So, I figured, why not? I started posting raw, unfiltered creative colour. Sometimes they were a bit too rough around the edges, looking back, but it was real! No frills, just honest work. It was that authenticity that really hit different, mainly because no one else was really doing it. Fast forward to now and social media is packed with polished posts and everyone’s out there chasing the ‘winning formula’ like it’s a rare Pokémon. Here’s my take though – there is no magic trick (no matter how hard you hunt for a shiny Charizard!), you just have to keep it real.
When you’re building your presence online, it can be easy to get caught up in the pressure of likes, views and engagement. Trust me, I’ve been there. My secret? I just post my real clients – not models, not content creators, just the people who actually sit in my chair. The way I stay creative is by listening to their ideas, that’s what sparks something new. I’m not chasing likes or a digital number that means nothing in the real world; I’m here to educate, inspire and – most importantly – connect with clients, both existing and future.
Every now and then, sure, we’ll shoot something for content, but 99% of the time, the people you see on my grid are walking around with that hair. Social media should be a celebration of your clients, including their personalities, their choices and their trust in you.
Let’s be real, loads of people say they want a ‘social presence’, but what does that even mean? Is it for brand deals? For clients? For ego? If you don’t know why you’re posting, you’re already a bit lost. Figure that out first. The rest will follow. One of the biggest mistakes I see stylists and salons making is copying what everyone else is doing. One stylist posts a consultation reel, and suddenly it’s everywhere. It gets boring, fast. And what’s even worse than that? Posting content that doesn’t reflect what’s happening in your salon. If you’re sharing vibrant, wild colours, but your salon is all about natural blondes, there’s a disconnect. The key is consistency. Your online presence should align with what you’re really doing in your salon.
Don’t be tempted to live two separate lives – one for social and one in the salon – you’ve got to bring them together. If someone finds you on Insta and then walks into your salon, the connection should feel seamless.
Social media has changed the game for hairdressers. It’s not about likes or going viral; it’s about connecting with your audience. Stay true to your brand and focus on your clients, and the rest will follow. Don’t chase numbers; just do what you love, and everything else will fall into place.
In an industry increasingly powered by the sharing of online content and attracting clients through social media, what does it really mean to be a hairdressing influencer? Can this digital world really serve to boost you business? Continuing our new series, Jaymz Rigby-Marsters, owner of the Watt in Downham Market, explains how to stay trie to yourself whilst using social media.
Here are my five top tips for creating an authentic brand on social media:
Be Real:
It sounds simple, but don’t put on a show. Post what feels true to you, not what you think people want to see.
Don’t Obsess Over the Numbers:
Post because you want to share your work, not because you need validation. Focus on creating connections, not just collecting followers.
Follow Trends, but Don’t Copy:
Trends are fun, but always put your own twist on them. Don’t just hop on the bandwagon, make it your own.
Get Your Face Out There:
People buy into you, not just your haircuts. Show up, be yourself and let people get to know the person behind the chair. Post for Your Future Clients: Remember, you’re posting for people who could sit in your chair, not other stylists. Make content that speaks to the clients you want to attract.
