From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Hairdressers / Stylists Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients

Starting your hairdressing or styling career in New Zealand comes with its own challenges, especially when trying to get those crucial first 10 clients. With practical, Kiwi-focused strategies that build trust and showcase your talent locally, you can grow your bookings steadily. This guide presents 10 helpful and realistic tips tailored specifically for hairdressers and stylists wanting to thrive in NZ communities.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Use Your Personal Network

Friends, family, and local contacts often become your first customers. Offering discounted or free trial sessions helps build a loyal client base and valuable word-of-mouth.

A Christchurch stylist started her bookings by helping friends and family, which quickly led to client referrals.

Weirdly enough, personal connections are often your most trustworthy source of steady clients.

2. Engage in Local Facebook Groups

Groups like “Auckland Hair & Beauty” or “Wellington Locals” are hubs where people search for reliable stylists.

Post photos of your work, styling tips, and client testimonials to build engagement without hard selling.

Neighbourly is also a trusted place for thoughtful community recommendations.

3. Create a Mobile-Friendly Website

Build a simple, professional website showcasing your portfolio, services, hours, and contact info.

Wix, Squarespace, or Google Sites offer great tools to set up a stylish site affordably.

Including NZ-centric styles and customer stories helps you connect with local clients.

4. List on Yada and Local Directories

Yada connects you with clients without any lead or success fees, making it an ideal platform for startups.

Its dual rating system boosts visibility for quality and reliable hairdressers.

Also list on TradeMe Services and trusted NZ beauty directories.

5. Offer Introductory Discounts

Draw in first-time clients with special offers on cuts, colours, or styling packages.

An Auckland stylist filled early appointments with seasonal discounts and loyalty perks.

Think of these as friendly invitations for new clients to experience your talent.

6. Network at Local Events and Salons

Attend bridal expos, community fairs, or partner with local salons for visibility.

Offering quick workshops or demos builds your reputation and client connections.

In smaller centres like Nelson, face-to-face networking yields strong ongoing business.

7. Showcase Client Testimonials

Collect and display reviews and before/after photos from happy customers online.

Kiwis value peer recommendations strongly, which can bring you new clients.

A Christchurch stylist rates testimonials as vital to growing her bookings.

8. Share Styling and Care Tips

Publish quick haircare advice, trending styles, or tutorial videos on Instagram or Facebook.

This helps position you as an expert and keeps your audience engaged.

An Auckland stylist built a loyal following through consistent, helpful social posts.

9. Advertise Offline and Digitally

Place flyers at cafes, gyms, community boards, and local shops to reach various demographics.

Synchronise this with targeted online advertising to maximise your reach.

Balancing grassroots and digital marketing suits New Zealand’s diverse urban and regional clients.

10. Stay Professional and Organised

Use scheduling and payment systems for smooth booking management and client communication.

Professionalism and punctuality turn new clients into referrals and repeat customers.

A Tauranga stylist credits steady growth to her effective communication and organisation.