Instagram Aesthetics: Curating a Feed That Reflects Your Hairdressing Style
Let’s be real—your Instagram is way more than just a grid of cute photos. It’s your portfolio, your vibe check, and your invite for future clients to hit you up. If you’re a hairdresser, educator, or salon pro, having an Instagram that screams you (and your skills) is how you get noticed. A killer feed isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being cohesive, creative, and totally authentic to your style. So let’s talk about how to make it happen.
Not sure the direction you want to take your Instagram?
Take this fun little quiz we made to help clear things up!
Why Does Your Feed Even Matter?
Okay, picture this: Someone stumbles onto your page and instantly decides whether they want you working magic on their hair. Your feed tells them everything they need to know in a few swipes. A strong aesthetic:
Shows off your skills and makes you look legit.
Attracts the kind of clients you actually want.
Makes you recognizable and memorable—like, “Oh, that’s definitely [Your Name]’s work!”
Builds trust—because a polished feed says, “I’ve got my sh*t together.”
Bottom line: Your Instagram is a vibe check. Make it count.
Step 1: Figure Out Your Style—Like, Really Own It
Before you start curating, ask yourself:
What kind of hair do I love doing? Color? Precision cuts? Vivid fashion shades?
How do I want my feed to feel? Minimal and chic? Bold and colorful? Vintage grunge vibes?
Who’s my dream client? (Think beyond the basics—what are they into? Where do they hang out?)
When you get super clear on your style, your feed will start to flow naturally.
Example: If you’re all about lived-in blondes and effortless waves, your feed might feel soft, warm, and sunlit—think golden hour hair magic.
Step 2: Choose a Color Palette (Your Secret Weapon)
You don’t need to go full graphic designer here, but having a color palette is a game-changer. For hairdressers, this usually comes from:
The tones in your work (think blondes, brunettes, pastels, vivids).
Simple, clean backgrounds that keep the focus on the hair.
Pops of color that reflect your vibe or salon brand.
Hot Tip: Tools like Canva or Adobe Color make it easy to test palettes. Keep it simple—3 to 5 colors is all you need.
Step 3: Plan Your Grid Like a Pro (But Keep It Chill)
No one’s expecting your feed to look like a magazine cover, but planning your posts helps keep things balanced and intentional. Use apps like Planoly, Later, or Preview to map out your grid ahead of time.
Here are a few layout ideas that work for hair pros:
Before & After Magic: Side-by-side shots of your transformations.
Row Themes: Each row can have a theme, like “lived-in blondes,” “shaggy cuts,” or “BTS salon life.”
Alternating Posts: Break up hair shots with quotes, product shots, or selfies to keep the vibe fresh.
Step 4: Take Photos That Do Your Work Justice
Let’s be honest—blurry photos and messy backgrounds aren’t doing you any favors. Good photos don’t have to be complicated, though:
Use natural light (hello, window by the shampoo chair).
Keep the background simple so the hair pops.
Show off details like shine, texture, and movement.
Get multiple angles: front, side, back—give us the full picture.
Pro Tip: A ring light and tripod are cheap tools that make a massive difference.
Step 5: Mix It Up—Because Repetition is Boring
Even with a strong aesthetic, variety keeps your feed interesting. Here’s what to post:
Finished Looks: Your best hair work, obviously.
Before & After: Who doesn’t love a glow-up?
BTS Moments: A peek into your process, tools, or salon life.
Quick Tutorials: Show off a styling tip or color process.
Client Love: Screenshots of glowing reviews or cute selfies.
Your Personality: Show your face, share your day—people want to know you.
Mix it up, but keep the vibe consistent. Think of it like a mixtape—different tracks, but they all flow together.
Step 6: Edit Like a Minimalist—Keep It Clean
Editing your photos helps keep your feed cohesive, even if you’re posting different types of content. Use apps like Lightroom, VSCO, or Snapseed to:
Adjust lighting and exposure.
Stick to one or two go-to filters for consistency.
Keep your color tones in check (warm, cool, or neutral).
Pro Tip: Create a preset you can use every time. It’ll save you so much stress.
Step 7: Captions That Feel Like You’re Talking to a Friend
Your captions should add to the story—not just “Look at this hair.” Keep it real, and write how you talk:
Tell us what you did: “Balayage and babylights for the dreamiest lived-in blonde.”
Share tips: “This look? It’s all about moisture—ask me about my go-to hydrating masks.”
Ask a question: “Would you go this short? Let’s hear it.”
Add your personality: “BRB, crying over how good this shine turned out.”
Step 8: Show Up on Stories (Every Day, If You Can)
Your feed is for polished content. Stories are where you get to be you. Use them to:
Share behind-the-scenes of your day.
Do quick Q&A sessions about hair tips.
Feature client transformations in real-time.
Don’t forget Highlights: Save your best stories (transformations, reviews, tutorials) so new visitors can see them anytime.
Step 9: Hashtags + Geotags = Your New Best Friends
Want to get found? Use hashtags and location tags that matter:
Local Tags: #SeattleBalayage #LAHairstylist
Service Tags: #LivedInBlonde #ShagHaircut
Trending Tags: #HairGoals #ModernSalon
Pro Tip: Make a branded hashtag (like #HairBy[YourName]) and get your clients to use it when they post.
Step 10: Keep It Evolving
Every few weeks, take a step back and look at your feed:
Are you attracting the clients you want?
Which posts are getting the most love?
Does your aesthetic still feel you?
Adjust, experiment, and keep it fresh. Your feed is a reflection of your growth as a stylist, so don’t be afraid to evolve.
The Bottom Line…
Your Instagram isn’t just another social media app—it’s your stage, your portfolio, and your connection to the people who will love your work. By curating a vibe that feels authentic and on-brand, you’ll attract the clients you dream about and keep them coming back for more.
So, start where you are. Clean up that grid, take a few killer photos this week, and show us what makes you you. You’ve got this.
