How to boost your salon profits with festival season marketing ideas

As the summer Festival Season approaches, it presents a prime opportunity for beauty businesses and salon owners to increase profits and try out fresh marketing strategies! At HONA, we’re always eager to help nail techs maximise their earnings, and build client basis, That's why our guide is packed with tips to help you make the most of this vibrant season. Let’s dive in and get ready to explore all the ways you can grow your business this summer

Festival Survival Kits 

At HONA, we always sing about how our Cuticle Oils and 50ml Sanitisers can help boost your profits, and festival season is no exception! With clients heading off to fields, beaches, and arenas, there’s no better time to upsell compact, care-focused kits that keep nails looking flawless all weekend long.

Consider bundling a HONA Cuticle Oil, Mini Hand Sanitiser, and Nail File into a cute, branded pouch. Not only are they Instagram-worthy, but they offer real value to your clients while increasing your retail revenue.

  • HONA Mini Hand Sanitiser (50ml)
    A must-have for staying fresh in crowded outdoor spaces. Lightweight, fast-drying, and perfect for tossing in a bum bag or crossbody.
  • HONA Cuticle Oil (4ml or 1ml) 
    Instant hydration and shine at your fingertips. Helps nourish dry cuticles and keeps nails looking camera-ready—ideal for that mid-festival selfie moment.
  • Nail File (240 Grit) 
    When chips happen, be ready. A festival essential for quick touch-ups that keep your manicure intact.

SALON RETAIL IDEAS

Festival season is the perfect time to boost your retail sales and try out new promotions! Here's some of our top tips on  how you can make the most of your salon retail for the summer season:

Bundled Services

Festival season is the perfect time to promote bundled treatments that encourage clients to book more than one service at once. E.g. Nails & Brows or Lash lift & Nails By offering a small discount across combined services, you not only increase the overall spend per client but also make your salon feel like a one-stop destination for their festival prep.

In-Store Displays

Use summer and festival themes to refresh your retail displays. Focus on bright colours, simple signage, and organised layouts to highlight products like cuticle oils, mini sanitisers, nail files, and Festival Survival Kits. Position displays near reception, nail stations, and checkout areas to encourage impulse purchases. Group items as bundles or limited-edition kits to increase perceived value and drive add-on sales.

Vouchers

Offer gift vouchers for services or set amounts to encourage pre-paid bookings and gift purchases. These work well for clients treating themselves before an event or buying for someone else. Keep vouchers visible at the front desk and promote them on social media and during checkout. Include options for full services (e.g. Festival Nails) or fixed values (£10, £20, etc.) to suit different needs.

Mystery Manicure Sets

Add something unexpected to your summer service menu with Mystery Manicure Sets, a festival-themed ‘lucky dip’ nail service designed to surprise and delight clients.

Clients book the set knowing they’ll receive a bold, creative festival-inspired manicure, but the exact colours, finishes, or nail art details are a mystery until the appointment. It’s a fun way to showcase your creativity and offer something fresh for returning clients.

To encourage uptake, offer the Mystery Manicure at 10% off your usual custom nail art pricing, and promote it as a limited-time seasonal service.

Make sure your marketing highlights that it’s designed for clients who are open to something bold, fun, and on-trend, perfect for the festival crowd.

Social Media Tips & Content 

Social media is key to turning visibility into bookings! 

  • Show Off Your Work: Post before & after reels of your festival nail sets to highlight the transformation. Focus on vibrant colours, glitter, chrome, and trending festival designs that showcase your skills and get clients excited to book.
  • Share Inspiration: Use your platforms to inspire clients with fresh, festival-ready nail ideas. Post moodboards, client sets, or trending looks to help potential clients visualise their next appointment.
  • Use Relevant Hashtags: Incorporate relevant tags such as #FestivalNails, #NailArtInspo, #HONA, and location-specific tags to improve reach and connect with potential new clients.
  • Tag HONA: Tag @homeofnailart in your content to be in with a chance of being featured across our channels and seen by a wider audience.

Post-Festival Nail Rehab

The festival may be over, but your clients’ nails probably need a little TLC. This is the perfect time to offer a dedicated Post-Festival Nail Check-In, a targeted service designed to help clients recover from glitter, sun, and wear and tear.

Offer a package that includes:

  • Professional removal of any nail enhancements
  • Full manicure and gentle shaping
  • Cuticle clean-up and hydration
  • Optional hand treatment or mask

This kind of care-focused service encourages repeat bookings and shows clients that your salon isn’t just about aesthetics, you're invested in long-term nail health too. 

Summary 

Festival season is a valuable opportunity to get creative, connect with your clients, and increase your revenue. From retail-ready Festival Survival Kits to mystery manicure services and social media campaigns, there are plenty of ways to make this vibrant season work for your business.

By offering bundled treatments, running limited-time promotions, and planning thoughtful aftercare services like Post-Festival Nail Rehab, you can make the most of every stage of your client’s festival experience.

At HONA, we’re here to support nail techs in growing their businesses with high-quality products and proven strategies. With a bit of planning and the right tools in place, this summer could be your most successful one yet.

Now is the time to plan your promotions, refresh your displays, and get your clients excited to book.

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