How to Market Yourself as a Hairdresser (and Make Extra Income While You’re At It)

If you’re a hairdresser in 2025, your talent behind the chair is only part of the equation. The other part? Marketing yourself like a pro so people know about your skills, your artistry, and the unique experience you offer.

The good news — you don’t need a marketing degree or a huge ad budget. With the right social media habits and a smart approach to partnerships, you can grow your clientele and create an additional income stream. Here’s how to get started.

1. Post Your Work on Social Media (The Right Way)

Every hairdresser says they’ll “post more” — but the key is how you post:

• Show transformation – Before-and-after photos are still powerful. Try shooting both in natural light for a consistent look.

• Highlight the details – Close-up shots of texture, color blends, and movement make your work feel tangible.

• Mix in video – A short reel of your process, even just the last snip or toner reveal, boosts reach on Instagram and TikTok.

• Tell a mini-story – Instead of “Love this balayage!” write something about what the client wanted, how you achieved it, and how they can keep it looking fresh.

Pro tip: Post consistently — even if it’s just twice a week. Your future clients are scrolling right now, and they won’t remember you if you only post once every few months.

2. Engage Like a Human, Not a Billboard

Social media works best when you’re social.

That means:

• Comment on posts from local businesses, influencers, and potential clients — not just your own followers.

• Reply to every comment you get on your own posts (yes, every single one).

• Use Instagram Stories to share behind-the-scenes snippets, Q&As, and polls to make people feel part of your world.

Think of it like mingling at a party. You wouldn’t just shout about your services — you’d listen, ask questions, and join in conversations.

3. Use Affiliate Links to Add Passive Income

Here’s the part most hairdressers overlook: you can make money between appointments by recommending products you already love.

Rather than fill the shelves with profit-sucking dust collectors, give your clients a way to buy directly from your link. Every time they reorder, you earn a commission — without lifting a finger. Let’s be honest; they are shopping online anyway. Instead of letting this get under your skin, allow it to help fill your wallet.

Why I Recommend Hairstory for Hairdressers

I recommend Hairstory to my clients because their products are clean, versatile, and actually make styling easier at home. But the real magic is what Hairstory offers you as a hairdresser:

Hairstory Perks for Hairdressers:

• 💵 25% cash commission on all online client orders

• 📸 Content partnership opportunities to get your work featured

• 🛍️ Special pricing for your clients — plus lifetime connection to you
  Hairstory gives your clients a discount on their first purchase, but here’s the real magic: once they order, they’re automatically linked to you for life. They can shop directly from the site(even Hairstory’s Amazon account-yes, you read that correctly) without needing your link again — you’ll still earn commission on every future order. It’s seamless, convenient, and unlike anything most other companies offer. It really is like magic!

• 🎁 Free 8oz New Wash + Massaging Scalp Brush when you join

• 📦 Free promotional tools, like the image you see here, to make marketing easier

• 🎓 Free virtual classes and events to grow your skills

• 🏆 Contests, challenges & bonus rewards to keep it exciting.

Signing up is free, they handle all the shipping and customer service, and you get to focus on what you do best — making pretty hair.

👉 Join the Hairstory Hairdresser Program here

Why This Works

Clients trust your recommendations more than ads or influencers. If they’re already asking you, “What shampoo should I use?” you’re leaving money on the table if you’re not giving them a direct way to buy from you.

By combining smart posting, authentic engagement, and a well-chosen affiliate partnership, you’re not just building your clientele — you’re building a brand that works for you 24/7.

Final Note: The hardest part of marketing yourself is simply starting. You don’t need a perfect feed or the most expensive camera. You just need to show up, share your work, and make it easy for people to connect with you — both in the salon and online.

📌 Ready to add a new income stream? Sign up to sell Hairstory here and start earning for the product recommendations you already make every day.