10 Steps to the Perfect Post

ONE: Background

Your background is key. Make sure it isn't distracting or competing with the hair. That coffee cup on the station? Move it. Cluttered display wall full of product? Better move somewhere else. You can invest in a foldable photo backdrop for seamless images if there isn’t a space in your salon with a clean background.

TWO: Lighting Good lighting is everything. It can make or break your work. Finding that sweet spot in (or out) of the salon takes time. Try to avoid direct overhead light, shadows, or shooting in dark spaces with a flash. Use natural light whenever possible. 

THREE: Application

It goes without saying that your color application is key. You’ve taken your time to carefully place your foils, and now you need to think about strategically showcasing the color in your photos. Focused on dimension? Face frame? Hairline? Think about what you’re trying to showcase, and how you’re going to market yourself with it.

FOUR: Style

Whether it be beachy locks, or a  voluminous blowout, execute your creative side with finesse. There's nothing less satisfying than beautiful color and haphazard style. Take your time and remember that what you post to instagram is your personal branding to the world. When we see your work, we should know it's yours. And don’t forget to remove that cape! I like to have solid shirts on hand for models to change into if needed. Muted blues, greens, and beige, as well as white and black are key.

FIVE: Handle We understand it's vital to use your handle on your photo so your work doesn't get used as someone else's. However, avoid writing your name in huge bold letters across your work. It takes away from the hair. Add your handle in by curving your text around curls, or have it lightly faded in the background. Your handle shouldn't be the first thing someone sees.

SIX: Hashtags Use hashtags relative to your content and switch them up regularly.  You can search trending hashtags for your specific location to draw more attention to your page, as well as hashtags that pertain to the type of client you want in your chair. Think outside of the hair world for this one. University nearby? Nightlife? Local attractions? Use your geography to your advantage.

SEVEN: Tag It Tagging brands and companies in your photos helps you get seen: and if you’re looking for exposure and a chance to get reposted, this is a great way to market yourself. It could also be a sure fire way to gain a relationship with a company you want to work with if they feel your work aligns with their company goals.

EIGHT: Turn it Off

Turn off your filter. Not only are you doing a disservice to yourself and to other stylists by portraying work that isn’t real (and projecting unrealistic expectations), you’re also hurting your business by clients thinking you can create the color you edited. 

NINE: Cut it Out Crop your photos to highlight the hair. The further away the hair, the less we can see. Invite us into your client's space and let us be visually blow away by the detail of your craftsmanship. This is why I LOVE portrait mode vs. square. Those tendrils, dimension, and flawless application....we want to see it all!

TEN: Caption Here's your chance to showcase your unique personality. Be excited about your work. Rave about it! Get creative and have fun. Use keywords to describe your content, ask questions, start a conversation, create a poll, etc. And the biggest part of this is to ENGAGE after the post is finished. Post your content when you have the time to answer comments and speak to your fellow stylists. Remember to always be professional and kind. No one like a bully.

Did any of these resonate with you? Do you use any of these tips, or are you ready to implement any of them into your social? Let us know in the comments!