Summer’s end signals more than just the return to school—it’s also the return to routine. And for business owners, that means opportunity. August is one of the most underrated times of year for growth. With vacations winding down and clients looking to reset their look before fall, it’s the perfect time to re-engage, refresh, and reignite your business. This isn’t just about catching up—it’s about launching into your most profitable season with confidence.
At Beauty Inspiration Association (BIA), we know salon success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built with smart planning, strategic marketing, and knowing what your clients want before they do. Here’s how to maximize August and set the stage for a thriving end to your year.
Back-to-School = Back in Business
While kids are prepping their backpacks, adults are prepping for their post-summer comeback. August is prime time for cuts, color corrections, and skin resets after sun exposure. Don’t sleep on this “reset season”—capitalize on it.
Ideas to implement:
- “New Season, New You” Packages: Combine a haircut, gloss treatment, and mini facial.
- Parent & Teen Specials: Attract family duos with side-by-side promos.
- Student Glam Packs: Offer budget-friendly bundles for college-bound clients (brows, cuts, manis).
Pro Tip from BIA: Consider a themed event like a “Back to Beautiful” open house with express services and fall trend previews. These create buzz and bring clients back into the salon with excitement.
Refresh Your Inventory (and Your Menu)
As summer winds down, it’s time to retire the tropical scents and SPF promos and stock up on richer, fall-friendly products.
Checkpoints for August:
- Audit what hasn’t moved. Put slow products on flash sale or bundle them.
- Start spotlighting fall items: deep conditioners, rich moisturizers, matte lipsticks, earthy nail polish tones.
- Update your service menu with seasonal treatments like scalp detoxes or hydrating hair masques for post-summer repair.
BIA Insight: The best-performing salons align their retail with client needs before they even ask.
Preview Fall Trends & Create Anticipation
August is the perfect month to tease what’s coming. Clients love to feel like they’re in the know. Use this time to showcase upcoming fall looks that will dominate Instagram feeds.
Trends to highlight:
- Hair: Velvet brunette, copper hues, chic French bobs.
- Skin: Barrier-repair facials, enzymatic exfoliators, LED therapy for post-summer damage.
- Nails: Chocolate tones, soft metallics, minimalist nail art.
How to promote:
- Run a “Fall Forecast” campaign on social and in-salon featuring staff predictions and product demos.
- Offer “Sneak Peek” services with a complimentary consultation for seasonal changes.
Use August to Plan for Q4
Let’s be real—once September hits, it’s go-time for the holidays. Smart salon owners use August to map out promotions, events, staff schedules, and inventory for the rest of the year.
Start with:
- A 90-day marketing calendar
- Pre-booking promos for Thanksgiving and December
- Staff meetings to align on goals, expectations, and burnout prevention
August is more than a breather before fall—it’s a powerful moment to reset, reconnect, and reinvest in your salon. The decisions you make now will ripple into your Q4 success.
At Beauty Inspiration Association, we’re not just here to teach CE hours—we’re your behind-the-scenes partner in strategy, marketing, and elevating your business every month. Whether you’re ready to launch a new retail line, refresh your team’s skills, or plan your holiday game plan, BIA is your go-to.