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 Retain Clients When You’re on an Extended Leave?
If you have a great retention rate to begin with, you will have a higher retention rate when you return.
by Staff
May 1, 2001
Illustration/Chris Murphy
2 min to read
Illustration/Chris Murphy
If you have a great retention rate to begin with, you will have a higher retention rate when you return. Your clients should know when you’re leaving and when your expected return date is. Send a short letter to your clients letting them know about your leave. The salon owner, manager, or coordinator should help out too.
Darlene Feric, Awesome Nails, Grayslake, III.
As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I began planning my maternity leave. I had all of the other nail techs write their standings in the book about two months in advance, which enabled me to see where I could reschedule my clients. I wrote each client a new appointment card as well. I started having labor pains during my last scheduled day at work, finished my last client, locked up the salon, and delivered three hours after that. Now that’s an organized leave of absence.
Alisha Chmiel, Arti’s Beauty Spa, Dayton, Ohio
I really don’t think that there is a sure fire way to retain 100% of your clients when you’re on an extended leave. I retained about 80% of my clients when I took six weeks off after my daughter was born. I referred my clients to a salon owned by a friend. The clients I did lose were not my longstanding ones. It’s a shame to lose any client, but sometimes it happens.
Mare Horak, Nails by Mare, St. Cloud, Fla.
I am the only nail tech at our salon, so I usually work extra long hours for about two weeks before and two weeks after I take a leave. I have maybe two or three clients whom I need to refer to another salon, but I can usually handle the load myself.
Juliee Hoffman, A Head of the Times, Erlanger, Ky.
A fellow nail technician and I have an agreement that when either of us are on vacation or extended leave, we’ll take care of the other’s clients. This has worked for more than 20 years.
Noelia Lebron, Caribe Nails, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
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.