A Human Approach to Sick Days…
Being Sick as a Beauty Pro: How I Handle It (Without Burning Bridges)
This week’s post is a little different. I want to talk about what happens when you get sick as a beauty professional—how to care for yourself, how to communicate with your clients, and how to handle the stress that comes with canceling or rescheduling. It’s a part of this industry we don’t talk about enough, but it’s so important for our long-term health and our businesses.
The Reality: It’s Not Just Financial
When you’re sick, the impact isn’t only about losing a paycheck. It’s also the anxiety spiral: rescheduling, worrying about disappointing clients, managing your online presence, and feeling guilty for taking a break. Reminder—you’re one person, not a corporation. Your longevity matters more than one day’s revenue.
My Sick-Day Flow
1) First check: Can I do quality work?
I ask myself: “Can I deliver safe, consistent results?” If I’m uncomfortable but still have energy, I can usually keep going. But if my focus, stamina, or eyesight is compromised (hello, migraines), that’s a hard stop.
2) Mask early, reschedule smarter
At the first hint of illness, I mask up. If I start feeling worse midweek, I reschedule clients to the following week—not the next day. That buffer prevents me from pushing myself back too soon.
3) Communicate quickly (with templates)
Brain fog + client texts = chaos. Saved templates make all the difference. I personalize names and services, but the heavy lifting is already done. (I’ll share some below you can steal!)
4) Policies with compassion
For new clients, I keep it strict. With longtime clients, I’m more flexible. I’d rather keep a respectful relationship than “win” a policy argument. At the same time, I no longer discount appointments just because I’m sick—I’m already absorbing a loss.
5) Log off and actually rest
Once clients are rescheduled, I step away completely—no half-working, no endless DMs. Full rest means a faster recovery.
6) Keep a referral or two
If a client has a non-movable event, I like to have at least one trusted professional to recommend. Confident artists don’t fear referrals—clients come back for your signature results.
Copy-Paste Client Text Templates
A) Same-day cancellation (hard stop):
“Hi! I had you scheduled today for [service] at [time]. I woke up unwell and won’t be able to deliver the quality you deserve, so I need to reschedule. I have [2–3 options next week]. Want me to move you, or would you like the booking link?”
B) Early-notice reschedule:
“Hi! I’m under the weather and taking time to fully recover. I’m moving today’s [service] to next week so I can take great care of you. Options: [option 1] / [option 2] / [option 3]. Prefer to self-book? Here’s the link: [link].”
C) Event-day referral:
“Hi! I’m sick and won’t be at my best for your [service] today. If timing can’t move, [Pro Name] at [Studio] is a solid backup: [contact/link]. Want me to try to place you, or do you prefer next week with me?”
D) Quick IG/Stories notice:
“Out sick 🤒 Rescheduling today’s clients directly. If we didn’t connect yet, check your DMs/text. Thanks for understanding—I’ll be back at 100% soon.”
Boundaries & Policies (That Still Feel Human)
You’re not a big-box salon. You can’t forecast illness 48 hours ahead.
Be clear, be kind, and be fair—but protect your standards.
It’s okay to lose a client who can’t respect your humanity.
Takeaways You Can Steal
Save sick-day templates now. Your future brain will thank you.
If quality or safety dips, don’t work.
Reschedule to the following week, not “tomorrow.”
Keep one or two referrals ready.
The right clients respect your humanity.
Closing
Being sick as a solo beauty professional is tough. But with systems, clear communication, and compassion (for yourself and your clients), you can protect your health and your business.