What Would You Do: When Promoting Your Instagram Isn’t Allowed
Thanks to Instagram, it’s easier than ever for stylists to build and promote their personal brand. So what do you do when your new salon owner says promoting your personal account is a no-go in their salon? For one stylist, this incomprehensible nightmare is a reality so we reached out to the BTC Community for advice—see what they had to say!
“I recently started working in a new salon, and the owner pulled me aside and scolded me for giving out my Instagram handle with my portfolio to ‘salon clients.’ She also said if it happens again she’ll have to let me go. I know that she needs me as she has me working almost 70 hours a week, and I was really taken aback as I was innocently trying to show new clients my work. I’d love some feedback from salon owners and other stylists on this.”
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It’s Time To Move On
“It sounds like it’s time to start looking for another salon to work at unfortunately. A boss should encourage her stylists and help them grow in any way possible. Social media nowadays is very helpful, not only to grow your book but also for clients to see your work. I wish you the best of luck and I hope you find a salon that appreciates you.” – Sarah Hill
“This is sad. I’d say time to move on. Instagram has been an amazing tool for hairstylists to grow their business, learn new techniques, enhance their skills and develop new skills. And you’re being scolded for using a free marketing tool to grow the salon’s business?! It doesn’t seem like a progressive, encouraging environment. And saying ‘salons clients’ is so old school. Clients pay for a service and are free to see whoever they wish. As a salon owner myself, I don’t feel it’s an option not to have one anymore. Instagram is necessary in our industry.” – @themisfitblonde
“Get out now. Social media is our best tool for displaying our work. Clearly she already has issues if she’s working you like that, which is unreasonable. I would leave.” – Katie Doczi
“She sounds like she’d be difficult to work for and be quick to let you go. I’ve worked for someone like that and if/when you do leave, don’t expect the salon to let your clients know where you are. The owner will consider your clients the salon’s clients and try to keep them with someone within that salon. Plan ahead and get all your clients names and contact info so you can get in touch with them if needed.” – Tracie Tate Moore
“Ummm definitely find a new salon. My salon owners are constantly encouraging us to post more/show our clients our Instagrams. We even have a little sign on our stations of our personal/hair Instagram handles.” – @daleen_jordan
“Leave the salon. Instagram is the best way to share your work. If she doesn’t want to get with the times she’s going to hold you back!” – @halezbeauty
They’re Just Protecting Their Business
“Just show your gallery pics, that’s all. I don’t see any problem. It’s her rules, so if you don’t like that then leave her salon! You have to respect her rules.” – @dddyyyrr2647
“The salon should have their own site to show their work and add yours to that. The owner has to protect their investment. Clients should not be able to contact you directly.” – Terry Jewell
“If you are employed, you work for the salon. The work you do is the salon’s work. Your boss pays you, provides you with all your tools and colors and takes all the financial risk. There is a legal precedent to this, at least here in the UK. If your boss asks you not to do something you should respect that or move on.” – @hairbychrisc
“Just respect your employers wishes; it’s not hard. They take all the financial risk by paying for the salon and employing you. Everyone has such a big ego these days. The employer just doesn’t want to lose clients they have probably spent a lot of time and money attracting to the salon if you decide to leave and start working somewhere else. If you don’t like it, leave and set up your own business and do whatever you want,” added @hairbychrisc.
“These owners are trying to protect their interests and their business, which I understand. But you will not need to worry about stylists walking out and working elsewhere, possibly taking salon clients away, if you treat them better.” – Sophie K. Richardson
Talk It Out
“It’s always a good idea to talk to her and let her know how you feel. She may have had a bad experience also. It’s not your fault, but just talk to her. Salon hopping is never good.” – @susanna2299
“What would she think about you showing her how to set up a salon Instagram, and you all could post your work on there? It’s just a thought. I totally agree with everyone that has said leave, but you are already there and if you can talk/communicate and figure out where each of you is coming from, maybe you can find a way for everyone to be happy.” – @dmathews71
“I’m a salon owner and a majority of our staff have their own social media accounts to showcase their talent. And we have a salon account as well that they are free to use. We are supposed to be lifting each other up! I would suggest confronting her and then make a decision based on how she responds to your concerns. Your clients are not necessarily salon clients. They will find you wherever you are!” – Dawn Meek
“Do they think it’s like 1950 or something? I would try to explain why you do that and how crucial it is to have an Instagram in this business. I would also recommend suggesting that they open a salon Instagram to feature everyone’s work. If they don’t want you to succeed, I would leave.” – @mar_beauty_
“It depends. Were they existing salon clients? Then yes, her saying don’t give out your personal Insta is fine. She’s protecting her established, hard-earned clientele. Of course, if they were new and were to only see you, then it’s in her interest for your employment with her to allow you to. Perhaps it’s a gray area you should sit down and discuss.” – Heather Harrison
“That is really uncalled for but I think some good communication is necessary. Ask her why what you were doing was so objectionable. If I had a stylist as motivated as you, I would be thrilled not threatened.” – @wwfaddict1
“I would ask to have a meeting with her and explain that you were trying to drum up more business for yourself and the salon. But be prepared to walk if she can’t understand or agree to that fact.” – Richelle Lietz
“Maybe it was the lack of communication. At the end of the day, it’s the client’s personal preference who they want to go with. Maybe the client has seen her working, liked her work and was curious to see pictures. Maybe the client isn’t happy with her stylist even though they all work together. There is a stylist for every client and a client for every stylist. Build each other up not down.” – @andrewmichaelssalon
