Holiday Rush Playbook: Your 90-Day Countdown to Peak Season

Last December, I watched a salon owner friend have a complete breakdown on Christmas Eve. She'd been working 14-hour days for three weeks, had turned away hundreds of appointment requests, and her staff was threatening mutiny.

Meanwhile, across town, another salon was humming along smoothly. Fully booked, yes, but organized. Staff taking proper breaks. Owner occasionally smiling.

The difference? The second salon started preparing in September.

Here's your 90-day playbook for surviving - and thriving - during the holiday rush.

Day 90-60: The Strategy Phase

Analyze Last Year

Before planning this year, understand what happened last year:

• Which services were most requested?
• Which days were busiest?
• Where did you turn away the most business?
• What complaints arose from the rush?
• When did staff burnout peak?

Your booking system should have this data. If it doesn't, start tracking now for next year.

Set Your Goals

What does success look like this holiday season?

• Revenue target (be specific)
• Maximum working hours per staff member
• Customer satisfaction metrics
• Personal sanity indicators

Writing these down creates accountability. Share them with your team.

Forecast Demand

Based on last year's data and any growth trends, estimate:

• Total appointments expected
• Peak days and times
• Service mix (more updos? More nail art?)
• Staff hours needed

This forecast drives all your other decisions.

Start Communicating Early

Send your first holiday communication now:

• Remind clients that holiday appointments fill fast
• Announce any special packages you'll offer
• Encourage early booking for specific dates
• Mention any policy changes for the season

Clients who book early are easier to manage than last-minute rushes.

Day 60-30: The Preparation Phase

Optimize Your Schedule

Extend hours strategically: Rather than working everyone to exhaustion daily, add specific high-demand slots. Early mornings and late evenings on key days often work better than across-the-board extensions.

Block personal time first: Before filling in client slots, block time off for staff and yourself. The holiday season shouldn't mean sacrificing all personal life.

Build in buffers: Add 5-10 minutes between appointments. Rush season is no time for cascading delays.

Prepare Your Team

Hire seasonal help: If you need extra hands, now is the time. Stylists-in-training, reception help, or cleaning support can all ease the load.

Cross-train existing staff: Can your nail tech help with blow-dries? Can your receptionist assist with simple services? Flexibility prevents bottlenecks.

Set expectations clearly: Everyone should know the schedule, the policies, and the plan for managing stress.

Create Holiday Packages

Strategic bundling serves multiple purposes:

• Increases average ticket
• Makes booking easier for clients
• Steers demand toward efficient combinations
• Creates gift-giving options

Examples:

• "Holiday Glow" package: facial + makeup + style
• "Party Ready" bundle: nails + brows + lashes
• "His & Hers" couples packages
• Gift cards with bonus credits for purchases over certain amounts

Streamline Operations

Simplify your service menu: Consider temporarily removing low-demand, time-consuming services. Focus on what sells during holidays.

Pre-stage supplies: Calculate how much product you'll need and order early. Supply chain surprises happen during peak seasons.

Prepare consultation shortcuts: Common holiday requests (party updos, nail art, etc.) can have templated consultations that speed decision-making.

Day 30-14: The Final Prep Phase

Confirm Bookings

Send confirmation reminders for all holiday appointments:

• Remind clients of date, time, and service
• Restate cancellation policy
• Request early notice if plans change
• Offer waitlist signup for any openings

A strong confirmation process reduces no-shows when you can least afford them.

Prepare for Waitlist Management

You'll be fully booked. You'll also have cancellations and people desperate for appointments. Have a system:

• Maintain an organized waitlist with contact info and flexibility notes
• Set up rapid communication for last-minute openings
• Consider offering premium pricing for same-day availability

Final Team Sync

Hold a pre-season team meeting:

• Review the schedule and any changes
• Discuss how to handle common scenarios
• Distribute any incentives or bonuses for the season
• Address concerns and questions
• Express appreciation for the effort ahead

Self-Care Planning

The salon owner or manager sets the tone. If you're stressed and snappy, it spreads. Plan:

• Regular breaks built into your personal schedule
• Healthy food prepped and available
• Someone to talk to when it gets overwhelming
• A reward for yourself after the season ends

The Active Season: Day 14 to Holiday

Daily Rhythms

Morning: Quick team huddle. Review the day's appointments, any special requests, potential challenges.

Throughout the day: Stay visible but not frantic. Check in with staff. Handle problems before they escalate.

Evening: Brief debrief. What went well? What needs adjustment tomorrow? Appreciate the team.

Managing the Unexpected

Last-minute cancellations: Immediately notify waitlist. Consider social media flash availability posts.

No-shows: Document them. Send follow-up messages. Apply policy consistently.

Staff illness: Have backup plans. Know who can cover what. Consider your own capacity as emergency backup.

Difficult clients: The holidays amplify emotions. Stay calm, empathetic, but boundaried.

Taking Care of Your Team

• Bring in treats and snacks
• Acknowledge hard work publicly
• Allow flexible breaks when possible
• Watch for burnout signs
• Remember that "thank you" costs nothing and means everything

Post-Holiday: The Recovery Phase

Immediate Actions

• Give everyone (including yourself) a proper break
• Send thank-you notes to clients
• Pay any promised bonuses promptly
• Restock and reorganize

Analysis for Next Year

Within two weeks of the season ending, while it's fresh:

• Document what worked and what didn't
• Gather team feedback
• Note specific numbers: revenue, appointments, challenges
• Start a planning document for next year

Celebrate

You made it. Whether this season met all your goals or taught you lessons for next time, take a moment to appreciate the accomplishment. The holiday rush is a marathon sprint - surviving it is worth acknowledging.

The Mindset Shift

Here's what I've learned from the salon owners who navigate holidays successfully: they view the rush not as something to survive but as an opportunity to shine.

Yes, it's demanding. Yes, it's stressful. But it's also when you serve clients at their most emotionally important moments - holiday parties, family photos, New Year's Eve. The work you do matters more than usual.

With proper preparation, you can provide that meaningful service without sacrificing your wellbeing or your team's. You can make money and maintain sanity. You can be fully booked and fully functional.

It starts 90 days out. It starts with a plan. It starts now.

Quick Reference: 90-Day Checklist

Day 90-60:

• Analyze last year's data
• Set goals for this season
• Forecast demand
• Send early-booking communications

Day 60-30:

• Optimize schedule
• Hire/train seasonal support
• Create holiday packages
• Order extra supplies

Day 30-14:

• Confirm all bookings
• Set up waitlist system
• Hold team meeting
• Plan personal self-care

Day 14-Holiday:

• Daily team huddles
• Manage unexpected situations
• Support team wellbeing
• Enjoy the season!

Post-Holiday:

• Take a real break
• Thank clients and team
• Document lessons learned
• Celebrate your success