We’re just going to come right out and say it…

Your salon needs an Instagram account.

If you already have one, that’s great! If you don’t, set one up now and tell your employees about it so they can start spreading the word.

You can read more about Instagram in this post.

The next step is to hook it up with your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

That way, you can post your Instagram shots and videos automatically to these other networks, as well.

Now that you have that all set up, let’s look at HASHTAGS.

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How Do Hashtags Work?

On social networks, a word with a # attached to the front automatically turns into a clickable link.

Hashtags shouldn’t have spaces between words.

For example: #ThisIsAHashtag

Hashtags should stay fairly short, because of Twitter’s 140 character limit.

If you use a hashtag in a description of your Instagram image and post it, you’ll be able to click on that link that it creates.

This link will take you to a page full of other most recent posts that also used that hashtag.

This is where the fun begins.

Follow Your Followers and Target Audience on Instagram

Not only will you get their attention, but you can find out what hashtags they’re using.

Use the same hashtags as your followers and target audience!

They’ll be able to find you if they search for a certain keyword, and by following them, you’ll be able to…

• Track what’s hot at the moment.
• Engage with them with comments.
• Show that you’re on top of the latest trends.

Some Popular Beauty Salon Hashtags To Get You Started

Below are some popular beauty salon hashtags, as well as general hashtags you can use to go fishing in the bigger pools.

You should be using both specific and general hashtags!

Most Popular Beauty Salon Hashtags:

#SalonSelfie

#Beauty

#Salon

#NaturalHair

#InstaHair

#Hair

#Stylist

#GoodHair

#HairSalon

#Hairfinity

#Curls

#HairStyle

#BeautySalon

#Pamper

#NewLook

#Makeover

#Transformation

#Makeup

#Manicure

#Nails

#NailArt

#NailsOfInstagram

Most Popular General Hashtags:

#Selfie

#PicOfTheDay

#LoveIt

#ThrowBackThursday

#MotivationalMonday

#TransformationTuesday

#FollowFriday

#SundayFunday

#Videogram

#VideoOfTheDay

#Style

Important Hashtag Tips

• When using a hashtag containing multiple words, capitalizing the first letter of each word will make it easier to read.
• Check out the hashtag before you start using it to make sure it’s not linked specifically to another salon, or that it has some weird meaning that you don’t want to be associated with.
• Hashtag the name of your salon! #YourSalonName
• Don’t use too many hashtags in one post. No more 10 max.
• Keep track of which posts got the most exposure when you used certain hashtags, and use those hashtags the most.

We tell you to use Instagram because of its convenience, and the fact that there is quite a bit you can post to Instagram if you have a salon.

• Before and after pics.
• Show off the amazing dye job or nail art.
• Announce a new service.
• Announce discounts and promos.
• Showcase and recommend certain products.

And just generally have fun!

Because after all, social media is all about making great relationships with your customers.

So get started with hash tagging your posts!