Ever wonder why one stylist’s foiling video blows up while your perfect color melt gets… crickets? Spoiler: it’s not just the hair.
Going viral isn’t luck, it’s psychology. When you understand how people scroll, react, and share, you can craft content that makes the algorithm (and your future clients) obsessed. Here’s how to get your chair trending.
1. Hook ‘Em in 3 Seconds or Less
Social attention spans are shorter than a fresh pixie cut. If your first 3 seconds don’t grab them, they’re gone.
Salon-ready hooks:
- Spicy before shots: The braver, the messier, the better.
- Quick, dramatic motion: Foil flips, toner drips, hair tosses.
- Bold on-screen text: “This blonde almost BROKE my bowl.”
Remember: People stop scrolling for novelty and drama. Give ‘em both.
@_araysocial In UGC, your first 3 seconds are EVERYTHING. 🤝 A visual hook grabs attention before a single word is spoken—whether it’s an unexpected shot, bold text, or eye-catching movement. A list of different hooks you can implement into your content 👇🏻 ✨Visual: Grab attention FAST with an eye catching movement. ✨Verbal: Lead with a strong statement or question ✨Sound: Use sound effects to catch people and keep them engaged. ✨Text: Bold captions or headlines on screen to make info pop (especially if you're muted!) 💡 Want your content to stand out? Start with a hook 😉 #UGCtips #VisualHook #HookIdeas #UGCcreator #ContentCreation #StopTheScroll
♬ original sound - ARAY
2. Transformation = Dopamine
Brains love a satisfying “before & after.” It’s the same hit of dopamine you get when the cape comes off and the client gasps.
Structure your reel like a story:
- Show the problem – Faded color, box dye regret, frizz city, long roots.
- Serve the process – Quick, snappy highlights of your artistry.
- Drop the reveal – Glossy, jaw-dropping, chef’s kiss.
Pro tip: Tease the after shot with on-screen text, such as “Wait for it…” to keep viewers engaged.
@alfredo_lewis MORGAN BLEACH HAIR CATASTROPHE: Say a prayer for the most damaged hair we’ve ever seen. This bleach gone wrong chemical cut on Morgan was a hair surgery literally. Thank you Morgan for trusting us. Did we eat and leave no crumbs on this platinum hair transformation? #bleach #gonewrong #fyp #chemicalcut #blonde #hairextensions #hairtransformation ♬ original sound - Alfredo Lewis
3. Satisfy Those Mirror Neurons
When people feel your content, they share it. That’s mirror neurons at work. The reason why watching a razor-cut feels like ASMR for the soul.
Make your content physically satisfying:
- Capture toner pours, precise snips, shiny brush strokes.
- Film client reactions, they’re pure gold.
- Overlay text like “I NEEDED this haircut” to echo your audience’s thoughts.
@emma_hausofvakai Save this as your next brunette inspo 🤎 #brunette #balayage #beforeandafter #soft #teddy #natural #aesthetic #hairdresser ♬ original sound - skingasm
4. Trend Surfing = Social Proof
If the algorithm sees your reel fits into a trending wave, it’ll push it harder.
Do this by:
- Using trending audio to signal “I belong here!”
- Adding searchable hashtags and captions for salon inspo hunters.
- Replying to comments fast to build buzz, the algorithm loves engagement.
5. Leave ‘Em Curious
Curiosity is like salon gossip; you better believe it spreads. People can’t resist clicking to “see the after.”
Play with teases like:
- “This client made the BIGGEST hair mistake…”
- “She wanted a poodle perm!”
- “You won’t believe the after.”
The longer they watch, the more the algorithm rewards you.
@sharleneleelee Well this is a first for a poodle perm 😝 @CIRCLES OF HAIR #salonownersoftiktok #hairtok #fypage #salon #perm #perms#curlyhair #haircurl #hairwaves #hairperm #longcurlyhair #greyhair #curls #curlscurlscurls #wavehair #perming #bleachhair #perminghair #bluehair #bluehairedgirl ♬ original sound - teeharpo
6. Emotion = Shares
Content spreads when it makes someone feel something! Whether it’s joy, shock, envy, or even a little “I need this in my life.”
Ask yourself:
- Would someone tag a friend immediately?
- Does it spark a laugh, gasp, or “OMG SAME” reaction?
- Would you send this to your salon bestie?
If yes, you’ve got share fuel. Post it!
Your Viral Formula
Viral content = Strong hook + Satisfying story + Emotional punch + Trend-savvy sprinkle.
Do this consistently, and your next reel might just end up in everyone’s group chat (and on your future clients’ For You page).
@melaniemhasson RED ALERT 🚨 It’s #iNOAredalert this July, and you know I had to go big for it. My client was ready for a major shift—after years of bleaching, she wanted to give her hair a break and try something bold. With her bright blue eyes and fiery personality, this red was meant to happen ❤️🔥 This transformation took 5 hours start to finish—if you want to see the full breakdown, drop a comment below and I’ll show you exactly how we got here. @L’Oréal Professionnel #lorealpro #inoaredalert #lorealinoa #lorealproinoa #lorealproambassador ♬ original sound - Melanie | New York Hairstylist
Now Go Make the Algorithm Your Apprentice ✨
Grab your phone, grab a client (consensually, of course), and start filming those foils. Bonus points if you pair your next viral reel with Vish, because while your content is going viral, your color costs could be going down.
Your followers get satisfying transformations.
You get better profits and zero wasted color.
Everyone wins.
