How Beginner Stylists Can Find Their First Clients: Ultimate Guide for New Hairdressers
- HAIRNICORN
- Dec 1, 2025
- 6 min read
Introduction
Let’s be real: the hardest part of launching your hairstyling career isn’t learning the techniques—it’s finding people to sit in your chair. Your first clients set the tone for your reputation, portfolio, and confidence. Without them, even the best-trained stylist can feel stuck.
The good news? Everyone starts somewhere, and with the right strategy, your first clients aren’t far away. This guide is packed with tips, tricks, and insider strategies to get you booked and ready to shine.
Tap Into Your Existing Network
Your friends, family, and acquaintances are your golden first clients:
Offer discounted or trial services to close contacts.
Be transparent about being new—clients love supporting budding talent.
Ask them to bring a friend or share your work on social media.
Your network is your initial launchpad. Treat these appointments professionally, and they can turn into glowing referrals.
Leverage Social Media
Social media is a free, powerful tool for attracting clients:
Post your work consistently on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Show transformations, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes of your practice.
Engage with followers—respond to comments, answer DMs, and create polls.
High-quality photos and authentic content build credibility and attract people willing to pay for your skills.
Attend Local Events and Pop-Ups
Being visible in your community can get clients faster than you think:
Attend hair and beauty events, fairs, or pop-ups.
Offer mini consultations or demos to showcase your talent.
Bring business cards or flyers with pricing and contact info.
Face-to-face connections build trust and often convert curious visitors into paying clients.
Partner With Other Professionals
Collaboration is underrated:
Connect with makeup artists, photographers, or fashion influencers.
Offer a complimentary session in exchange for portfolio photos or social media exposure.
Mutual promotion can bring new clients who are already interested in beauty services.
These partnerships can launch your reputation and help fill your calendar quickly.
Use Online Platforms
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and local Facebook groups aren’t the only option:
List your services on local service directories.
Offer booking through platforms like Treatwell, Booksy, or your own website.
Encourage reviews once you deliver excellent service—it builds credibility fast.
Visibility plus easy booking is a winning formula.
⭐ FAQs
How many clients do I need to start?
Even 3–5 a week can begin building your portfolio and confidence.
Is offering free services a good idea?
Yes—for beginners. It builds demand and grows your skill quickly.
Should I charge low prices at the start?
Only temporarily. Raise prices gradually as your skills improve.
Where do beginner stylists find models?
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook groups, school, neighbours, coworkers.
Should I specialise early?
Not yet—build general experience, then niche later.
Do I need a booking system?
Yes. It makes you professional and prevents lost clients.
What if I’m scared to post myself online?
Start small—show your hands, tools, or hair only. Build confidence.
How often should I post on social media?
3–5 times a week is ideal for beginners.
What’s the best service for attracting new clients?
Blow-dries, silk presses, trims, simple protective styles.
How long does it take to build a clientele?
3–12 months depending on consistency.
📊 Statistics to Include
• Social media influences 82% of modern beauty bookings.
• Clients need to see you 7–12 times before booking.
• Over 70% of people prefer booking with stylists who show video content.
• New stylists who offer discounted model services grow 3x faster.
• Word-of-mouth referrals are responsible for 65% of stylist client growth.
😍 Fun Facts
• Your personality is more important than your experience for first-time clients.
• People book faster when they see “model call”—it feels exclusive.
• Posting consistently for just 30 days can double your inquiries.
• Beginner stylists often attract loyal clients who stay for YEARS.
❌ Common Mistakes + How to Fix Them
Mistake 1: Posting hair photos with no call-to-action
Fix: End every post with “DM ‘MODEL’ to book.”
Mistake 2: Waiting until you’re ‘perfect’
Fix: Start NOW. Skills improve through clients.
Mistake 3: Being inconsistent online
Fix: Create a simple weekly content routine.
Mistake 4: Not asking for referrals
Fix: Encourage each client to send 1–2 friends.
Mistake 5: Using dark, blurry photos
Fix: Buy a ring light. Game-changer.
🪜 Step-by-Step Tutorials
How to Create a Simple “Model Call” Post
Step-by-step template for beginners to attract real clients.
How to Photograph Hair Professionally
Learn angles, lighting, poses, and backgrounds that attract bookings.
How to Set Up a Booking Link in 10 Minutes
Quick and easy for beginners using free tools.
How to Talk on Instagram Stories Without Feeling Awkward
Mini confidence-building script.
🔁 “Do This, Not That” Section
Do This: Ask clients to tag you on social media.
Not That: Hope people find you somehow.
Do This: Offer a small discount for referrals.
Not That: Expect clients to refer automatically.
Do This: Show your personality online.
Not That: Post only hair photos with no captions.
👀 Before/After Scenarios
Before: You post once every two weeks.
After: You post 4–5 times a week and inquiries increase.
⸻
Before: You’re scared to take clients.
After: You get 10 model clients in your first month.
⸻
Before: You rely on friends only.
After: You attract strangers and build a real clientele.
📚 Case Studies
Case Study 1: The Student With Zero Followers
Posted daily for 30 days → booked 15 model clients.
Case Study 2: The Shy Stylist
Used Instagram reels instead of talking → booked fully for 6 weeks.
Case Study 3: The Mobile Beginner
Targeted local neighbourhood groups → got consistent clients nearby.
✂️ Tools, Products & Why
Tools
• Ring light — essential for good photos
• Tripod — stable, hands-free recording
• Mannequin head — practise days before taking clients
• Professional comb set — speed + precision
• Booking software — prevents lost messages
Products
• Basic styling products (mousse, leave-in, oil) — for finishing photos
• Heat protectant — must-have for all blow-dry services
• Shine spray — improves final photos instantly
🔄 Alternative Methods
• If social media feels overwhelming, start with local networking.
• Join community Facebook groups to offer beginner prices.
• Leave business cards at gyms, cafes, and workplaces.
• Offer “Friends & Family Week” to boost bookings fast.
⭐ Level Up Section: Level Up Your Client Attraction
Level Up by:
• Recording every client for TikTok
• Building a mini portfolio on Canva
• Offering a referral reward like “bring a friend, get £10 off”
• Posting transformations, even simple ones
⏱💷 Time + Cost Breakdown
Time
• Setting up your social media: 1 hour
• Creating weekly posting schedule: 20 minutes
• Taking portfolio photos: 5 minutes per client
• Running a model call: Instant
Cost
• Ring light: £15–£40
• Tripod: £10–£20
• Beginner products: £20–£60
• Booking app: Free–£10 monthly
⚠️ What to Avoid
• Avoid accepting EVERY client—especially rude or unsafe ones.
• Avoid underpricing to the point you resent your work.
• Avoid being silent online for weeks.
• Avoid saying “DM for prices”—always be clear.
• Avoid comparing your growth to established stylists.
🎯 Quiz
“Are You Ready to Attract Your First Clients?”
Do you have at least 5–10 clear hair photos to post?
A: Yes → You’re ready
B: Some → You need more practice
C: No → Start model calls ASAP
Do you have a professional Instagram?
A: Yes
B: Kind of
C: No → Priority #1
Are your prices or model offers easy to understand?
A: Yes
B: Sort of
C: No → Confusion kills bookings
Are you posting consistently?
A: Yes
B: Sometimes
C: Rarely
Do you talk on stories so clients can connect with you?
A: Yes
B: Working on it
C: No
Do you tell friends and family you’re looking for models?
A: Yes
B: A little
C: No
Do you have a booking link?
A: Yes
B: Planning to
C: No → Makes you lose clients
Do you offer beginner-friendly services or specials?
A: Yes
B: Not really
C: No
Do you reply to DMs promptly?
A: Yes
B: Depends
C: I forget
Do you have a clear brand vibe and aesthetic?
A: Yes
B: Getting there
C: No idea
Scoring:
✔ Mostly A’s: You’re client-ready.
✔ Mostly B’s: You’re close—fix small gaps.
✔ Mostly C’s: This guide will transform your approach.
What’s your biggest struggle right now in getting clients?
0%I’m scared to put myself out there
0%I don’t know where to start
0%No one responds to my posts
0%I need a stronger portfolio
How did YOU find your first client? Or—what’s stopping you from getting one right now? 👇🏼
👉 Want more education-based content for your hairstylist journey? Explore my other posts to level up your skills, confidence, and business strategy. 👇🏼
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