posted on: 09/23/2025
Do you remember why you started in this industry? For me, it began as a little girl watching my mum having her hair done at the salon—I was completely mesmerized by the glamour, the atmosphere, the perfect hair, and the stylists effortlessly creating such beauty. I would pretend to be a hairdresser with my dolls, dreaming of the day I’d be one of those “glamorous stylists.”
Boy, did reality hit when I became part of that world: 12-hour days juggling the roles of stylist, therapist, cleaner, chemist, and social media manager. The dream can easily get lost in the chaos, leaving you burned out, overwhelmed, and fantasizing about a simple 9-to-5 job.
So, how do we bridge the gap between those childhood dreams and the demands of running a solo business? How do we build the business we once dreamed of?
1. Reconnect with Your Why
Why did you choose this industry in the first place? And why did you decide to work for yourself? Write it down. Revisit goals. Refocus your energy. When you reconnect with your purpose, it reignites your passion.
2. Refresh Your Brand
Think about how good it feels to redecorate your home, buy a new outfit, or change your hair. The same energy boost comes from refreshing your business. Consider a rebrand. Update your decor, refine your visual identity, or adjust your logo’s color palette. Look at other brands you admire—what is it about them that draws you in?
Clarify your brand story. Do you specialize in a certain technique? Are you passionate about sustainability and use eco-conscious products? Share these details with your clients—they want to know what drives you.
3. Streamline Your Services
Take a hard look at your service menu. Which offerings are profitable and bring you joy? Which ones drain your time and energy? Simplify your menu. Repackage services with clear, enticing descriptions. The process of rewriting your service menu will also help ensure your pricing reflects the value and effort you put in.
4. Reconnect with Clients
Ever catch yourself wondering about a client you haven’t seen for a while? “I wonder where Mrs. A. has been?” Reach out. Send an email to your lapsed clients introducing your refreshed brand and service menu. Offer a complimentary consultation or a special welcome-back discount.
Create a community with your customers—make them feel part of your business, involve them when thinking of new services for your business, or create an online poll. This engagement will drive traffic to your social sites that will attract new customers as well as keep your current clientele engaged and interested in you and your business.
5. Make Social Media Work for You
Which platform performs best for your business? Focus your efforts there. Be consistent. Engage with your audience—not just through hair images, but by offering hair care advice, top tips, and behind-the-scenes content of real moments that show the heart of you and your business.
6. Organize and Automate
Use tools like Trello and Plannable to plan your content and admin tasks. Salon software like Fresha, Timely, or Slick can help you automate client communication—sending appointment reminders, birthday offers, or service updates. Getting help with all the boring, non-creative but essential stuff, lets you focus more on your craft and put your energy into the enjoyable and fun aspects of our industry.
Maybe it’s time to get help. Think about hiring a virtual assistant even for just a few hours a week to handle all the administrative chores and answer any queries or appointment requests. This would not only add a professional aspect to your business but will also free up precious time for you to enjoy.
7. Seek Feedback and Community
Ask your clients what they love most about your service, and what could be better. Join online forums, engage with other professionals, and be inspired by the talent within the industry. Follow new stylists, join conversations, and stay connected.
8. Experiment and Have Fun
Your business isn’t a fixed machine—it’s a living, evolving expression of your creativity. Try out a new product line. Collaborate with a fellow pro. Do a fun photo shoot and create content that makes you excited again. Let yourself play.
9. Protect Your Energy
Burnout is the enemy of creativity! Set boundaries. You’re not required to reply to messages at 10 p.m. on a Sunday night. Schedule regular breaks and time off; you will not lose clients if you allow yourself a holiday. Take care of yourself—your business thrives when you do.
10. Invest in Growth
Finally, take courses, expand your skill set, and don’t be shy about sharing what you’re learning. Even if you don’t use every new technique, showing your commitment to growth reassures clients that they’re in expert hands.
You started this journey for a reason. Let that spark guide you as you evolve, grow, and build a business that not only supports your clients but fulfills you creatively and is financially rewarding too.
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About the Author
Jackie Harrington, a salon owner for 20 years, is a passionate hairdressing educator, mentor, and qualified assessor. With awards from GHD and UK’s Leicestershire Business Awards, she’s empowered countless stylists to launch their own salons. She blends artistry with business acumen as she continues to inspire future stylists.