From Halloween hair to Christmas craic: salon life with Margaret Doherty

Salons are more than appointment books and blow-dries; they’re living, breathing hubs of creativity and chaos — especially during the holiday season. In a recent column for the Derry Journal, salon owner Margaret Doherty gives a warm, candid snapshot of what happens when Halloween costumes, face paint and last-minute wig emergencies collide with running a busy salon. Her account is a useful reminder for clients and fellow stylists alike: the run-up to Christmas is a marathon, not a sprint, and a little planning keeps both hair and spirits intact.

What the Halloween rush reveals about salon life

Margaret’s description of taking the day off to look after the weans — juggling face paint, fake blood and wigs — captures the human side of hairdressing. For many salon owners and stylists, seasonal events like Halloween are double-duty: a family day at home and an unofficial rehearsal for the frantic festive weeks ahead. Behind every finished look there’s often a little domestic drama, last-minute costume adjustments and, occasionally, a wig emergency that needs quick fixing.

For clients, understanding what happens behind the scenes helps. Salons are cleaning and disinfecting tools, laundering capes, patch-testing new colours and dealing with the fallout of temporary colour or heavy styling from seasonal events. That invisible labour is part of why weekends fill up fast once November begins.

Prepping for the festive season: bookings, trends and teamwork

The weeks between Bonfire Night and Christmas are the busiest of the year for many salons. Margaret’s column highlights how crucial organisation is — not just for appointments but for stock, staffing and maintaining a calm atmosphere for clients and team alike. A little foresight makes a big difference.

• Book early: Popular slots fill quickly — aim to book festive colour and styling at least 4–6 weeks ahead where possible.
• Bring references: Photos and inspiration images save time and set realistic expectations in the chair.
• Be honest about hair history: Colour history and recent treatments affect what’s possible in a single visit.
• Consider strategic trims: A small trim a few weeks before a big event keeps hair looking polished and healthy.
• Communicate allergies and sensitivities: Mention scalp issues, product reactions or sensitive skin before treatments.

Salons also lean on teamwork during this period. That may mean staggered shifts, extra evening bookings or bringing in trusted freelance stylists for high-demand days. The goal is to keep quality high without burning out staff — something clients tend to appreciate when they see a calm, professional environment even on the busiest days.

At-home care between salon visits

Maintaining salon results at home is the unsung hero of festive hair. Margaret’s anecdote about being “more wrecked than if I’d worked a ten-hour day in the salon” is an implicit nudge to clients: treat your at-home routine as part of the salon service. Small habits preserve colour, shine and style so the next appointment is about maintenance, not emergency fixes.

Practical, salon-friendly at-home care includes:

• Use a gentle shampoo and a hydrating conditioner suited to your hair type; avoid daily shampooing if your hair benefits from less frequent washing.
• Apply heat protectant every time you style with hot tools and let hair dry naturally where possible to reduce stress.
• Keep a weekly masque or deep-conditioning treatment in rotation to combat dryness from styling and festive weather.
• Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction, breakage and frizz overnight.
• Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for wet hair, starting at the ends and working up to the roots.

These steps help clients arrive at the salon with hair that’s easier to work with — and they mean stylists can focus on creative finishing rather than remedial work.

Managing expectations and choosing styles

As Margaret’s column shows, not every request can be achieved in a single session, especially if it involves major colour changes or corrective work. Clear communication is essential: stylists should explain the process, timeline and maintenance required for a chosen look. For clients planning party hair, opt for styles that balance glamour and practicality — think glossy blow-dries, soft curl finishes, sleek updos or polished braids that translate well through long nights and travel.

When colour changes are desired, ask about a patch test for new products and be open to multi-stage plans. Many stylists prefer to prioritise hair health over instant transformations — a strategy that pays off with stronger, shinier results long term.

Takeaway

Margaret Doherty’s seasonal snapshot is a timely reminder that salon life is a blend of creativity, logistics and care. Whether you’re a salon owner juggling staff rota and stock, or a client planning your festive look, the same rules apply: plan early, communicate clearly, and treat at-home maintenance as part of your salon service. A little preparation keeps the season merry for everyone — and saves the last-minute panic for the spooky nights only.