The Social Circus: A New Way for Hairdressers to Master Social Media

By Cyd Charisse 

Social media often feels like a circus: lights flashing, music blaring, and you performing your heart out hoping someone stops to watch. For hairdressers and salon owners, it can feel like you’re juggling endless trends, algorithms, and pressure—all while trying not to burn out.

But here’s the truth:

You don’t have to be the monkey with the tambourines. You can be the ringleader of your own social circus. 

Instagram vs. TikTok: Two Different Stages

Instagram is all about relationships. People scroll through feeds of creators they know, so your goal is to create familiarity and connection. The more your followers engage, the longer your content stays visible. But beware of doom-scrolling random memes—that tells Instagram to send your content to the wrong audience.

TikTok is the Wild West. Videos can suddenly go viral weeks or months later. Every post is tested with new audiences, offering a powerful way to grow if you’re patient and authentic. Sometimes, even trolls in your comments boost your reach—let them fuel the algorithm for you!

Ditch the “One-Size-Fits-All” Rules

Forget advice like “post three times a day” or “use all 30 hashtags.” Your brand, capacity, and audience are unique. The key is:

• Finding what fits your business

• Creating sustainably

• Staying true to yourself

Think Like Your Client

Many hairdressers accidentally create content for other hairdressers instead of clients. You’re inspired by fellow stylists, but that doesn’t speak to people who actually want to sit in your chair.

Instead:

• Use simple language your clients understand.

• Include searchable terms like your city, services, or specialties.

• Write captions clients would search for, not just catchy slogans.

Hashtags = SEO Now

Hashtags used to be about discovery. Now, they’re about searchability. Platforms scan your captions and bios for keywords, so think like a client searching “blonding specialist in Chicago” rather than clever puns.

Authenticity Wins Every Time

Your audience wants realness. Talk about:

• Challenges behind the scenes

• Client transformations

• Your journey as a stylist

People connect with vulnerability and honesty—that’s what builds trust and loyalty.

Consistency Matters (Not Constant Posting)

Consistency isn’t about posting daily; it’s about showing up in a recognizable way:

• Your voice

• Your style

• Your signature “thing” (even if it’s just spinning your salon chair!)

Quality Over Viral-ity

Don’t obsess over numbers. A video with 200 views might bring you two new clients—sometimes that’s more valuable than going viral for the wrong reasons.

Be the Ringleader

Social media shouldn’t feel overwhelming. When you approach it with strategy, authenticity, and purpose, you take back control—and become the ringleader of your own brand story.

There’s room for all of us in this circus. So step into the spotlight—and run your Social Circus your way.