversation with clients,” explains Magana. If your clients know they have to maintain their cut or colour every four to six weeks, remind them how hectic their schedule can get in the New Year, so they can pre-book and get their preferred date and time, preventing that slow January slump.