How I Made My First $100K as a Hairstylist: The Pricing & Client Retention Strategies That Changed My Business

How I Made My First $100K as a Hairstylist: The Pricing & Client Retention Strategies That Changed My Business

March 05, 20253 min read

Making $100K+ as a hairstylist isn’t about working yourself into exhaustion, stacking back-to-back clients, or offering every service under the sun. It’s about pricing strategically, retaining the right clients, and using social media to attract high-paying bookings.

I didn’t start out charging premium rates, and I made mistakes along the way. But once I understood what was holding me back, I made the changes that helped me reach six figures—and beyond.

In Episode 115 of The 5-Minute Podcast, I shared how I got there, but this blog will dig even deeper. If you’re serious about leveling up your income, this is your playbook.


Pricing for Profit: Why Undercharging is Holding You Back

Raising prices feels uncomfortable, but if you're undercharging, you are limiting your success.

  • Low prices attract the wrong clients—those who cancel last minute, challenge your policies, and undervalue your expertise. The clients who value quality are willing to pay for it.

  • You can’t build a luxury brand on budget pricing. If you want to be known for high-quality services, your pricing needs to reflect that.

  • Working double the clients just to make ends meet leads to burnout, not a six-figure business.

I stopped pricing out of fear and started pricing for profit. Instead of booking ten clients a day for low-ticket services, I restructured my pricing and focused on attracting high-value bookings.

Want to finally set your prices for profit? Take my Pricing for Profit course now.

Client Retention: The Real Secret to Consistent Income

Attracting new clients is great, but client retention is where sustainable income happens. Constantly chasing new clients makes it harder to create predictable cash flow and long-term success.

Here’s how I built a strong client retention system:

  • I made their first experience memorable. From consultation to checkout, I delivered more than a service—I created an experience.

  • I followed up. A simple check-in text after their first visit kept me top of mind and reinforced that I cared about their results.

  • I encouraged pre-booking. Before they left, their next appointment was already scheduled, ensuring consistency in their hair maintenance and my income.

Client retention is the key to stability. Want ongoing mentorship on how to build a loyal, high-paying clientele? Join the TSC Exclusive Hairstylist Membership.

Social Media: The Strategies That Attracted High-Paying Clients

Building a strong social media presence helped position me as a high-end stylist and attract clients who were willing to pay for my expertise.

Here’s what worked:

  • I optimized my Instagram bio. It clearly stated my location, my niche, and had a direct link to book.

  • I showcased my best work. High-quality images, client transformations, and testimonials built credibility.

  • I created authority content. Instead of just posting pictures of hair, I shared educational content, styling tips, and behind-the-scenes insights that positioned me as an expert.

  • I engaged consistently. I responded to every comment and DM, building relationships with potential clients before they ever booked with me.

Social media isn’t just about visibility—it’s a tool for attracting high-value clients when used effectively.

Time to Scale Your Income

Reaching $100K as a hairstylist isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, focus on these three steps:

  1. Fix your pricing. Stop undercharging and start making real money. Take my Pricing for Profit course now.

  2. Master client retention. Keep your books full and your income steady. Join the TSC Exclusive Hairstylist Membership.

  3. Use social media the right way. Attract high-value clients who are excited to book with you.

Want the full breakdown? Listen to Episode 115 of The 5-Minute Podcast for more insights into how I reached my first $100K.

Watch & Subscribe Here: https://youtube.com/@thestylistcorner?si=zVfB0aHEaLOhp5Qq

Warm regards,

Danie Wilks

The 5-Minute Podcast Host and Mentoring Coach

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