Did you know that 72% of TikTok users are under the age of 34, and 52% of online adults in the US use TikTok? This platform is not just for Gen Z — it's a goldmine for local businesses looking to reach a younger audience. As a hair salon owner, you're likely tired of relying on referrals and word-of-mouth to attract new clients. With TikTok marketing strategies tailored to your business, you can increase brand awareness, drive foot traffic, and grow your client base.
72↑
TikTok users under 34
Percentage of TikTok users
52↑
Online adults in the US using TikTok
Percentage of online adults in the US
34↑
TikTok users actively searching for hair services
Number of TikTok users searching for hair services
25→
Average TikTok engagement rate
Average engagement rate across industries
As a small business owner, you're likely wondering how to get started with TikTok marketing. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are the top TikTok marketing strategies for hair salons to attract new clients:
Creating Engaging Content
When it comes to TikTok, content is king. To stand out from the competition, you need to create content that's both visually appealing and engaging. Here are some tips to get you started:
Use high-quality visuals: Invest in a good camera and editing software to create high-quality videos that showcase your salon's services and style.
Keep it short and sweet: TikTok users have a short attention span, so keep your videos concise and to the point.
Use catchy music: Music plays a huge role in making TikTok videos memorable. Choose a catchy tune that complements your content.
Be authentic: Don't try to be someone you're not. Be authentic and genuine in your content, and your audience will respond positively.
Using Hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to increase the visibility of your TikTok videos. Here are some tips to use hashtags effectively:
Research relevant hashtags: Use tools like Hashtagify or RiteTag to research relevant hashtags in your industry.
Use a mix of niche and broad hashtags: Using a mix of niche and broad hashtags can help you reach a wider audience.
Don't overdo it: Using too many hashtags can look spammy. Stick to 3-5 relevant hashtags per video.
Create a unique hashtag: Create a unique hashtag for your salon and encourage your clients to use it when sharing their experiences.
TikTok hashtag performance
#HairSalonBest
$85
#Beauty
$62
#TikTok
$45
Average engagement rate across industries
As you can see from the chart above, using hashtags like #HairSalon can help increase your engagement rate.
Collaborating with Influencers
Influencer marketing is a great way to reach a wider audience and build credibility for your salon. Here are some tips to collaborate with influencers effectively:
Research relevant influencers: Use tools like Influencer Marketing Hub or AspireIQ to research relevant influencers in your industry.
Reach out to influencers: Don't be afraid to reach out to influencers and propose a collaboration.
Be clear about your goals: Make sure you're clear about your goals and what you're looking for from the collaboration.
Track your results: Use analytics tools to track your results and see what's working and what's not.
Running a Contest
Running a contest is a great way to increase engagement and attract new clients to your salon. Here are some tips to run a contest effectively:
Choose a relevant prize: Choose a prize that's relevant to your salon and will appeal to your target audience.
Make it easy to enter: Make it easy for people to enter the contest by providing clear instructions and a simple entry process.
Promote the contest: Promote the contest across all your social media channels and encourage your followers to share it with their friends and family.
Follow up: Follow up with the winner and provide them with the prize as promised.
Pro Tip
Make sure to clearly outline the rules and regulations of the contest to avoid any confusion or disputes.
Tracking Your Results
Tracking your results is crucial to understanding what's working and what's not with your TikTok marketing strategy. Here are some tips to track your results effectively:
Use analytics tools: Use analytics tools like TikTok Insights or Google Analytics to track your results.
Set clear goals: Set clear goals and track your progress towards them.
Monitor your engagement: Monitor your engagement rates and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Adjust your strategy: Be willing to adjust your strategy based on your results.
Watch Out
Don't get too caught up in tracking your results. Remember, the goal of TikTok marketing is to increase brand awareness and drive foot traffic to your salon.
Conclusion
TikTok marketing is a powerful tool for hair salons looking to attract new clients and increase brand awareness. By creating engaging content, using hashtags, collaborating with influencers, running a contest, and tracking your results, you can build a strong presence on TikTok and drive business to your salon. Remember to stay authentic, be creative, and always track your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to run a TikTok ad?
A: The cost of running a TikTok ad varies depending on your budget and the ad format you choose. On average, a TikTok ad can cost anywhere from $5 to $50 per day.
Q: How do I choose the right hashtags for my salon?
A: To choose the right hashtags for your salon, research relevant hashtags in your industry and use a mix of niche and broad hashtags.
Q: Can I use TikTok for my small business?
A: Yes, you can use TikTok for your small business. TikTok is a great platform for small businesses looking to increase brand awareness and drive foot traffic.
Q: How do I track my results on TikTok?
A: To track your results on TikTok, use analytics tools like TikTok Insights or Google Analytics.
Q: Can I use TikTok for my local business?
A: Yes, you can use TikTok for your local business. TikTok is a great platform for local businesses looking to increase brand awareness and drive foot traffic.
Q: How do I measure the success of my TikTok marketing strategy?
A: To measure the success of your TikTok marketing strategy, track your engagement rates, website traffic, and sales.
Q: Can I use TikTok for my beauty business?
A: Yes, you can use TikTok for your beauty business. TikTok is a great platform for beauty businesses looking to increase brand awareness and drive foot traffic.
Ready to take your TikTok marketing to the next level? Contact us at DataLatte to schedule a free audit and discuss how we can help you attract new clients and grow your business.
Q: How much time per week do I actually need to spend on TikTok?
Honestly? About 3–4 hours if you’re doing it right. That includes filming, editing (keep it under 15 minutes per video), posting, replying to comments, and checking your analytics. You can cut that to 2 hours by batching your content — film 4 videos in one morning, then post them throughout the week. If you can’t spare 2 hours, delegate to a staff member who’s comfortable on camera.
Q: Do I have to show my face? Can I just show the hair?
You can start by just showing the hair, but you’ll get better results if you show your face and voice. People book people, not mannequins. I’ve seen a stylist in Denver who hated being on camera get 20% more leads when she finally did a 5-second intro. You don’t need a full vlog — just say “Hey, I’m Jen, here’s a copper balayage I did today.” That’s enough.
Q: Will TikTok actually bring people into my physical salon? I’m skeptical.
Yes, if you do the math. A salon in Portland went from 0 to 180 new clients in six months using TikTok. Before that, they relied on Google and Yelp. But the key is that TikTok works as a top-of-funnel discovery tool — people see your work, get curious, then search for you on Google or click your booking link. It’s not a replacement for your website or Google Maps listing. It’s an addition.
Q: What if I’m not trendy? I don’t follow TikTok dances or trends.
Good. You don’t need to. Most trends last 72 hours anyway. What works consistently is educational content — “How to ask for a curtain fringe” or “3 things you should never do to your hair at home.” That content gets saved and shared, which signals the algorithm to push it to more people. You don’t have to be cool. You have to be useful.
Q: Can I just repost my Instagram photos and videos?
You can, but don’t expect great results. TikTok’s algorithm prefers native content — videos shot and edited within the app, using its sounds and text overlays. Reposting a square Instagram photo as a still image will get very low reach. If you have a good video from IG, at least re-edit it with a TikTok-style caption and a trending sound.
Q: Should I run paid TikTok ads or stick to organic?
Start with organic for 30 days. Post 3–4 times a week, engage with comments, see what works. If you get decent organic traction, then test $100 in local awareness ads to boost your best-performing video. That’s low risk. A salon in Chicago spent $100 and got $1,200 in bookings. But don’t start with ads if you don’t have the organic foundation — you’ll just waste money showing a bad video to people who won’t book.
I’ve been in enough agency meetings where someone pulled out a 50-slide deck about “building brand love through user-generated content” and then couldn’t tell you which video actually brought in a paying customer. TikTok works for hair salons because it’s visual, local, and immediate. But only if you treat it like a sales channel, not a popularity contest. The most successful small business owners I’ve worked with spend less time worrying about views and more time making sure that every video has a path to a booked appointment. Start with one video this week. Put a booking link in your bio. Reply to every comment. Then track what happens. If you want help setting up the tracking or deciding which content to prioritize, I’ve been doing this for a decade and I’d rather talk to you than a room full of agency VPs. Book a free consultation
Local marketing strategist with 10+ years at global agencies — OMD, Dentsu, GroupM, and BBDO. Now helping small businesses get the same data-driven edge. Based in Europe, working with clients in the US, UK, Australia, and beyond.