The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for hair salons. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas party, New Year’s Eve celebrations, family gatherings, or holiday photos, getting a fresh haircut is often part of the plan.
However, many customers are surprised to discover that Great Clips locations may operate on modified schedules during major holidays. Some salons reduce their hours, while others may close entirely on certain days.
If you’re planning a haircut during the holiday season, understanding Great Clips holiday hours can help you avoid wasted trips and ensure you get your haircut before the festivities begin.
Does Great Clips Have Special Holiday Hours?
The short answer is yes.
Many Great Clips locations adjust their operating hours during major holidays. Because Great Clips salons are independently owned and operated franchises, holiday schedules can vary from one location to another.
Some salons may:
- Open later than usual
- Close earlier than usual
- Operate on reduced hours
- Close completely on certain holidays
This flexibility allows franchise owners to accommodate local customer demand while also giving employees time to spend with their families during important holidays.
Why Holiday Hours Vary by Location
One of the most important things customers should understand is that Great Clips does not always follow a single nationwide holiday schedule.
Since individual franchise owners manage their own salons, factors that influence holiday hours include:
- Local demand
- Staffing availability
- Shopping center policies
- Regional holiday traditions
- Franchise owner preferences
This means two Great Clips locations in the same city could potentially have different holiday operating hours.
Because of this, checking your local salon’s schedule is always recommended before visiting.
Holidays That May Affect Great Clips Hours
While schedules vary, several major holidays commonly result in modified salon hours.
New Year’s Day
Many Great Clips locations may operate on reduced hours or remain closed on New Year’s Day.
Since many customers stay home after late-night celebrations, some salons adjust schedules accordingly.
Easter Sunday
Some locations close entirely on Easter Sunday, while others may operate with shortened schedules.
Availability depends heavily on local ownership and community practices.
Memorial Day
Many salons remain open but may operate with modified hours.
Customers should verify local schedules before visiting.
Independence Day (July 4th)
Some locations close early so employees can enjoy holiday festivities and fireworks.
Reduced operating hours are common.
Labor Day
Many Great Clips locations remain open, though holiday schedules may vary.
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is one of the holidays most likely to affect Great Clips operations.
Many locations either close completely or operate with significantly reduced hours. Holiday schedule resources commonly list Thanksgiving as a day when many salons are closed.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is often one of the busiest haircut days of the year.
Many Great Clips salons remain open but close earlier than normal. Great Clips has previously indicated that many locations operate with reduced hours on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day
Most Great Clips locations are closed on Christmas Day so employees can spend time with family and friends.
New Year’s Eve
Many locations remain open on New Year’s Eve, though some may close earlier than usual depending on local demand.
Typical Great Clips Holiday Schedule
The following table represents common holiday patterns. Actual hours vary by location.
| Holiday | Typical Status |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Reduced Hours or Closed |
| Easter Sunday | Reduced Hours or Closed |
| Memorial Day | Open, Possible Reduced Hours |
| Independence Day | Open, Possible Reduced Hours |
| Labor Day | Open, Possible Reduced Hours |
| Thanksgiving Day | Often Closed |
| Christmas Eve | Reduced Hours |
| Christmas Day | Closed |
| New Year’s Eve | Open, Possible Reduced Hours |
Always verify with your local salon before visiting.
How to Check Great Clips Holiday Hours
The easiest way to avoid scheduling issues is to confirm hours before leaving home.
Use the Great Clips Website
The official Great Clips website allows customers to search for local salons and view location-specific information. Many locations display current operating hours online.
Use the Great Clips App
The Great Clips mobile app provides:
- Salon hours
- Wait times
- Online Check-In
- Location information
The app is often the fastest way to verify holiday schedules.
Call Your Local Salon
A quick phone call remains one of the most reliable ways to confirm holiday hours.
Staff can provide:
- Holiday opening times
- Early closing schedules
- Current wait times
- Special holiday information
Check Online Check-In Availability
Great Clips notes that Online Check-In becomes available shortly after a salon opens and remains available until shortly before closing time. If Online Check-In is unavailable, it may indicate the salon is not currently operating.
Holiday Haircut Rush: What to Expect
Increased Demand
The days leading up to major holidays are often among the busiest times of the year.
Customers commonly schedule haircuts before:
- Family gatherings
- Holiday parties
- School breaks
- Travel plans
- Professional events
As a result, wait times can increase significantly.
Longer Wait Times
Even with Online Check-In, holiday periods often bring higher customer volume.
Popular periods include:
- Thanksgiving week
- Christmas week
- The week before New Year’s Eve
- Back-to-school season
Planning ahead can help avoid lengthy waits.
Best Times to Visit During Holiday Weeks
Early Mornings
Many customers prefer afternoon and evening visits.
Arriving early often results in:
- Shorter waits
- Greater stylist availability
- Faster service
Midweek Visits
Weekends before major holidays are typically the busiest.
If possible, visit:
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday mornings
rather than waiting until Saturday or Sunday.
Several Days Before the Holiday
Waiting until Christmas Eve or the day before Thanksgiving often means larger crowds.
Scheduling your haircut a few days earlier can provide a much smoother experience.
Using Online Check-In During the Holidays
One of Great Clips’ Best Features
Holiday crowds make Online Check-In even more valuable.
Benefits include:
- Viewing real-time wait estimates
- Joining the queue remotely
- Reducing lobby wait times
- Better schedule planning
Many customers rely on Online Check-In during busy holiday periods. Great Clips promotes Online Check-In as a way to view wait times and join the waitlist before arriving.
Check Early
During peak holiday periods, wait times can increase rapidly.
Checking in early may improve your chances of receiving service at a convenient time.
Holiday Promotions and Special Events
Some Great Clips locations offer seasonal promotions throughout the year.
Examples may include:
- Back-to-school specials
- Community events
- Local fundraising programs
- Holiday-themed promotions
Availability varies by franchise location.
Customers should check with their local salon for current offers.
Great Clips Remembrance Day Program
One unique annual initiative is Great Clips’ support for military veterans in Canada.
Participating salons have offered free haircuts or haircut cards to active-duty service members and veterans on Remembrance Day. Participation varies by location.
While not directly related to holiday operating hours, it demonstrates how some locations participate in special annual events.
Tips for Getting a Holiday Haircut
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
The closer you get to major holidays, the busier salons become.
Use Online Check-In
Joining the queue before arriving can significantly reduce waiting time.
Verify Local Hours
Never assume your salon follows standard operating hours during holidays.
Bring Reference Photos
Holiday haircuts often accompany important events and family photos.
Pictures help stylists understand exactly what you want.
Be Flexible
If your preferred time isn’t available, consider:
- Earlier appointments
- Different days
- Alternate nearby locations
Common Holiday Hour Misconceptions
Myth: Every Great Clips Has the Same Holiday Schedule
Reality: Hours vary because locations are independently owned.
Myth: Great Clips Is Always Open on Holidays
Reality: Some holidays result in reduced hours or full closures.
Myth: Online Check-In Guarantees Immediate Service
Reality: Online Check-In reduces waiting but does not eliminate wait times completely.
Myth: Christmas Eve Operates Normally
Reality: Many locations reduce operating hours on Christmas Eve.
FAQ
Is Great Clips open on Christmas Day?
Most Great Clips locations are closed on Christmas Day.
Does Great Clips close early on Christmas Eve?
Many locations operate with reduced hours on Christmas Eve.
Is Great Clips open on Thanksgiving?
Many locations close on Thanksgiving Day, although schedules vary by location.
Does Great Clips have special New Year’s hours?
Some locations may operate with modified schedules on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
How can I check my local salon’s holiday hours?
You can use the Great Clips website, mobile app, Online Check-In system, or contact the salon directly.
Are all Great Clips locations closed on holidays?
No. Holiday schedules vary because salons are independently owned franchises.
Is Online Check-In available during holidays?
Yes, if the salon is open and participating in Online Check-In. Availability depends on local operating hours.
When is the busiest time for holiday haircuts?
The days immediately before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are typically among the busiest periods.
Do holiday hours affect haircut prices?
Generally, holiday schedules do not affect standard haircut pricing.
Should I get my haircut before a major holiday?
Yes. Scheduling several days before the holiday can help you avoid larger crowds and longer waits.
