The Check in

Check in to see how other Wellness Brands are winning and thriving. Check out with the insights you need to grow yours.

Get our Newsletter

The Check-In Newsletter – Nov 12, 2025: Making the most of the season

Set your business up for a joyful holiday season and an even brighter 2026.

Making the most of the holidays

The holidays are sneaking up fast, and we’re here to help you make every moment count. Let’s unwrap a few resources to help you grow your business this season and keep that momentum moving into the new year.

Industry Insights

How salons and spas can win over Gen Z in 2026 — and why it matters more than ever

Spoiler alert: Gen Z wants more than great hair and glowing skin. Discover what really drives their salon and spa choices going into 2026 — and how your business can keep them coming back for more.

Attracting Gen Z to your salon
The Pulse Point
64% of holiday shoppers reach for gift cards during the gift-giving season, and 40% of the gift cards bought in the last year were digital. Make sure your gift cards are ready to go, both on your site and in-store.

Test Your Knowledge

The holiday season is the perfect time to win back former clients. From the services they need to look their best for pictures and parties to fun seasonal offerings, many are looking for reasons to return.

Quiz: What percentage of beauty and wellness clients report they have returned to a business after they previously parted ways?

A) 25%
B) 34%
C) 42%
D) 50%

Think you know the answer? Scroll down to find out!

Growth Tip of the Week
With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday quickly approaching, now is the time to maximize every transaction. One growing solution is credit card surcharging, which saves businesses 2-3% each time a customer taps or swipes. Read up on surcharging here.

Beauty and Wellness

Reputation management 101: How to handle negative Google reviews
Handling negative reviews at your salon

If there’s one thing business owners can agree on, it’s that negative reviews can feel like a nightmare. But a bad review doesn’t have to damage your reputation. Learn how to submit illegitimate reviews for removal or transform criticism into an opportunity to build trust.

Reputation management 101

Salons

Salon consumer trends 2026

Your clients have spoken, and 2026 is all about effortless beauty, accessibility, and experiences that feel truly personal. Read up on client trends to ensure your business isn't left behind.

Stay ahead of the times

Medspas

Medspa consumer trends 2026

What factors make a medspa experience truly exceptional in 2026? We asked over 1,100 medspa clients across the U.S., and their answers might surprise you.

Unlock 2026 insights

Barbershops

November marketing guide for barbershops
November marketing ideas for barbershops

It's not too late to give your barbershop a seasonal edge this month with creative marketing ideas designed to attract new clients and keep regulars coming back.

Barbershop marketing

Fitness

Seasonal campaign ideas for gyms
November marketing ideas for fitness brands

The second half of this month is filled with chances to level up your gym’s campaigns. These limited-time promos and fresh campaign ideas can help you finish the year strong.

Gym campaign ideas

Marketing Corner

Seasonal ideas for your business

The end of November is filled with seasonal holiday opportunities for beauty and wellness businesses. Between National Shopping Reminder Day (November 25), Black Friday (November 28), and Small Business Saturday (November 29), now is the time to prepare your marketing with bundles, deals, and discounts.

Want more timely tips, ideas, and inspiration? Start planning now with the ultimate Q4 2025 marketing calendar: View the Q4 2025 marketing calendar

Test Your Knowledge: Answer Reveal:

C) 42% of clients have returned to a business they've previously left. Consider reaching out to those past loyalists with your best holiday deals to see if you can get them back in your chair. 

*Source: 2025 Salon and Spa Consumer Survey, Zenoti

Thanks for reading

That's all for today, but we will check back with more updates and growth insights in just two weeks!

Book your bi-weekly check-in for industry tips, trends, and insights to grow your brand

Written by

Emily Holzer, Content Specialist

Combining a passion for writing, data, and helping small businesses thrive, Emily loves building resources to help lift beauty and wellness professionals higher. Outside of the office, you can find her on a longboard or behind a chess board. Fun fact: Emily has donated Fun fact: Emily has donated 9 ponytails (so far) across 5 hair loss charities in the U.S.

Reviewed by

Cheryl Cole, Managing Editor

Cheryl uses her background in journalism to help brands bring their unique stories to life. Passionate about content strategy, she has extensive experience leading both print and digital publications. As managing editor of The Check-In, Cheryl is committed to providing wellness professionals with high-quality, tailored content designed to help grow their brands.

Your standing appointment for business growth — delivered straight to your inbox

Get the latest industry tips, trends, and insights to grow your brand.