How One Bold Stylist Effortlessly Fills Her Chair!
By Savannah Nethken
September 9, 2026
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In today’s beauty industry, building a booming hair business goes far beyond what happens in the salon. For nine-year industry veteran Rachel (@_hairbyrachel), social media has evolved from a simple portfolio into a powerful engine for client connection and career growth.
Specializing in dimensional, lived-in color and seamless blonding techniques, Rachel has mastered the art of turning casual Instagram scrollers into long-term, loyal clients. We sat down with her to discuss her social media strategy, how she overcomes content overwhelm, and how continuous beauty education keeps her inspired.
Stylists ask how to grow their social media presence, they’re often looking for a secret algorithm hack or viral formula. But Rachel attributes her growth to two simpler, more sustainable habits: consistency and authenticity.
“Consistency, but also learning not to overthink everything I post. I try to show my work in a way that feels authentic to me and lets people get a feel for who I am as a stylist. I’ve found that people connect just as much with the person behind the chair as they do with the finished hair.”
By shifting the focus from polished perfection to genuine human connection, she creates an inviting digital front door for her brand.
Crafting Content Potential Clients Actually Want to See
Deciding what to post can feel overwhelming, but Rachel uses a simple filter to guide her content creation: putting herself in the client’s shoes.
“Honestly try to post what I would want to see if I were looking for a stylist. I love showing finished transformations, especially lived-in color and blonding, but I also think it’s important to show the process and little pieces of life behind the chair. I want someone to look at my page and not only think, ‘I want my hair to look like that,’ but also, ‘I would feel comfortable sitting in her chair.’”
By highlighting behind-the-scenes processes and authentic glimpses of salon life, she builds trust before a client ever steps foot through the door.
3 Actionable Tips for Stylists Who Are Stuck
For stylists struggling with content creation block or feeling intimidated by video creation platforms like Instagram Reels, Rachel offers straight-to-the-point advice:
Just Start Posting | Don’t let perfectionism paralyze you. “It doesn’t have to be perfect,” Rachel emphasizes. |
Document Everything | Take quick photos and videos of your process throughout the day. You can curate, edit, and select what to share later. |
Be Yourself, Not a Carbon Copy | Skip the trend-chasing if it doesn’t feel natural. Find a content style that feels authentic to you rather than copying what everyone else is doing. |
Growing with the Neill Community
Even with nine years of experience behind the chair, Rachel attributes her continued passion and technical evolution to lifelong learning and a strong professional network.
“Being part of the Neill community has given me access to so much education, inspiration, and support throughout my career. I’ve been behind the chair for 9 years, and one thing I love about this industry is that you never stop learning. Having a community that continues to provide education and encourages stylists to grow creatively and professionally has definitely played a role in the stylist I am today.”
Ready to Elevate Your Hair Career?
Whether you’re looking for advanced technical training in lived-in color or looking to refine your salon marketing strategy, being part of a supportive professional community makes all the difference. Explore our upcoming Neill Education Courses & Events to take your skills and business to the next level.
Don’t forget to follow Rachel on Instagram at @_hairbyrachel for ongoing inspiration, and check out her recent feature on our Instagram page.
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