How to Build Your Brand as a Salon Owner or Stylist

Are you getting your start as a stylist or salon manager and wondering how you can build your brand and make a name for yourself? While it may seem like a lot of work to create a presence and name for yourself, we have broken it down for you into a few simple steps.

Building a brand is a critical component of success, especially as a salon owner and stylist. In order to build clientele and generate business for yourself, you have to have a strong brand and presence – both physically and digitally.

Think about how important it is for you to purchase and use high-quality salon supplies to impress your clients and do your best work. Having a high-quality and strong brand is just as important!

You may be feeling overwhelmed as you get your start in the industry, but we are here to guide you through this process and ensure you get off to a great start.

Why Brand Building Is Important

No matter your aspirations or goals for being a salon owner or stylist, building a brand and a reputation is going to serve you in many ways. Stylists and salon owners who have a strong brand reputation are limitless in their success and the opportunities they get to take advantage of. Here are some of the many reasons why having a strong brand is important:

• Great branding gives you the ability to attract and retain clientele wherever you go.
• A strong brand is appealing to salons and other stylists that you hope to work with and for.
• Your branding presence could land you jobs and connections that are valuable to your success.
• Your personal brand could bring in opportunities to teach and position yourself as a thought leader.
• Branding yourself on social media could allow you to become a hair influencer, which brings you additional income opportunities.

How to Build Your Brand

Now that you see the benefits of building a strong brand that’s reputable, let’s talk about how to go about creating a name and presence for yourself in every aspect.

1. Identify Who You Are and What Makes You Unique

The first step to creating a brand that shines is identifying who you are and learning about what makes you unique in this space. Start a journal or take notes about the kind of stylist you want to be and the name you want to go by.

If you want to go by your first and last name, that’s great, but some stylists like to go by names that detail the services they offer like Anastasia Paints Hair or Shy Slayed You.

There isn’t a right or wrong way to identify you and your brand, but make sure it’s true to who you want to be in the industry and make it short and memorable.

2. Determine Which Services You Would Like to Specialize In

In your branding journal, write down the kinds of services you would like to specialize in. Knowing the services you would like to perform can help you make your branding and message stronger as you start to create things like business cards and your digital presence.

If you’re not sure what to specialize in, think about what you are good at doing. If you love doing hair extensions or performing balayage, these are good services to center on.

Or, maybe you have your own way or technique of lightening or styling hair that will make you stand out from other stylists.

3. Create a Website

Once you have the essentials like your name and the services you want to perform and offer, it’s time to create a website. Whether you will be renting out salon stations at a salon suite or you plan to open your very own salon, it’s important to have your own website where people can find and book you.

Even if the salon you plan on working at has its own website, it’s still a great idea to establish yourself with your own website in case you decide to pursue other opportunities.

4. Set Up Your Social Media Accounts

Along with your website, it’s critical to have social media accounts that show the world who you are. Your username should be the name you are choosing to go by as a stylist.

Make sure your username is easy to find and doesn’t include too many unique characters like periods and underscores. You will also want your username to be the same across all of your social media platforms.

Use your bio to tell your followers who you are, where you work, the beauty salon equipment you’re using, how to book you, and what you specialize in. We recommend these platforms for salon owners and hairstylists:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• YouTube
• TikTok

5. Create Content

Everything you do – from styling hair to coloring it – can become content for your website and social media pages. Videos are so popular on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and you should be capturing organic video content like before and after shots and time lapses as you perform your services.

You can post these videos to social media with popular hair, beauty, and trend hashtags to attract new clients and followers. On your website, you should also start blogging about the services you offer and sharing ideas that position you as a thought leader in the industry. Not only will this make your brand look more reputable, but it will also attract new clients.

6. Network

Networking is key to spreading the message about you and your brand. Attend hair trade shows or stylist networking events and get social!

7. Create Custom Signage and Materials

As you settle into your salon, it’s a great idea to create business cards with your information that you can keep on your hair salon styling chair or custom signage that you can use to decorate your styling station. These materials will help strengthen your brand awareness with your clients and other industry professionals.

You are now ready to create a brand that sets you apart and allows you to reach your goals as a stylist and salon owner. Good luck!

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