We all know it’s that time of year when the salon floor turns into a non-stop festive frenzy. As soon as the Christmas lights go up, so do the number of clients trying to book a space in your diary! From office parties to family dinners, everyone wants to look their festive best and YOU are the magician making that happen!
But here’s the deal: the festive season can leave even the most badass colourists, stylists and salon owners running on fumes. So before you dive into that whirlwind of tinsel and toners, take a breath. Let’s talk about keeping yourself sane, healthy, and full of festive spirit (without burning out) during the busiest time of the year.
1. Boundaries Are Your Best Friend
We get it. You’re a hair pro, a client pleaser, and your diary is filling up faster than you can say “Crazy Color”. But if you’re saying “yes” to every last-minute booking, you’re headed straight for Burnout City. So what can you do?
- Block time for YOU: Schedule breaks—even if they’re just 10 minutes for a coffee or scroll through TikTok.
- Know your limits: Decide how much overtime is cool for you. Don’t let FOMO push you to accept more than you can handle.
- Stick to your guns: Got a day off planned? Keep it that way. The chair will still be there tomorrow, but your sanity might not!
2. Delegate Like a Boss
Whether you’re running a full salon or freelancing, no one said you have to do it all alone. Think smart, not hard:
- Hire extra hands: If you’re a salon owner, bring in some seasonal staff to ease the load. Freelancers, can you team up with a mate on big jobs?
- Ditch the admin: Streamline your bookings with an online system so you can focus on what matters: turning out those killer looks.
- Get your team involved: Got juniors? Let them handle prep work or social media while you focus on the main event.
3. Body Love = Better Hair
You’re on your feet all day, styling, colouring, and slaying. But while you’re transforming everyone else, make sure you’re looking after yourself, too:
- Stretch, hydrate, repeat: A quick stretch between clients and staying hydrated is key. It sounds basic, but it makes a HUGE difference.
- Fuel up: Skip the sugar crashes by keeping healthy snacks on hand. Protein bars or fruit will keep your energy high all day long.
- Protect your tools and your body: Pay attention to your posture and look at ergonomic tools that are kind to your hands, back, and shoulders. Trust us, your body will thank you!
4. Mental Health Check-In
The holidays can be full-on—and not just for your clients. The pressure to keep up with the demand and keep everyone happy can mess with your head. But mental health matters, and we’re here to remind you to keep it in check:
- Breathe it out: A quick meditation, deep breaths, or even blasting your favourite playlist can reset your vibe in minutes. Check out our Crazy Color page on Spotify for some great options! <LINK>
- Let it out: Got frustrations? Journal it out or chat with a friend. Sometimes, talking it through is all it takes to clear your head.
- Don’t be afraid to say “no”: You’re only human. If you can’t squeeze in one more balayage, be honest about it. No guilt allowed.
5. Manage Client Expectations Like a Pro
We all know how it goes—clients wanting full transformations two days before Christmas. Be upfront with what’s possible (and what’s not) to keep everyone happy:
- Be real about results: Some looks take time. Break it down for clients so they know what to expect, no last-minute panic required.
- Set the holiday rules: Let them know your availability early on and encourage them to book ahead. That way, there are no surprises (or tantrums).
- Stay cool, calm, collected: When the festive stress levels rise, keep calm and colourful. You’ve got this!
6. Plan Your Post-Christmas Chill
You’ve been in the trenches for weeks & now it’s time to recover. Don’t forget to plan your post-Christmas wind-down:
- Book time off: Whether it’s a few days or a full week, pencil in some much-needed downtime after the chaos.
- Treat yo’self: Spa day, Netflix binge, or simply not getting out of bed till noon—whatever helps you recharge, do it!
- Reflect & reset: Once the dust (or glitter) has settled, take a moment to think about what worked well this year and how you can make next year even smoother.
7. Celebrate Your Wins
You’re making magic happen day in, day out—and that deserves some serious credit. Whether it’s nailing a tricky colour transformation, keeping your cool with a demanding client, or hitting your sales goals, celebrate the wins!
- Take a moment: Acknowledge what you’ve achieved, big or small.
- Something for you: After all the hard work, you deserve a treat. New scissors? That jacket you’ve been eyeing? Go for it!
8. Know When to Reach Out
If things start feeling really overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s a friend, a fellow stylist or a mental health professional, sometimes just talking things out can make all the difference.
Or pop a comment in our Facebook Group – we are all in this together and others in there will be able to share their experiences and support.
Be Prepared. You’ve Got This!
The festive season is your time to shine—but not at the expense of your own well-being. Keep your boundaries strong, your body and mind happy, and your clients managed like a pro. Christmas doesn’t have to mean chaos! Look after yourself first, because when you feel good, your work is even better.
Let’s keep it colourful, keep it cool, and smash this festive season together! If in doubt
Love,
The Crazy Color Team