‘Tis the season to hear the cash register ring! For stylists and owners, the influx of the clients into the salon to prep for a multitude of holiday get-togethers is a welcome shot of energy—and revenue. Are you prepared to offer your clients the latest styles and guide them in the right direction?

Do… Your homework and have inspiration images on hand.

“I think every hairstylist should have an iPad so they have folders that are available at a quick glance and have hairstyles that are formal and done, and equally very undone,” says Vivienne Mackinder, artistic director for Simplicity Hair Extensions, of her approach to special occasion styles. “There are women who want it relaxed. They just don’t want very done ‘dos. And then there are women who will want that polished look. So I think you have to build that repertoire and build your skills around a broad spectrum so you really do have many things to offer the client.”

Don’t… Forget to look at the big picture.

Start by asking all the right questions. “Make sure you know about the client and the event she’s attending,” says Silas Tsang, owner of Blushes in Ottawa. “You should find out what type of event she’s going to (for example: formal, business casual), if there is a special theme, her planned attire, the natural texture and length of the hair, and her height and build. Collecting this information is a basic but vital aspect to ensure that the hairstylist can create a look that will suit both the event and most importantly, the client.”

Do… Be nostalgic.

According to Mackinder, the 1920s to 1940s are having the most influence on styles right now. When she created the collection published with this story, she turned to things like the upcoming The Great Gatsby to feed the looks. “I’m sure there will be a revisit into that whole world: very exuberant, flamboyant, very over-thetop period of history,” she says. “I think that fun playfulness is something that people can really relate to, especially right now.”

Don’t… Forget to look critically.

When scoping out how your masterpiece is coming along, be sure to take into account more than just what’s above the neck. “You really have to step back. And this is probably the biggest caution and the biggest problem hairstylists have: we just look at the head, and the hair, but we don’t take the time to stand the client up, look at her height, her body type and say, ‘Would this actually work?’” says Mackinder.

Do… Hone your braiding skills.

They’re still hot, and your clients will want them as accents to their styles, so if your skills aren’t up to snuff, get on it! “The versatility of braids ensure they’re an amazing way of transforming a tousled and textured look,” says Tsang. “They are a great alternative to an updo and they provide a more informal touch to the holiday season glamour.”

Do… Accessorize!

Sometimes the best way to complete a style is with a carefully selected bauble. Daniel Di Tommaso, owner of Mane Society Salon & Spa in Vaughan, Ont. and a Sebastian platform artist, sees this as a must for short- and long-hair styles. “You can transform ordinary hairstyles, like low pony tails, with ornamental elastics or clips in the back. Often fashion is all in the entrance, but some pizzazz should also be on the back.” For short hair, he recommends checking out fascinator-style hats and add-ons like headbands. The key words for any holiday accessory are sparkle and dazzle!

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Hair: Vivienne Mackinder for Simplicty Hair Extensions; Photos: Rober Ligresti