How Salons Can Stay Ahead This Heatwave Season

Expect Your Footfall Patterns to Shift

Hot weather affects tanning salons differently to most retail businesses. Some clients top up ahead of holidays or events; others hold off on sunbed sessions when they’re already getting sun outdoors. Rather than guessing, use this period to: 

Track daily footfall against the weather forecast so you can spot your own salon’s pattern 

Consider extending opening hours on cooler evenings, when clients are more likely to visit 

Promote off-peak slots to smooth out demand across the week 

Stock Up on Hydration and Aftercare Lines

Heat increases demand for hydrating, cooling and aftercare products – both for clients topping up their tan and for those simply dealing with hotter days. Now is the time to review your retail shelf and make sure you’re not caught short on: 

After Sun and moisturising ranges: always a strong upsell, but especially relevant when clients are dealing with drier skin from the heat 

Rapid Tanning Intensifier and other accelerator lotions: help clients build colour efficiently, meaning shorter time under the lamps during a heatwave 

SPF Lotion with Bronzer (SPF 15, 30, 50): increasingly requested by clients heading outdoors or on holiday.

Keep Client Comfort and Safety Front of Mind

Hot weather means clients arrive at your salon already warm, so a few small touches make a big difference to their experience: 

Offer water in your waiting area – a simple gesture that’s especially appreciated during a heatwave 

Remind staff to double-check eye protection is offered and used for every session, as required 

Keep treatment rooms as cool and comfortable as possible between sessions 

Use the Season as a Marketing Opportunity

A heatwave is a natural talking point for your salon’s marketing. Consider: 

“Pre-holiday glow” promotions for clients heading abroad who want a base tan before they fly 

Bundling SPF and after-sun products with sunbed packages, positioning your salon as a one-stop shop for the summer 

Highlighting hybrid or accelerator options for clients who want faster results during the busier summer season 

Let’s Keep Your Salon Trading Strong This Summer 

Whether it’s stock forecasting, equipment servicing or staying on top of the latest product ranges, a bit of planning now can help your salon make the most of this heatwave – and the rest of the summer season. If you’d like support with any of the above, get in touch with our team today.