The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
Reader to Reader: How Do You Handle No-shows?
First, I listen to the reason for the absence. Then, after deciding if the appointment was forgotten or just last in importance, I charge $10 extra for each hour booked by the client.
by Staff
October 1, 1999
Illustration/Chris Murphy
3 min to read
Illustration/Chris Murphy
First, I listen to the reason for the absence. Then, after deciding if the appointment was forgotten or just last in importance, I charge $10 extra for each hour booked by the client. If the reason is traffic or weather, I just reschedule.
Toi Avery
Glamour Salon & Boutique
Southfield, Mich.
At our salon, our clients fill out a client card. We keep this card in their file along with their nail file. The card tells us what type of activities they like to do, what medications they take, and what health problems they have. At the bottom of the card we have written: “Your time of pampering is reserved just for you. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please cancel within six hours of your appointment.” No–shows are charged $18 and we have a $20 charge for returned checks. After filling the card out, clients sign and date it. We have clients who come in and have missed appointments, and they remind us that they owe us money.
Dawn Verci
Acrylic’s & More
Pekin, III.
I first give clients a courtesy call and have them reschedule at the next available appointment. If it becomes an occasional problem, I call the day before and confirm; if it becomes a regular thing, I tell them to call the day they need to be in. I find that having 90% of my clientele on a standing basis makes them more committed. They have a real hard time forgetting that they need to be there every other Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Kristin Dutcher
Pringle Park Plaza Hair Design
Salem, Ore.
Whenever I have a no-show I always call and say, “I have you down for an appointment and I was calling to see if you needed to reschedule for another time.” Usually they just truly forgot the appointment and aren’t forgetful again. I never let no-shows go without an attempt to contact them. In fact, I have gotten some of my most faithful clients by being understanding of their busy schedules. On the other hand, if someone no-shows on me consistently, I’ll refuse to schedule. I make sure to let them know it is disrespectful to me and my other clients who take two seconds to call and let me know that they cannot make it. Sometimes you risk losing clients, but someone dependable will be there to replace them!
Amanda Johnson
Classy Hair & Nails
Flint, Mich.
I always treat clients the way I would like to be treated. I understand that everyone can have a bad day or forget, but if it becomes a habit, I tell them that they will have to pay full price for the appointment they have missed. I had a client who was a real estate agent and would miss many appointments. I explained how I enjoyed her business but could not afford for her to keep missing appointments. Fourteen years later, she’s still my client - and a good friend.
Lori Love
Escape Salon
Bakersfield, Calif.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.