From Likes to Clients: Use Instagram to Grow Your Salon Business

Introduction

Social media marketing is at its peak now, especially on Instagram. The number of stylists, therapists, and salon owners utilising social media is increasing at a rapid pace. However, are the pictures & videos on your feed enough to stand out, increase your followers, and secure clients? Well, no! 

If you want people to recognise your brand, you must optimise it accordingly. And the main criteria is following the trends. Posting on social media isn’t just enough. There are many other checklists that you must follow.

This blog will give you killer ideas to brand your salon and spa. There are many more to discuss, but we have listed the top secrets to help you secure the front spots.

Table of contents :

Why Instagram Matters for Salons & Hair Professionals?

Instagram is more than just a photo-sharing app; it’s your salon’s visual storefront. In today’s digital world, over 80% of beauty clients check Instagram before booking. Whether it’s a balayage transformation, a bridal look, or a relaxing facial, your feed tells your story and builds trust instantly. 

A strong presence helps you:

• Showcase your skills visually
• Get discovered through location and hashtags
• Convert followers into loyal clients

Craft a Captivating Instagram Bio That Converts

What is an Instagram Bio?

An Instagram bio is just like a LinkedIn or a Resume bio. You explain who you are and what you do, and what your brand is about. It is to make a good first impression before they get to see you in person. 

A simple definition of an Instagram bio is a brief introduction beneath your profile, limited to 150 characters. Your bio is your first impression. A well-crafted bio can drive engagement and bookings. 

Here’s how to make it pop:

-> Use clear keywords like “Hair Stylist in New York” or “Bridal Makeup Expert”

-> Add a call-to-action like “DM for Bookings” or “Book Now Below”

-> Include a booking link (MioSalon, Google Reserve, etc.)

-> Emojis help guide the eyes and break up text.

Example:

✨ Bridal Hair & Makeup Artist | New York

💄 Transforming brides since 2016

📅 Book your trial now ⬇️(add link)

Add Essential Business Info for Better Discoverability

Before looking at the posts and reels, we look at the profile’s bio. So make sure to optimise it better than your daily posts. To help people find and contact you effortlessly, make sure your profile includes:

Business Category: Hair Salon, Spa, Beauty Salon

Contact Options: Phone number, email address, WhatsApp

Location Tag: Show your city/area for local reach

Story Highlights: Booking steps, price list, services, testimonials

It is recommended to use the ‘Book Online’ call-to-action button that would redirect viewers to your salon software to schedule an appointment online. You’ll be surprised to see the benefits of using online appointment booking for salons. 

Choose a Meaningful Profile Picture That Reflects Your Brand

Your profile picture should tell your audience who you are. Options include your logo (ideal for salons or brands), a high-quality portrait (great for personal brands/stylists).

Consistency: Use the same image across Facebook, Google Business Profile, etc.

This image builds brand recognition and trust.

Post Consistently Valuable & Engaging Content.

What to Post on Instagram as a Hair Stylist or Salon Owner?

The famous quote applies here as well. Consistency is the key. Instagram rewards consistent posting. Mix these content types to keep your feed dynamic:

• Before & After Videos (hair transformations)
• Quick Tutorials (how to curl hair in three steps, tie a bun, etc.)
• Reels (Trending audio + your service visual)
• Client Shoutouts (tag clients to boost reach)
• Educational Carousels (e.g., “5 Hair Colour Myths Debunked”)

What is the Best Time to Post? 

Between 5 PM to 7 PM (Local time of your country). Why? Because Instagram content like reels performs better in the evening. And the best days to post are weekdays. Aim to post 3–5 times per week for great results.

How to Reach Your Target Audience Effectively?

The main business goal is to reach our right audience. To ace it and to grow your salon or personal brand, reach the right people by,

• Use geotags for your city or neighbourhood
• Engage with local profiles and hashtags
• Follow and comment on influencers or related businesses
• Analyse your Instagram Insights to see when and where your followers are active
• Focus on niche targeting: “Hair Stylist Los Angeles” is more powerful than “Hair Stylist US.”

Use Smart & Relevant Hashtags for Maximum Reach

Hashtags are Instagram’s search engine. They help new users find your content, especially if searching for services like yours in a specific location. The right hashtags can drastically improve your impressions and chances of getting discovered by local clients.

What hashtags to use for hair stylists on Instagram?

Use hashtags like,

• Location-based hashtags like #MumbaiSalon, #ChennaiHairArtist, or #BangaloreBridalStylist help you attract nearby clients.
  
• Service-based hashtags such as #BalayageExpert, #KeratinTreatment, or #HairExtensions target people interested in your offerings.
  
• Trending industry hashtags like #BehindTheChair, #BeautyReels, or #HairTok let you tap into wider beauty conversations.
  
• Branded hashtags are custom to your salon or stylist brand. For example, #StyledByRia or #GlowUpByTravis builds recognition and community.

And also use 15–20 hashtags per post and rotate them based on the type of content you’re posting to avoid spammy repetition.

Post Client Reviews and Transformations to Build Trust

Social proof is one of your strongest selling tools. When potential clients see others sharing positive experiences, they’re more likely to book with you.

You can build trust by posting screenshots of WhatsApp or Google reviews with a personal caption, video testimonials with smiling, happy clients, before-and-after transformations (make sure lighting is consistent), messages of appreciation from bridal clients or long-term regulars.

Always tag clients with their permission. This not only builds credibility but also increases your visibility to their followers as well.

Host a Giveaway to Attract New Followers and Clients

Giveaways are an excellent growth hack, especially for local businesses. When done strategically, they boost your reach, get you new followers, and generate buzz around your services.

Example Giveaway:

“Win a Free Hair Spa + Blowdry Session Worth ₹1,500!”🎁 

Add simple rules like:

• Follow our page
• Like & share this post
• Tag 2 friends in the comments
• Share to your Instagram Story for a bonus entry

Running giveaways monthly or quarterly keeps momentum alive and helps maintain follower interest. Don’t forget to announce the winner and share the results to build authenticity.

Diversify Your Instagram Content for Higher Engagement

Instagram offers multiple content formats; use them all to keep your audience engaged and the algorithm happy.

Reels: Short, catchy videos are the current favourites of the algorithm. Show off quick makeovers, trendy cuts, or fun transitions.

Stories: Use polls, questions, flash deals, or appointment availability updates. These are great for day-to-day interaction.

Carousels: Educational posts like “5 Haircare Mistakes to Avoid” or “How to Prep for a Facial” are perfect for carousels.

Live Videos: Offer behind-the-scenes tours, live Q&As, or stream parts of a bridal makeover.

Highlights: Save your best stories (like “Reviews,” “Bridal,” or “Offers”) to your profile for new visitors.

Mixing up content formats keeps your feed fresh and ensures you connect with all types of followers, visual learners, quick scrollers, and information seekers.

FAQs:-

1. What should a stylist post daily on Instagram?

Post a mix of transformations, reels with trending audio, mini tutorials, or quick tips. Aim for 3–5 posts per week to stay visible.

2. What’s the best time to post on Instagram for salons?

Between 5 PM – 7 PM local time on weekdays. Reels and stories perform better in the evenings.

3. What are the best hashtags for hair salons on Instagram?

Use local hashtags (#BangaloreBridalHair), service tags (#HairTreatment), and viral industry ones like #BehindTheChair. Don’t repeat the same set every time.

4. How do I optimise my Instagram bio as a stylist?

Use a clear job title, niche (e.g., Bridal Hair | Chennai), a call-to-action (e.g., DM to Book), and a booking link. Emojis help too!

5. Do giveaways help salons grow on Instagram?

Absolutely. A giveaway with simple rules (like, follow, tag friends) boosts reach and brings in local followers quickly.

Conclusion:

Instagram is a goldmine for beauty professionals. It’s visual, free to use, and already filled with users actively looking for inspiration, services, and stylists.

When you post consistently and with purpose, you’ll naturally start to build trust with potential clients, show your unique personality and brand, drive more bookings through direct DMs or integrated booking links, and keep existing clients engaged and coming back for more.

You don’t need perfection. You need authenticity, creativity, and consistency. Let your scissors, brushes, and passion talk, one post at a time.

If you are looking for salon software to manage your social media campaigns, MioSalon is always at your service.

 Book a Free Demo to explore the multiverse of services and start growing today!

How to Get Started?

1. Book a Free Demo – See MioSalon in action. Our team will walk you through the features that match your salon’s needs.

2. Personalised Onboarding – Once you’re ready, we’ll set up your account, import your data, and tailor the software to your services, team, and preferences.

3. Staff Training & Support – We’ll train your team to use the system smoothly, including appointments, payments, client records, and more.

4. Go Live – Start taking bookings, sending reminders, and managing your salon efficiently. You’re all set to shine.

Start your Free Demo and see how MioSalon helps you streamline appointments, staff schedules, and client communication, all while improving salon etiquette and experience.

Want pricing info? Check out our Plans & Pricing page.