Google reviews for hair and beauty salons

Why reviews matter so much for salons

Choosing a new hairdresser, barber or beauty therapist is personal. People are trusting you with how they look, so they read reviews closely – often looking for comments about a particular stylist, a colour service or how a nervous client was treated. A salon with a steady flow of recent, detailed Google reviews gives new clients the reassurance to book. A salon whose last review is from last spring looks quieter than it is.

The good news is that salons see clients often and build real relationships. The challenge is that the moment to ask – at the till, while the next client is waiting – is the busiest moment of the day.

When to ask

• After the appointment, not in the chair. Asking mid-blow-dry puts clients on the spot. A text an hour or two after they leave gives them time to see the result in their own mirror.
• Colour and big changes: consider waiting until the next day, once the client has lived with the new look.
• Regulars: you do not need to ask after every visit. Ask once, then perhaps again after a significant service such as a wedding trial or a full restyle.
• Treatments with aftercare (lashes, brows, skin): ask after the aftercare window, when the client knows how it has settled.

Example wording

Hi Priya, thank you for coming in to see Jess today. If you have a moment, we’d love your honest Google review: [link]. Reply STOP to opt out.

Mentioning the stylist by name makes the message personal and tends to produce more specific reviews (“Jess was brilliant with my curly hair”), which are more useful to future clients. Do not mention stars and do not offer a discount on the next visit in return – incentives for reviews break Google’s rules.

In the salon itself

Not every client gives a mobile number, especially walk-in barbers. A small QR stand at reception or a card handed over with the receipt helps. Create one with our free review stand template. Keep it visible but low-key: “Enjoyed your visit? Tell others on Google.”

Handling a bad review

Hair is emotional, and an unhappy client may leave a frustrated review. Reply calmly and publicly, without arguing about the technical details, and invite them to contact you so you can put it right. Never reveal appointment details or anything the client told you privately. Our salon negative review templates give you a starting point. Remember that a few honest, well-handled criticisms make the rest of your reviews more believable.

Booking systems and data

Most salons use an online booking system that holds client phone numbers. Before you send review requests, check that your privacy notice tells clients you may contact them for feedback, and that you honour opt-outs. If you send marketing texts through your booking system as well, keep the two separate so a client who opts out of offers can still be treated fairly. Read our UK GDPR and PECR guide.

Making it a team habit

• Agree who adds clients to RepBeacon each day – usually reception at close.
• Share new reviews in the team chat; stylists love seeing their name.
• Reply to every review within a couple of days, positive or negative.
• Once a month, look for patterns: waiting times, booking problems, price surprises.

What to expect

A consistent process usually produces more recent reviews than occasional asking, but no tool can guarantee numbers or rankings. Clients decide whether to review and Google decides what to publish. What you control is asking every client, the same way, at a sensible time.

How RepBeacon helps salons

RepBeacon sends a short text or email with your direct Google review link after each appointment, with one reminder, and shows every new review in a simple dashboard. The Free plan gives you the dashboard and a reviews widget for your website. Starter (£29 a month) adds automated requests with 100 SMS and unlimited email; Pro (£59) adds 300 SMS, AI reply drafts and multiple users – handy if several staff manage reviews. Try it free for 15 days, no card needed.

Frequently asked questions