September marketing guide for salons: Key dates and creative ideas
Find the campaign ideas you need to launch cozy fall promotions.
September is here — and it’s the perfect time to give your salon’s marketing strategy a makeover.
As routines settle and the first signs of fall begin to appear, September offers a fresh opportunity to reconnect with clients and position your salon as their go-to destination for seasonal style and self-care. With summer behind them, many are ready to refresh their look, repair sun-stressed hair, or embrace warmer tones for the months ahead.
From seasonal promotions to cozy care bundles, here’s your guide to September salon marketing ideas designed to drive traffic, build loyalty, and keep your books full.
Why September is the perfect month to refresh your salon marketing
September marks a new beginning for your clients and your business. With summer behind them and routines falling back into place, many clients are ready to focus on self-care, seasonal changes, and style updates. Strategic, timely campaigns can help your salon stay top-of-mind as they ease into autumn.
Here’s why September is a smart time to elevate your salon promotions:
- Back-to-routine rhythm: With school, work, and social calendars filling up again, clients are looking for efficient, high-impact services. Now’s the time to spotlight express trims, student discounts, and styling packages that fit into busy schedules.
- Seasonal style shifts: As the weather cools, your clients are ready for change — whether that’s warmer hair color, deeper hydration, or post-summer repair. Promote gloss treatments, moisturizing masks, or fall-inspired refresh packages to meet their needs and boost retail sales.
- Loyalty and referrals that last: Build momentum for the months ahead with limited-time incentives like “bring-a-friend” offers, rebooking perks, or bundled treatments. These promotions encourage repeat visits and word-of-mouth buzz heading into the holiday season.
September offers the chance to set the tone for a successful fall. Let your marketing reflect the energy, renewal, and opportunity the season brings.
World Beard Day – September 6
World Beard Day is more than a novelty holiday — it’s a celebration of self-expression, style, and the barbers who help beards look their best. It’s the perfect moment for barbershops and salons to spotlight their grooming services, showcase beard care expertise, and create a standout experience for clients who take pride in their facial hair.
Campaign ideas for salons:
- Beard grooming specials: Offer limited-time packages that combine beard trims with hot towel treatments, scalp massages, or express skin care add-ons. Highlight beard shaping, conditioning, and styling as an elevated service, not just maintenance.
- Beard care bar: Create a pop-up beard care station where guests can test products, get tips from your barbers, or receive quick touch-ups. Use the opportunity to cross-sell premium beard oils, balms, and grooming kits.
- Best Beard contest: Encourage clients to share their beard transformations or tag your shop in their World Beard Day selfies. Offer a prize like a free grooming session, product bundle, or “Beard VIP” membership. Feature winners on your social media or in-store displays.
National Beauty and Barber Week – September 8–14
National Beauty and Barber Week is a time to honor the professionals who help clients feel confident, expressive, and cared for, one haircut, color, or style at a time. It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate your team, connect with your community, and spotlight the meaningful role your salon plays in your clients’ lives.
Whether you’re recognizing your stylists and barbers or engaging loyal guests with special events, this week is all about pride in the craft and connection in the chair.
Campaign ideas for salons:
- Client Appreciation days: Host a special week of promotions where guests can enjoy discounted services, express appointments, or mini treatments that showcase your team’s talent. Add fun touches like music, mocktails, or giveaways to make it feel festive.
- “Beauty & Barber Week Bash” event: Host an open house or evening event to thank clients and celebrate your team. Offer mini consultations, styling demos, or braid/barber stations. Invite guests to meet your team, enjoy refreshments, and book future services.
- Refer-a-friend Reward Week: Encourage word-of-mouth with a refer-a-friend promo tied to the week. When a guest brings in someone new, they both receive a small reward, like a discount on their next visit.
Source: 2024 Salon and Spa Consumer Survey, Zenoti
National Daughter’s Day – September 28
National Daughter’s Day is a heartwarming opportunity to celebrate the meaningful connections between mothers and daughters, and the perfect time to turn your salon or spa into a space for love, laughter, and shared self-care.
Whether it's a mom-and-daughter pampering day, a multigenerational visit, or a treat for daughters of all ages, your business can offer more than just a service, it can create a moment they’ll remember.
Campaign ideas for salons:
- "Just Us" duo packages: Offer limited-time packages designed for pairs: think side-by-side facials, mother-daughter manis, or back-to-back blowouts. Add thoughtful extras like a sweet treat, a keepsake charm, or a mini photo session to make it extra special.
- Bonding Beauty Bar: Set up a pop-up area with mini styling tutorials, quick braiding stations, or skin care demos designed for moms and daughters to enjoy together. Perfect for drop-ins or events, and a great chance to cross-promote retail products for all ages.
- Gift her glow: Offer gift card specials in the week leading up to Daughter’s Day with a bonus add-on or product when booked as a pair. Market it as a great option for moms, dads, or grandparents who want to gift an experience, not just a service.
- Social Spotlight: Celebrate Your Girls: Invite clients to tag you in photos with their daughters (or moms!) for a chance to be featured on your page. Create a reel or carousel that celebrates real relationships and highlights the beauty of time shared in your space.
Other September marketing ideas for salons
National School Picture Day – September 11
Picture Day is more than a photo — it’s a memory. Help clients of all ages feel confident and camera-ready with quick, affordable services that polish their look and boost self-esteem.
Actionable tip: Create a “Picture Day Prep” menu with express services like bang trims, brow shaping, or kids’ cuts designed to fit into busy schedules. Offer student-friendly pricing or family bundles so parents and kids can prep together.
Look up the school picture day(s) for the schools in your region and send out a promo email 1-2 weeks in advance. Encourage early bookings by sharing how quickly your Picture Day appointment slots fill up. Busy parents will appreciate the reminder, and your stylists will thank you for their full schedules.
First Day of Fall – September 22
The season of change is here — and it's the perfect moment to help clients refresh their look, reset their routines, and embrace cozy, autumn-ready style. Think richer tones, deeper hydration, and intentional self-care.
Actionable tip: Offer a “Fall Reset” service bundle featuring seasonal treatments like a deep conditioning hair mask, a rich color gloss, or a hydrating facial to help transition from summer to fall. Highlight warm color palettes, scalp care, or moisture-boosting rituals to align with the shift in weather.
National Coffee Day – September 29
Blend beauty and comfort by turning your salon into the ultimate self-care café. Celebrate National Coffee Day with services that energize, pamper, and indulge — inspired by everyone’s favorite daily ritual.
Actionable tip: Offer coffee-infused treatments like espresso scrubs, mocha conditioning masks, or cappuccino-inspired blowouts paired with a warm beverage and cozy ambiance. Create a “Sip & Style” experience where guests enjoy a complimentary latte or coffee-themed treat during their service.
Encourage rebooking by gifting a mini coffee-scented product or offering a limited-time “refill” discount on their next visit — because beauty and coffee are better when they’re shared often.
How to make your salon’s campaigns shine this September
A successful September starts with intentional planning. As routines return and the season shifts, your salon’s marketing strategy should evolve to match the mindset of your clients. Use these tips to elevate your early fall campaigns:
- Promote early: Start the month by spotlighting services that align with back-to-routine schedules and seasonal transitions. For example, consider moisture-repair treatments, warm-toned glosses, and fresh cuts to match the cooler weather.
- Tailor your promos: Customize offerings based on who’s walking through your doors. For example, offer student discounts for fall formals, quick refreshes for professionals returning to the office, and rehydrating masks or trims for clients recovering from summer damage.
- Track what works: Pay close attention to September booking trends and retail sales. Use those insights to adjust your October and Q4 promotions — and stay ahead of client needs as the holiday season approaches.
Level up your salon marketing this September
September offers a fresh start for both your clients and your brand. It’s the ideal time to showcase your expertise, fill your calendar, and build momentum going into fall. From restorative treatments to seasonal color and self-care bundles, aligning your promotions with post-summer needs helps you stay booked and build loyalty.
Need help building your next campaign? Download the full Q3 Beauty & Wellness Marketing Calendar for creative strategies, expert tips, and can’t-miss promo dates to guide your success.
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