Winter Nail Tech Prep: Getting Ready for the Busy Season

As the winter season approaches, nail techs are about to step into one of the busiest times of the year. From Black Friday sales to Christmas parties and New Year celebrations, clients are lining up to have their nails looking their best. It’s a season filled with opportunity, but also one that can feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

That’s where planning ahead makes all the difference. Winter is the perfect time to maximise profits, refine your retail game, and strengthen your client relationships for the year ahead. Whether it’s encouraging pre-bookings for Christmas, retailing cuticle oils, or making the most of seasonal promotions, small tweaks to your business strategy now can set you up for a stress-free and successful few months.

At HONA, we’re here to help you navigate the festive rush with ease. This guide is packed with practical tips to keep your schedule running smoothly, boost your income, and ensure your clients leave with nails they love (and appointments already booked for the new year!).

Plan for Black Friday & Seasonal Offers

Black Friday doesn’t have to mean slashing your prices. With the right approach, you can boost profits, delight clients, and set yourself up for a strong winter season. Here are six ways to make it work for your salon:

Promote Gift Card Deals

Gift cards are one of the smartest ways to bring in revenue during Black Friday. Add an incentive to make them irresistible:

• Buy a £40 gift card, get £50 value

• Buy a £60 gift card, add a free nail art upgrade

• Buy a £100 gift card, upgrade to a luxury package

This not only locks in future bookings but also helps fill your quieter January calendar.

Run a Social Media Giveaway

Generate excitement with a Black Friday giveaway. Offer a luxury manicure, seasonal nail art set, or even a retail bundle. Announce the prize in November but make the redemption valid in January or February to help drive traffic in slower months.

Try Last-Minute Offers

Not everything needs to be planned weeks ahead. On the day, post a “one-day only” deal for a treatment you want to spotlight, like “Free nail art with every BIAB booking today only.” This taps into the impulsive energy of Black Friday and encourages quick action.

For even more inspiration, check out our full guide: Seven Ways Nail Technicians Can Use Black Friday. 

Pre-Book Christmas Appointments Early

The festive period is always the busiest time in the salon, with clients wanting fresh nails for parties, family gatherings, and New Year celebrations. The best way to stay in control is to encourage clients to pre-book their Christmas appointments well in advance.

Remind them during their current appointment that your December slots fill up quickly, and use your social media to highlight that space is limited. A friendly “Book now to secure your Christmas nails” post can go a long way.

If you don’t already, introduce a deposit system, it not only reduces no-shows but also ensures your time is protected during your busiest weeks. You might even want to set clear booking cut-off dates or a cancellation policy to keep your schedule running smoothly.

By getting organised now, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and make sure every client gets the chance to enjoy their perfect festive manicure.

Boost Profits with Retail

Retailing works best when it feels like an extension of the service you already provide. Cuticle oils are the easiest product to recommend because they genuinely make a difference; hydrating, protecting, and extending the life of every manicure.

Keep a selection of HONA cuticle oils (from handy pens to droppers) visible at your workstation, so clients can see them during their appointment. A gentle reminder such as 'Using an oil daily will keep your nails looking fresh' or 'would you like one to take home today?' makes the suggestion feel supportive rather than sales-driven.

It’s a simple way to add value for your clients while creating a steady extra income stream for your business. For more insights on why oils are a must-have, read our guide: Why Every Nail Tech Should Retail Cuticle Oils.

Create Seasonal Nail Menus

Clients love festive inspiration, but they also appreciate clarity. A seasonal nail art menu makes the process simple and exciting. You can showcase three or four designs with set pricing so clients know exactly what’s on offer. Not only does this save you time in consultations, but it also increases your chances of upselling nail art.

Think of it like a “nail menu” for the season easy for clients to choose from and easy for you to deliver consistently.

HONA’s Top Picks for Winter:

1. Reflective Glitter Detail Paints
2. GlitterBox Gel Polish Collection
3. Aurora Detail Paint Collection 
4. Mob Wife Gel Polish Collection
5. Ruby Slippers Gel Polish

Share Your Work on Social Media

Winter is a golden opportunity to showcase your creativity online. Every festive set you create can double up as content for your social channels, helping you attract new clients while reminding existing ones to book in.

Keep it simple: snap photos or short videos of your favourite designs, share behind-the-scenes clips of your festive nail menu, or post quick reels showing the transformation from prep to finished look. Don’t overthink it: clients love authentic, real-time content.

Consistency is key. Aim to post regularly in the run-up to Christmas, and don’t forget to use features like Stories and TikTok Lives to give your followers a peek into your busy season. A quick caption such as “Christmas slots are filling fast, book now to avoid missing out” is a gentle nudge that doubles as marketing.

By sharing your work, you’ll build excitement, fill your diary, and keep your business front of mind during one of the busiest times of year.

Don’t Forget Self-Care

The winter season can feel like a marathon, but it’s important to look after yourself just as much as your clients. Schedule breaks between appointments, plan your social content in advance, and set boundaries around your working hours. A well-rested nail tech delivers their best work  and that means happier clients who are more likely to return.

By combining smart business strategies with a little self-care, you’ll not only survive the festive rush but finish it feeling proud of what you’ve achieved. Here’s to a busy, profitable, and joyful winter season.