The summer holidays bring sunshine, long days, and a calendar full of client requests but for many beauty professionals, they also mean a lot more to manage behind the scenes. If you’re a parent or carer, or you simply enjoy making the most of the warmer months, balancing your personal and professional life can feel like a logistical challenge.

So how can you show up for your clients, your business, and yourself without running on empty? We’ve pulled together some practical ways to keep your business thriving while protecting your time, energy and wellbeing.
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1. Plan Ahead and Communicate Clearly

‍As soon as school holiday dates are confirmed, start planning. Block out any personal commitments in your calendar, and let clients know as early as possible about any changes to your availability. Whether it’s time off for childcare, a family holiday, or shorter days, give people plenty of notice - this avoids last-minute stress and helps keep your schedule fully booked around those times.

Update your online booking system to reflect changes and consider sending out an email or SMS to regular clients. You can even encourage early bookings by offering a small incentive or “priority slot” promotion to fill your diary before the rush hits.
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2. Introduce Summer Hours or Adjusted Shifts

‍Summer doesn’t have to mean long, draining workdays. Many therapists find success with seasonal schedule tweaks such as opening earlier in the morning or offering a few evening appointments. This creates more flexibility for you to attend school activities, summer camps, or simply enjoy the daylight.

If you're self-employed or have control over your rota, don’t be afraid to trial a different pattern for the summer period. You may even find clients prefer it too.
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3. Collaborate with Your Team or Network

‍If you work with others, coordination is key. Plan your leave and workload together so that everyone gets a fair balance. Can someone cover your clients for a few days, and vice versa?

For solo therapists, now’s a great time to build relationships with nearby professionals. Consider creating a local network where you can refer to one another or support each other in busy times. It not only reduces stress but it also shows clients you’re part of a trusted, supportive professional community.
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4. Offer Express Treatments

‍Time is tight for everyone in the summer, you and your clients included. That’s where express services come in. Promote mini treatments that deliver quick results: think 30-minute facials, polish refreshers, lunchtime brow shaping or targeted LED sessions.

These services can be booked during quieter times or slotted in between longer treatments. They help you maximise revenue while meeting the needs of time-poor clients and often lead to re-bookings for longer sessions later in the season.
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5. Prioritise Self-Care Too

‍When your diary’s full and your time is stretched, your own wellbeing often takes a back seat but it doesn’t have to. Even just 20 minutes a day to move your body, take a walk, journal, or enjoy a peaceful break can help ground you.

Schedule time for yourself just like you would a client. Block out “you-time” in your booking system so you don’t accidentally give it away. The better you care for yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for others, both at work and at home.
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6. Make the Most of Downtime

‍Whether you’ve booked a few days off or just have quieter mornings, make it count. Instead of packing every minute with admin or errands, ask yourself what would support your business and your wellbeing in the long term.

Maybe that’s finally updating your treatment menu, refreshing your social media content, or watching a professional development webinar. Perhaps it’s rest, resetting your workspace, or getting inspired by visiting other salons. Use slower moments with intention - they’re just as valuable as your busiest days.
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7. Be Kind to Yourself

‍Some weeks will go smoothly. Others might feel like a juggling act of late-night laundry, last-minute bookings and rescheduled childcare. And that’s okay.

Being a beauty professional, especially one balancing family life is demanding. The most important thing is to communicate openly, protect your boundaries, and give yourself credit for everything you’re doing. A flexible, proactive mindset and small acts of preparation can make a big difference in helping you stay in control this summer.

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