The Hashtag Hangover: Detox Your Social Media Strategy

By Cyd Charisse
From the class Hashtag Hangover

Hashtags aren’t dead — they’ve just grown up. And if your strategy still looks like it’s stuck in 2018, you might be dealing with what I call a Hashtag Hangover.

This isn’t about throwing shade at your social media efforts. It’s about updating how you show up online so that the time you spend posting actually turns into results — more clients in your chair, more visibility for your work, and more recognition for your brand.

Why Hashtags Still Matter (But Not How You Think)

Instagram’s CEO recently confirmed that hashtags are alive and well — but now they function more like SEO (Search Engine Optimization) than a simple in-app sorting tool. Think of Instagram as a search engine. When someone types “Pittsburgh balayage artist,” you want your posts to appear.

That means hashtags should be intentional, relevant, and specific — not a random block of 30 copy-and-pasted tags you’ve been using for years.

Signs You Have a Hashtag Hangover

If you’re guilty of any of these, it’s time for a detox:

• You use the exact same set of hashtags on every post.

• You rely on massive, oversaturated tags like #hairstylist (45+ million posts) and wonder why you’re invisible.

• You chase irrelevant trends (if “hashbrowns” is in your tags, we need to talk).

• You believe hashtags are your strategy.

• You measure success only by likes instead of real business outcomes.

The Detox Plan

1. Niche Down — Hard

Stop chasing everyone. Decide who you’re talking to and what they’re looking for. If you’re a balayage specialist in North Hills, PA, your hashtags should reflect that — think #NorthHillsBalayageArtist or #PittsburghBalayageSpecialist instead of just #balayage.

Blend broad tags with hyper-specific ones. Aim for 5–10 per post — not 30.

2. Think Like Your Client

Your ideal client isn’t searching “corrective color specialist” — they’re searching “blonding expert” or “hair color transformation.” Speak in outcomes, not just your internal industry terms.

3. SEO Beyond Hashtags

Hashtags open the door, but captions seal the deal. Drop relevant keywords into your captions so you’re searchable inside Instagram and outside it, on Google or Pinterest.

4. Engage More Than You Post

If you’re only posting but never interacting, you’re invisible. Spend time liking, commenting, and connecting — not just with clients, but with local businesses and potential hires. Treat engagement like non-negotiable marketing work.

5. Mix Up Your Content

Don’t put all your energy into one format. Use reels, carousels, single-image posts, and stories to diversify your presence. Different formats attract different eyes.

6. Build a Brand (Even If It’s Just You)

Your face and voice are your most powerful branding tools. Show up consistently so people recognize you — not just your work.

Beyond Instagram: Pinterest Power

Every salon should be on Pinterest. Clients go there for inspiration, and it’s an easy way to drive traffic back to your booking site. You already have the photos — upload them with strategic titles and links.

The Bottom Line

Social media is now a search engine. If your audience can’t find you, they can’t hire you. Update your hashtags, use keywords clients actually search for, engage daily, and spread your content across platforms.

This isn’t about chasing trends for a quick hit of likes. It’s about building long-term discoverability and creating a digital presence that actually works for your business.