As the colder days and darker nights return this winter, saving salon costs and keeping a team motivated can be challenging. Salon owners and employees, learn how you can beat the winter blues.
Experts share their tips below on how hair professionals can transition their salon into the colder months, including saving costs and overcoming winter fatigue.
Try Energy Efficient Alternatives
As we transition into the colder months and heating becomes a constant expense, it’s always a good idea to take a peek at the salon’s annual business expenses and see where you could make some savings, says Nilofer Aydinli, Managing Director of Enki Towels.
"The winter season always brings Christmas buzz and lots of exciting festivities, meaning the salon can get extremely busy, investigating ways your salon could save on bills is a great place to start. This could involve installing LED lighting, using eco showerheads at the backwash, or even reviewing the products you are using throughout appointments could be beneficial."
These are all as a result smarter sustainable swaps, continues Nilofer, so you can save money within the salon while helping the business become more eco-friendly as a plus.
Go Digital With Your Client Bookings
Moving away from paper bookings, loyalty cards and appointment receipts are quick switches that can help your salon save a lot of money in the long run, advises Nilofer. Instead, you can use online booking systems including an app that your clients can use to book appointments, buy e-gift cards, and take part in online loyalty schemes with your business. "This will result in your salon becoming paperless! Reducing paper waste as a whole and your carbon footprint."
Switch From Cotton Towels to Disposable Alternatives
Cotton towels come with many more expenses for your salon than you think, Niolfer shares. "When using these towels, you must consider washing expenses, detergent costs, water and electricity bills if you are washing in house, and even staff time to wash the towels. Towels can become worn down and can completely lose their luxurious feel, so replacement costs are added to the list."
By transitioning to disposable towels, you can entirely cut out all of the unnecessary costs surrounding the cotton towels, Enki towels come with an added bonus, these are made from natural plant materials that are vegan and biodegradable making them an eco-friendly option for you to turn to. By switching to disposable towels, you will save salon expenses and your staff’s time meaning the salon can operate with higher efficiency in a sustainable and cheaper fashion."
Upgrade Salon Lighting
In the winter months, it can feel like you start work when its dark and leave work when its dark, says Marlene Lamont, Owner and Creative Director of Urban Hair & Beauty. "Employees are faced with beating the gloomy weather, flu season and the financial stress of the festive season which can understandably create a lack in motivation and a dip in productivity."
Upgrading salon lighting can help beat the winter blues by mimicking the natural daylight that we miss throughout the day. This helps eliminate the gloomy, high-contrast shadows that cause seasonal fatigue, she continues. "With winter skin looking washed out, warmer lighting around the salon can help flatter complexion in styling mirrors, triggering an immediate emotional lift."
Play Uplifting Salon Music
There is nothing better than dopamine boost from some good music, agrees Marlene. Starting the day with a high-energy playlist helps set the mood for the rest of the day. "This helps distract the team from the dreary weather outside and creates a vibrant atmosphere in the salon. Our team love a throwback playlist and to keep the energy upbeat throughout the day."
Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrating smalls wins is a powerful way to beat the winter blues in salons because it directly targets the physical and mental fatigue that staff experience during dark, cold months, Marlene shares.
"In this industry, winter often brings the harsh contrast between the pre-holiday rush and the slow slump in January. By intentionally recognising the small wins, whether it’s the perfect blend in a balayage or a lovely client review, it creates a positive feedback loop that re-energises a tired stylist."
Use the New Year Intentionally
"The best way to replace the post festive season slump is to turn the slow season into a productive period," Marlene believes. Setting team goals gives staff a clear focus when the salon is quieter after the new year. She recommends using quiet weeks to schedule team training, workshops or education days to help break up the weeks and excite staff about the new year and their craft. "Focus on milestones that gives the team something to work towards and look forward to."
