The holiday season is when blowout and updo demand spikes—weddings, parties, and family events pack your calendar fast. If you're not capturing that surge with a deliberate marketing plan, you're leaving revenue on the table. Here's how to turn seasonal interest into consistent bookings and premium pricing.
Start Your Campaign 8-10 Weeks Out
Holiday events typically cluster between mid-November and New Year's Day. Begin promoting in late September or early October, when clients start planning outfits and hair. At this stage, most people are in research mode and more likely to book consultations or try your salon for the first time.
Create a simple timeline:
- Week 1-2: Announce holiday updo packages on social media and email
- Week 3-4: Launch limited-time pre-booking discounts (5–10% off bookings made by a specific date)
- Week 5-6: Shift messaging toward "book now before dates fill up"
- Week 7-8: Target gift certificate sales and day-of availability reminders
Define Your Holiday Updo & Blowout Packages
Vague service listings kill conversions. Get specific. Typical packages in urban markets run $65–$150 for blowouts and $95–$250+ for updos, depending on complexity and location. Consider bundling:
- The Glam Blowout: Wash, blow-dry, light styling + product touchup ($70–$95)
- Classic Updo: Sectioned, pinned, finished with spray and minimal accessories ($110–$160)
- Bridal/Premium Updo: Trial included, extended styling time, accessory placement, high-hold products ($150–$250+)
- Duo Package: Blowout + updo for two people, 10–15% discount
List exact add-ons (curls, braids, hair extensions, jewelry placement) with pricing. When clients see "$185 for luxury updo with trial session," they're more likely to book than a generic "updos available."
Use Instagram & TikTok for Visual Proof
Blowouts and updos are inherently visual. Dedicate 20–30 minutes weekly to short before-and-after reels. Showcase:
- Quick transformation clips (30–60 seconds)
- Client testimonials mid-appointment
- Close-ups of intricate braids or twists
- Slow-motion hair-spraying or pinning techniques
Tag clients (with permission), use holiday-specific hashtags (#HolidayUpdo, #NewYearsEveHair, your city name), and link directly to your booking page. Instagram Stories with countdown stickers ("Book your holiday hair now") drive urgency without feeling pushy.
Capture Leads Through Gift Certificates
Holiday gift certificates are a low-friction entry point. Offer a tiered system:
- $50 gift certificate (good for a blowout)
- $100 gift certificate (covers an updo or blowout + product)
- $150+ spa package (updo + facial, massage, or nail service if you partner with other businesses)
Market gift certificates heavily from October through mid-December. Frame them as "the gift that makes you look amazing," not just a transaction. Digital delivery reduces friction; send a branded PDF that recipients can forward to friends.
Email & SMS: Direct Booking Activation
If you have a client list, email is your highest-ROI channel for holiday bookings. Send 3–4 emails between October and December:
- Announcement email: "Holiday updo bookings are open—here's what's new this season"
- Urgency email: "These dates are filling up fast" (sent 4–6 weeks before the event rush)
- Last-call email: "Book by [specific date] to guarantee your appointment before [holiday]"
- Gift certificate email: "Give the gift of gorgeous hair"
SMS is even more effective for last-minute bookings. Send a brief text 2–3 days before major event dates: "Last spots open for holiday updos. Book now: [link]"
Partner & Cross-Promote Locally
Connect with local event planners, bridal boutiques, dress shops, and jewelers. Offer them a referral commission (10–15% of services booked through their referral) in exchange for recommending your updo and blowout services. A bride buying a dress from a local boutique is a warm lead worth pursuing.
List on Mercoly & Leverage Multiple Channels
Get found where clients are searching. Listing your blowout and updo services on Mercoly alongside your website and Instagram ensures you're visible across platforms, making it easier to win leads and book appointments. Consistency across channels builds trust and reduces friction at booking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I start taking holiday bookings? Open bookings 8–10 weeks before your target event window. Many salons fill November–December slots by mid-October.
Q: Can I charge premium prices for holiday updos? Yes—charge 15–25% more for holiday-season appointments than your regular rate, especially for intricate styles or last-minute bookings. Scarcity and demand justify higher pricing.
Q: How do I handle walk-ins during the holiday rush? Block 1–2 appointment slots per day as "emergency availability" and price them 20% higher to discourage booking unless clients are willing to pay for urgency. This protects your schedule while capturing high-margin bookings.
Start your holiday campaign now, nail the fundamentals, and watch your holiday revenue grow.