5 Hairstylist Instagram Tips to Grow Your Following

Pursuing a career as a hairstylist allows one to express creativity, meet new people and build a specific brand for themselves. This is why many stylists choose to work in a certain division of the hairstyling industry or focus on one area of styling in particular. This special focus could manifest itself in the form of a color technique, haircut, styling process or even a specific role within or outside of the salon. The possibilities are truly endless, which is why it’s important for stylists to solidify their strengths or specialties and market using platforms like Instagram.

When it comes to Instagram success, it’s all judged by creating a following and promoting follower interaction. To get more followers and interaction on Instagram, one must spark the interest of other users enough so that they do, share or buy the thing that is being presented to them. This might seem a bit more clear in terms of a tangible object that can be bought by a consumer or target audience, but with hairstyling, a stylist is essentially selling their specific service. This includes training, reliability, client interaction, specialties and, most importantly, visual representation of their previous work. Gathering these elements and using them strategically can help make the most of any hairstylist’s Instagram account. Here are a few tips for hairstylists who want to grow their Instagram following. 

1. Create a Brand: It’s no secret that there are a ton of hairstylists with Instagram accounts. In order to stand out and gain a larger following, stylists should think about the way their account looks to potential followers and model their posts based on an intended theme and takeaway. Is the viewer intended to buy recommended professional hair care products, book an appointment, share the post with others or something else? Creating a specific brand requires dedication to these intentions, themes and aesthetics.
2. Showcase A+ Work: While posting regularly is a must, it’s important to remember that this account should be treated like an online portfolio. Stylists should post quality photos of only their best work, whether it’s a great balayage, a gorgeous blowout, a beautifully layered haircut or whatever aligns with their strengths, specialties and goals as a stylist. 
3. Tag Successful Brands: It’s so important to look for inspiration and learn from others. In addition to inspiration for their own posts, stylists can help their account reach more Instagrammers by tagging other stylists and brands in their posts. This can help widen the overall reach of any given post and increase page visibility. For example, if a post showcases an exceptionally styled client whose look was created using a certain brand of professional hair color, it’s a good idea to tag them in the post. Many brands repost their favorites, which is a great way to gain new followers.
4. Offer Incentives: There’s nothing more irresistible than an exclusive announcement. Stylists can use their Instagram strategically in order to provide exclusive information, booking opportunities, rates, last-minute availability and other bits of knowledge that won’t be found anywhere else. This way, hitting the follow button does something good for all parties involved.