TLDR
Summer is here, and you know what that means—time to soak up the sun! But while your clients are soaking up the rays, don't let your appointment book dry up. Keep your summer sizzling with these 5 unique salon summer promotions to fill your appointment calendar this season. From vacation vibes to back-to-school specials, we've got summer marketing ideas to keep your salon booked. These promotions will help you cater to all your clients, from teens to teachers. Just fresh, engaging promotions crafted specifically for hair salons like yours. So slip on your shades, get ready to take some notes, and let's dive into summer salon marketing success!
Offer Seasonal Haircare Packages for Summer
Why not offer haircare packages tailored to your clients’ summer needs? Things like beachy waves, sun-kissed highlights, and easy updos are always in demand this time of year.
Beachy Waves and Sun-Kissed Highlights
For clients wanting an effortless, sun-drenched look, offer a package including highlights, balayage, or ombre paired with a cut and style. Promote the package with photos of breezy, textured hairstyles your stylists have created.
Easy Summer Updos
For your clients who want their hair off their neck in the summer heat but still want to look stylish, create a package focused on simple updos like messy buns, braids, and top knots. Include a trial run so they can pick their favorite summer go-to style. Photos of the different options you offer will help sell this package.
Promoting these summer-themed packages on your website and social media and offering an incentive like 10-15% off for booking in advance will fill your schedule for the season. Your clients will appreciate your salon’s effort to provide solutions tailored to their seasonal needs. And don’t forget, for those wanting to avoid the sun altogether, offer spray tans as an add-on. Summer packages can be a win-win!
Run a Summer Referral Program
A referral program is an easy way to fill your calendar during the slower summer months. Offer your clients an incentive, like a free haircut or product, for referring a new client.
Free Haircut for Referrals
For every new client referral, offer the existing client a free haircut. This rewards your loyal clients and brings in new business. Let clients know about the promotion on your website, social media, and in the salon.
Earned Product Credits
For every referral, give the existing client a credit to use towards salon products. Five referrals earn a free bottle of shampoo, and 10 free hair treatments. Credits incentivize referrals and boost product sales.
Donate to Charity
For each new referral, donate a portion of the proceeds to a local charity. Promote the goodwill campaign on social media and in your salon. Clients will appreciate your community support and be motivated to refer friends and family.
A well-designed summer referral program, promoted through social media and in your salon, is an easy way to fill empty chairs during the slower months. Reward your loyal clients, bring in new business, and support local charities. Everyone wins! With the right incentives and marketing, your referral program can make for a very busy summer.
Host a Summer Soiree Event for Clients
This summer, treat your loyal clients to an elegant summer soiree event. Create an evening of indulgence by hosting a dessert swap where clients bring in their favorite summery sweets to share. Have mini cupcakes in tropical flavors like mango, coconut, and key lime for guests to sample. You can also set up a DIY cupcake decorating station with bright frostings and lots of sprinkles and toppings so clients can unleash their creativity.
Light up the salon with strands of bistro lights or string lights for a whimsical glow. Play a beachy Spotify playlist to set the mood. Send digital or printed invitations in bold summer colors like coral, turquoise, or sunflower yellow. Make it a memorable event by offering promotional specials, gift bags, or a raffle with salon products and gift cards as prizes.
A summer soiree is a great way to show your clients some love while also boosting business during the warmer months. By creating an enjoyable in-salon experience, clients will associate your brand with the vibrant and fun atmosphere of summer. They’ll surely return again and again to keep that summer feeling going all year long. An event like this also gives clients a chance to engage with your brand organically and strengthen their relationship with your business.
Run a "Beat the Heat" Promotion for New Clients
New clients are the lifeblood of any salon, so focusing your summer marketing efforts on attracting them is key.
Offer an Introductory Promotion
Offer an introductory “Beat the Heat” promotion that provides discounts or freebies for first-time customers. For example, give new clients 15% off their first appointment or a free cooling product like a gel eye mask.
Promote your promotion on social media using hashtags like #beattheheat and #summerhair. Post photos of refreshing cold beverages or chilled products along with the details of your special offer.
This type of targeted campaign will motivate new clients to give your salon a try by providing relief from the hot summer weather. Once they experience your services, the odds of them becoming loyal repeat customers are high. An introductory promotion is a great way to overcome any hesitance to switch from their current salon by showing them how your salon can help them stay cool and stylish all summer long.
Create Summer-Themed Hair Salon Specials
Beachy Waves Special
Offer a “Beachy Waves” package for clients looking for loose, wavy locks perfect for a summer vacation. Include a shampoo and conditioning treatment, followed by a cut and style to create effortless-looking waves. Promote this special on your social media and in the salon with images of beautiful beachy hairstyles. Your clients will love achieving a chic summer look without the harsh effects of saltwater and sun.
Sun-Kissed Highlights
For clients looking to lighten up for the summer, offer partial highlights or an allover highlight special. Frame it as a “sun-kissed” highlight package using warm honey and caramel tones to create a natural-looking effect, just like a day spent relaxing in the sun. Be sure to include a deep conditioning treatment to nourish hair after highlighting. This special will appeal to new and existing clients ready for a bright new look to match the summer season.
Scalp Massage Add-On
A relaxing scalp massage is perfect for the summer when rising temperatures can irritate. Offer scalp massages as an add-on service for an additional $10 to $15. Use essential oils with cooling properties, like peppermint or eucalyptus. Your clients will appreciate the pampering, and the scalp massage can also increase blood flow to hair follicles, promoting hair health and growth. This simple add-on is an easy way to boost your salon’s summer profits and provide an extra dose of relaxation for your clients.
Color Reviving Gloss
For clients with color-treated hair, the summer sun and seasonal elements can cause color to fade quickly. Offer a “Color Reviving Gloss” treatment to boost color and add shine. Mix a semi-permanent color gloss one shade darker than the client’s current color and apply it as a leave-in treatment after shampooing. The gloss will revive color, enhance highlights and refresh tone. Your color clients will appreciate a treatment designed specifically for maintaining their color during the summer months.
Final Thoughts
You've got an exciting summer ahead with new clients and happy regulars filling your appointment book thanks to these creative promotions. Don't forget the power of social media and local partnerships to spread the word about your salon's summer specials. Stay flexible and keep mixing things up to appeal to different customers. Most importantly, make sure your team is energized and ready to deliver amazing experiences. When you go the extra mile for clients, they'll keep coming back and referring friends long after summer ends. Now get out there and make this your best summer yet!