Building Your Dream Clientele: What Worked (And What Didn't) When I Moved Cities

 Moving to a new city as a hairstylist is terrifying.

No existing clientele. No reputation. No referrals. Just you, your scissors, and a whole lot of hope that someone—anyone—will trust you with their hair.

I've been there. And I'm not going to sugarcoat it: it's hard. But it's also one of the most clarifying experiences you can have as a stylist because it forces you to get intentional about who you want to attract and how you want to build.

So let me share what actually worked when I was starting over, and what I wasted time on that didn't move the needle at all.

What Actually Worked

1. I Got Crystal Clear on My Ideal Client

This sounds fluffy, but hear me out. When you're desperate for clients, it's tempting to say yes to everyone. But that's how you end up with a chaotic schedule full of people who drain you.

Instead, I asked myself:

• What kind of energy do I want in my chair?
• What services light me up vs. make me dread the day?
• What price point attracts clients who value my work?

Once I got clear, I could speak directly to those people in everything I did—my social media, my messaging, my vibe. And guess what? They started showing up.

2. I Showed Up Consistently on Social Media (Even When It Felt Like Shouting Into the Void)

I posted my work. Every. Single. Time. Even when I had 47 followers and my mom was the only one liking my posts.

But here's the key: I wasn't just posting before-and-afters. I was sharing:

• My process and why I made certain choices
• Education (like styling tips or how to make their color last longer)
• My personality and values (because people book stylists they connect with)

Consistency builds trust. Even if it feels slow, people are watching. And when they're ready, they'll book.

3. I Leveraged the "New Client Special" Strategically

Yes, I offered a discount for first-time clients. But I didn't make it a free-for-all.

I made it clear this was for people who were looking for a long-term stylist, not just a one-time deal. I also positioned it as an investment in building relationships, not devaluing my work.

The result? I attracted clients who came back, not bargain hunters who disappeared.

4. I Asked for Referrals (And Made It Easy)

This was huge. After every appointment with a client I vibed with, I'd say something like:

"I'm so glad we connected! I'm still building my clientele here, so if you know anyone looking for a stylist who does [specific thing you do well], I'd love if you'd send them my way."

Then I gave them my card or Instagram handle. Simple. Direct. Effective.

5. I Networked in Real Life

I joined local Facebook groups. I went to community events. I talked to people at coffee shops, the gym, the farmer's market.

When hair came up (and it always does), I'd casually mention I was a stylist and what I loved doing. I wasn't pushy, just present. And people remembered me.

6. I Focused on the Experience, Not Just the Hair

Every client who sat in my chair got my full attention. I remembered details about their lives. I followed up after big changes. I made them feel seen.

That kind of care? It turns clients into raving fans who tell everyone about you.

What Didn't Work (And Wasted My Time)

1. Trying to Be Everything to Everyone

In the beginning, I said yes to everything. Box dye corrections I wasn't confident in. Styles I didn't love doing. Clients whose energy felt off from the consultation.

All it did was fill my schedule with work that drained me and didn't showcase my strengths. I learned to niche down and own what I'm great at.

2. Underpricing to "Stay Competitive"

I thought I had to be the cheapest option to get people in the door. Wrong.

Underpricing attracted price shoppers who didn't value my time or expertise. The moment I raised my prices to reflect my worth, I started attracting better clients who appreciated the investment.

3. Waiting for Clients to Find Me

I thought if I just did great work, clients would magically appear. Nope.

You have to put yourself out there. You have to market yourself. You have to make it easy for people to find you, trust you, and book you.

4. Overthinking My Social Media Aesthetic

I spent way too much time trying to make my Instagram look "perfect" instead of just posting consistently and authentically.

People don't book you because your grid is cohesive. They book you because they trust your skill and connect with your vibe.

5. Not Charging for Consultations

Free consultations attracted tire-kickers and people who weren't serious. Once I started charging for them, I got committed clients who showed up ready to invest.

The Real Truth About Building Your Dream Clientele

It takes time. Longer than you want it to. But if you stay intentional, consistent, and true to who you are and what you offer, you will build something beautiful.

You don't need 300 clients. You need the right clients—the ones who energize you, trust you, refer you, and make you remember why you love doing hair in the first place.

And here's the best part: once you've built that foundation, you get to be selective. You get to raise your prices. You get to create space for the work (and life) you actually want.

So if you're starting over in a new city, or just ready to build a clientele that lights you up, here's my advice:

Get clear on who you want to serve. Show up consistently. Don't undervalue yourself. And trust that the right people will find you.

You've got this.