Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best hair salons in the world use strategically to attract clients.
We know you're busy running your salon and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new clients to your chair.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for salon owners.
Get the content idea list made for hair salon owners
A lot of hair salons manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a hair salon
We have studied dozens of hair salons’ social media accounts when building our strategy pack for hair salons - here is what seems to always work.
Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Clients in Your Hair Salon |
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High-Quality Hair Photos | Visually appealing images of hairstyles can inspire potential clients to book an appointment, eager to achieve a similar look. |
Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the salon, stylists, and hair treatment processes builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
Client Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real clients provide social proof and encourage others to try the salon. |
Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and package deals can attract new clients looking for value. |
User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by clients (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the salon to a broader, local audience. |
Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, workshops, or special theme days can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal styles or holiday promotions can attract clients looking for special services during those times. |
Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
Hair Care Tips | Sharing hair care tips and tricks can engage followers who are interested in maintaining their hair health. |
Daily Specials Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily specials keeps the salon top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the stylists creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
Styling Tutorials | Sharing styling tutorials can engage followers who are interested in learning new techniques and may motivate them to visit the salon for professional services. |
Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly products appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
Client Spotlights | Featuring regular clients creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into clients. |
Some hair salons make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best hair salons in the world. Replicate them now!
How can hair salon owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritise
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your hairstyles and salon services are essential.
People choose salons with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the hair looks vibrant, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your salon. Behind-the-scenes photos, stylist stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential clients excited, highlight any special offers, events, or seasonal styles. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new clients.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your salon’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your salon, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for salon owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage clients to share their own photos and tag your salon. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for hair salons on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, low-budget content ideas tailored for hair salons, complete with practical tips to keep costs down and effectively use social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your hair salon.
Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
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Smartphone Hair Photos | Use natural light by positioning clients near windows during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied clients to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a free hair product or discount on their next visit as a thank-you. |
User-Generated Content | Encourage clients to share their new hairstyles by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your salon on Instagram. |
DIY Haircare Tips | Film short, simple haircare tips using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily salon activities or introduce the team during slow hours. |
Daily Special Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily specials using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a captivating photo. |
Stylist Spotlights | Feature stylists with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the salon. |
Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite hairstyles or suggestions for new services. |
Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite hairstyles. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your salon. |
Homemade Haircare Photos | Create attractive settings using inexpensive items like hair accessories, mirrors, and props from dollar stores. |
Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using sustainable products or recycling. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the salon prep work, such as mixing hair colors or setting up stations. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free haircut or styling session. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free hair treatment. |
Seasonal Hairstyle Posts | Highlight seasonal hairstyles and trends using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the style to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best hair salons in the world!
There are hair salons that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for hair salons
Investing in top-notch social media content for your hair salon might be worth it because many other salons won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal clientele.
Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Clients |
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Live Styling Tutorials | Hosting live or recorded styling tutorials where your stylists demonstrate popular haircuts, color techniques, or styling tips can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
Interactive 360° Salon Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your salon, including the styling stations and product areas, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
Limited Edition Hair Products | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal hair products available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat clients. |
Exclusive Stylist Sessions | Offering an exclusive experience where clients can book a session with a top stylist for personalized advice and styling can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
AR Hair Color Try-On | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology where clients can see a 3D representation of different hair colors on themselves can enhance the salon experience and attract tech-savvy clients. |
Themed Styling Events | Hosting themed styling events, such as a retro hair night or a bridal hair workshop, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
Hair Transformation Contests | Organizing hair transformation contests (e.g., the most dramatic before-and-after) can create viral moments, attracting participants and spectators. |
Collaborative Pop-Up Salons | Partnering with other local stylists or beauty professionals to host pop-up salons can introduce your salon to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your salon, the journey of your stylists, or the benefits of your products can create an emotional connection with clients. |
Interactive Style Selection | Allowing clients to choose styles for a special event via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the creations they helped design. |
Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as zero-waste haircuts or sustainable product lines, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
Mobile Salon Services | Operating a mobile salon in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new clients who may visit your main salon later. |
Subscription Hair Care Boxes | Offering a subscription service where clients receive monthly hair care products and styling tips can create a loyal customer base. |
Immersive Hair Workshops | Hosting workshops where clients can learn advanced styling techniques from your stylists can attract beauty enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
Flash Mob Styling Events | Organizing flash mob styling events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous clients looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for hair salons on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many hair salon owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new clients for your salon.
Content Type | Why It Never Works for Hair Salons | Do This Instead |
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Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the salon appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your stylists, clients, and salon to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, client testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with hair or the salon confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your salon, hair care tips, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your salon's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your salon positively. |
Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on hair, community, and your salon's unique offerings. |
Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your clients and value their feedback. |
Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your salon can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential clients. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your salon seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your salon. |
Make your hair salon more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best hair salons in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your hair salon
We understand that as a hair salon owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a hair salon are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for hair salon owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your hair salon. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small hair salons on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your salon's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your salon's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your hair salon could make more money!
Most hair salon owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.