Summer is the perfect time to level up your Instagram game. If you’re wondering what to post or how to keep your feed fresh, now’s the time to focus on summer Instagram marketing for salons. A smart strategy will boost your visibility, attract dream clients, and keep your appointment books full.
Why Instagram Works for Salons
Social Media Is Tailor-Made for the Salon Industry
Instagram is a visual-first platform—and there’s no better match for the beauty industry. It’s the ideal place to showcase what your stylists can do, highlight your brand, and connect with clients. But it takes more than a pretty picture here and there. A successful summer Instagram marketing for salons approach means:
Consistent, branded visuals
Strategic use of captions and hashtags
Regular Stories and Reels
Clear brand messaging
What’s Your Current Social Media Strategy?
If keeping up with Instagram feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many salon owners are stretched too thin to manage consistent content, or they’re using a generic agency that doesn’t understand their brand.
But the truth is, summer Instagram marketing for salons is too important to ignore. Word-of-mouth alone won’t keep your chairs full. You need a cohesive strategy to grow awareness and generate bookings.
How to Increase Your Instagram Following This Summer
Attract Followers With These Must-Do Tactics
Post Regularly
Pick a schedule and stick to it. Consistency builds trust and keeps you top-of-mind.
Engage With Your Audience
Reply to every comment. Show followers that your salon is active and responsive.
Encourage User-Generated Content
Display signs in your salon encouraging clients to share their hairstyle and tag your account. Have stylists remind them too!
Add Your IG Link to Emails
Include your Instagram handle in all promotional emails and employee signatures to grow your audience organically.
Cross-Promote on Other Channels
Add your IG handle to reception signage, business cards, and client receipts. Every touchpoint matters.
Tag Others in Your Posts
Tag your stylists, clients, and product partners. It boosts your exposure and makes your page more discoverable.
Run an Instagram Contest
Contests create buzz, drive engagement, and please the algorithm. Try:
Like/comment to win
Caption contests
Tag-a-friend challenges
Hashtag competitions
Trivia or Q&As
Use Hashtags Strategically
Think of Hashtags as Search Keywords
Hashtags help new clients find your content—and your salon. Here’s how to use them effectively:
Use General and Specific Tags
Pair broad tags like #WeddingUpdo with niche ones like #FrenchBraidWeddingUpdo to increase your reach.
Add Location-Based Hashtags
Help locals discover you by tagging your city, neighborhood, and salon name. Example: #DenverSalon or #GlowHairNYC
Follow Trends
If something is trending on Twitter (like #CannesFilmFestival), join the conversation with a beauty-focused spin.
Use Product Hashtags
Tag product brands like #redkenready or #olaplexlove. They may reshare your post to their wider audience.
What to Post This Summer
Show Off Your Work and Personality
The most effective summer Instagram marketing for salons blends value, beauty, and authenticity. Here are proven post types:
Before & After Transformations
Show off your skills and boost credibility with powerful visuals. If clients are camera shy, use side or hair-focused angles.
Creative Styles & Updos
Bridal styles, braids, and bold summer looks all belong on your feed—especially in vertical format.
New Products
Share seasonal products like SPF hair masks or humidity-proof styling sprays.
Special Offers & Promotions
Post customer appreciation events and summer promotions—more than once! Remember, only 10% of followers see each post.
Timely Posts
Back-to-school, beach season, or local events—stay relevant by joining the seasonal conversation.
Team Member Highlights
Introduce new stylists or celebrate existing staff with branded graphics or behind-the-chair photos.
Behind-the-Scenes Content
Share the real stuff: rainbow sightings, pre-appointment prep, team laughs—this humanizes your brand.
More Creative Post Ideas
Stay Fresh All Summer Long
Inspirational quotes
Video transformations
Client testimonials
Live Q&As
Quick daily questions
Product demos
Reposts from happy clients
Polls & surveys
“Fill this last-minute slot” alerts
Tag-a-friend invites
Motivational messages
Booking reminders
Staff training posts
GIFs & memes
Final Thoughts
There’s no better time to strengthen your summer Instagram marketing for salons than now. Whether you’re focused on filling appointments, launching seasonal offers, or building community, your Instagram feed can—and should—do the heavy lifting.
Tired of Running Your Own Social Media?
There’s no shortage of agencies out there providing digital marketing services, but that doesn’t mean you should leave your marketing strategy up to just any local agency. In the beauty industry, consumers are used to a high-end approach that’s supported by a wealth of market research to create immersive brand experiences. So, you need a digital marketing provider that can help you reach that level. BeautyMark Marketing is raising the bar in the salon industry, serving clients throughout the U.S. with marketing strategies that are on par with the entire beauty industry. You won’t just outshine your local competitors—you’ll make your mark on the industry as a whole.
Attract and engage new clients with DONE FOR YOU Social Media Management. Let us handle everything – and leave you free to run your business. Social media is an informal and friendly way to keep in touch, build strong client relationships and attract new customers – however, it’s also extremely time-consuming, and difficult to do well. Getting the right voice, brand aesthetic, and content are key. Why choose us for your salon’s social media? We work solely with hair and beauty businesses to attract dream clients and fill appointment books.
BeautyMark specializes in beauty business marketing. Learn more BeautyMark Digital Marketing Services or you can Schedule a Chat with Me here and make sure to follow our blog HERE for weekly salon marketing tips
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