It’s no secret: times are tough out there, and if you’re any where on social media you’ve heard whispers of a salon crash. If it feels like the salon industry is a little…wobbly right now, you’re not alone. Some clients are stretching appointments longer, others are skipping luxury services, and—yep—there’s that pesky word floating around: recession. 

But here’s the thing: the tough times aren’t the end of the road. In fact, they’re the perfect opportunity to pivot, adapt, and thrive. Whether you’re a salon owner with a team to manage or an independent stylist navigating slower weeks, we’ve got your back. Here’s how to stay afloat (and maybe even come out stronger) when the industry gets a little shaky.  

Tighten Your Operations—Like, Yesterday  

When times get slow, it’s time to work smarter, not harder. Assess where your money is going and look for ways to streamline your business. Can you renegotiate rent? Cut unnecessary expenses? Consolidate inventory orders?  

Pro Tip: Review your subscriptions—both personal and business. If you’re still paying for that fancy software you barely use, it’s time to cancel or downgrade. Every dollar you save now keeps you flexible later.  

You don’t have to compromise on quality, but every bit of efficiency adds up.  

Double Down on Client Experience  

When the economy tightens, people get pickier about where they spend their cash. The difference between a client booking with you or with the salon down the street? The experience you provide.  

Make every touchpoint with your clients unforgettable. Greet them warmly, offer refreshments, send follow-up texts—go the extra mile. Consider adding little upgrades that cost you very little but add a lot of perceived value. Scalp massage, anyone?

Remember: A great experience isn’t just about the service itself—it’s how people feel when they walk away. Happy clients are loyal clients.  

Get Social & Show Up Online  

When clients start visiting less often, the last thing you want is for them to forget about you. Use slower weeks to become a content queen (or king). Post tutorials, before-and-afters, or client reviews—anything that keeps you top of mind.  

Try this:  

– Run a limited-time promotion and blast it on your stories.  

– Start a referral program—“Bring a friend, get $50 off your next service!”  

– Host a giveaway for product bundles or free add-ons.  

Staying active on social media keeps your business visible and encourages people to book when they can.

Tap into Grassroots Marketing  

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get involved with your local community. Grassroots marketing isn’t just about advertising—it’s about building genuine relationships. When your community knows and trusts you, they’re more likely to send business your way.  

Ways to Get Involved:  

– Sponsor events: Look for local markets, charity runs, or school fundraisers to sponsor.  

– Teach community classes: Offer styling or hair care workshops. Teach moms how to braid or teens how to care for their curls! Better yet, pour back into the industry by visiting your local beauty school. Teach them something you wish you knew back then!

– Partner with local businesses: Team up with boutiques, yoga studios, or coffee shops to offer cross-promotions or pop-up events.

Bonus: Community involvement isn’t just good for business—it feels great. Plus, your business gets seen as the place that cares about more than just making sales. Win-win.  

 Get Creative with Your Offers  

When people cut back on big expenses, they still look for ways to treat themselves—just on a smaller scale. This is the perfect time to introduce mini-services or maintenance packages.  Yes, our goal is always to niche down and have a high paying service, but when times are tough it’s okay to get a little creative with how to increase clients in your chair.

Examples:  

– Gloss treatments to refresh color without a full dye job  

– Blowouts or styling sessions  

– Scalp treatments or deep conditioning add-ons  

– Bridal or event styling 

Lower-cost services give clients a chance to indulge without breaking the bank—and they keep your books full in the process.  In turn, when business picks back up, you can give these services a price increase and phase them out if you’d like.

 Focus on Retail Sales  

When services slow down, retail can help bridge the gap. Clients might come in less often, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still need great products to keep their hair looking beautiful. Amp up your retail game by recommending personalized products after every service.  

Bonus Tip: Use your social platforms to educate your followers about your favorite products. Create videos explaining how they can extend the life of your client’s color or improve their hair health between visits. Sometimes clients see the price tag of salon quality products and want to save money by buying at the drugstore, but if they just knew the reason behind investing in better products, they would be that much more likely to do so.

 Educate & Elevate  

Slow periods are the perfect time to invest in education. The industry is constantly evolving, and staying on top of trends or learning new techniques keeps you ahead of the curve. When the economy turns around (and it will), you’ll be ready with new services and skills that clients will flock to.  

Not only that, but education boosts your confidence—and when you’re confident, your clients can feel it.  

 Build Stronger Client Relationships  

Client loyalty is gold, especially during slow periods. Make sure your clients know you value them—not just for their money, but for the relationship.  

Ideas to Strengthen Connections:  

– Send birthday or holiday cards with a small discount  

– Check in with regulars you haven’t seen in a while—“Hey, just thinking about you! How’s your hair holding up?”  

– Offer loyal clients an exclusive discount or sneak peek at new services  

People remember those little touches, and they’ll be more likely to stick with you when things get tough.  

Don’t Panic—Adapt  

It’s easy to let fear take the wheel when things slow down, but panic doesn’t pay the bills. The best way to weather a downturn is to stay calm, stay flexible, and stay focused. Markets shift, and businesses that adapt survive. 

Ask yourself: What opportunities do you have right now that you didn’t have before? Maybe you have more time to revamp your website, build out your marketing plan, or invest in that new education course you’ve been eyeing.  

 You’ve Got This—Tough Times Don’t Last  

Let’s be real—things might be rough right now, but this isn’t the end of the road. The salon crash is just a challenge—one you’re more than capable of overcoming. With smart strategies, a little creativity, and a lot of heart, you can stay afloat, keep your business thriving, and come out on the other side even stronger.  

If you need extra support, guidance, or just someone to bounce ideas off of, don’t hesitate to reach out. Or consider joining The Black Label Society. A group for business growth and accountability for hairstylists.