Holiday Prep Checklist for Barbers & Salons
Ready for the Rush: The Ultimate Pre-Holiday Checklist to Set Your Shop Up for Success
Wow, this year has really flown by! The holidays are just around the corner, and the busiest months for barbers and stylists are just getting started. Your clients will start booking/requesting a touch-up or “fresh fade” before Thanksgiving, then suddenly everyone needs a cleanup for Christmas parties and family photos.
November and December can be make-or-break months for hair and barber professionals. They’re busy, exciting, and can be a little bit chaotic – what a great problem to have! That’s why we’ve put together a quick checklist to make sure your space is ready to handle the rush. If you haven’t checked your setup lately, now is the best time to get your shop ready before the rush.
1. Get Your Booking System Organized and Balanced
When the holiday rush hits, your schedule can make or break your workflow. A fully booked day sounds great — until clients show up late or back-to-back appointments leave no breathing room. On the other hand, awkward gaps that kill momentum can mean lost revenue!
The first step to surviving — and thriving — through the holiday rush is balance:
- Avoid overbooking: Leave realistic transition times between cuts so you can reset your station, breathe, and keep every client experience consistent.
- Prevent slow hours: Review your weekly trends to spot quieter times, and run promotions or discounts to fill them up in advance.
- Manage last-minute cancellations: Have a short-notice waitlist ready. A quick text blast or booking app alert can turn an empty slot into another satisfied client.
- Automate reminders: Use your booking software to send confirmation and reminder messages to reduce no-shows and last-minute changes.
💡 Pro tip: Encourage repeat customers to pre-book their next visit before they leave the chair. It will help keep your schedule full and predictable.
2. Get Your Team Holiday-Ready
Your team members are your most valuable tools — right after your clippers or scissors.
- Plan staffing early: Map out and adjust schedules in advance to handle extended hours or weekend rushes.
- Bring in extra help: Having backup can make a huge difference when demand spikes. Consider bringing in an assistant or part-timer to handle clean-ups and prep.
- Keep morale high: A little appreciation goes a long way — free coffee, a team lunch, or just acknowledging everyone’s hard work can keep your team ready for anything that comes their way!
A confident, motivated team will not only keep things running smoothly, they will also give every client the warm, professional experience that keeps them coming back.
3. Check & Upgrade Your Equipment
Before the first snowflake (or Black Friday deal) hits, take a moment to inspect your setup:
- Barber chairs: Check hydraulic pumps, recline levers, and footrests for smooth operation.
- Stations: Make sure drawers glide easily and outlets work safely.
- Shampoo units: Tighten connections and look for leaks — comfort matters during the busy season.
If your furniture is showing its age, this is also the perfect time to upgrade. Choosing modern, durable pieces designed for long hours and heavy use should be at the top of your list. Right now, some of your favorite chairs and equipment are on sale! Save 10% on select items with code “SPOOKY10” — trusted pieces like the King, the Milla, and the Dermalogic 180 Towel Steamer are excellent options to help you skate through the busy season unscathed!
4. Restock Supplies & Essentials Now
The last thing you want is to run out of disinfectant or neck strips mid-December. Salon City makes restocking easy, with bulk pricing and fast shipping so you’ll never have to scramble. Make a quick checklist for:
- Disinfectants & cleaners
- Capes, towels, and gloves
- Clippers, blades, and combs
- Styling products & sanitizers
5. The Calm Before the Buzz — Make It Count
Think of this month as your warm-up round. Right now — before the appointments start flooding in — is the best time to get your space set up for success. The more you prepare now, the smoother your holiday season will flow — and the more clients you can serve with confidence. A few simple upgrades and organization tweaks can make a world of difference when your shop gets busy.
When the rush starts, you won’t want to just keep up… You’ll want to CRUSH IT!
So Where Should You Start? Here's Our Suggestions
Selecting the right chairs and equipment for your business is a big decision, but taking the time to evaluate your needs and explore your options pays off in the long run. The right choice will not only make your services more comfortable and hygienic but also enhances the overall feel of your salon/barber shop.
Ready to upgrade? Browse our curated collection of Hair Salon Chairs & Equipment or explore our Barber Shop Equipment & Furniture to find the perfect match for your business today.
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Salon City is here to help you shine this holiday season! Enjoy 10% off select barber and salon essentials with code SPOOKY10. Get your equipment ready now and beat the rush.
