Reviews are the new word-of-mouth. They have been checked out by potential customers before making an appointment with a business. This means that your potential customers also check you out before making an appointment.

They scroll through your comment sections, browse customer photos, and read customer reviews to get a sense of what to expect. This is especially true in your industry, as beauty is a deeply personal matter. Your clients aren’t just booking a service; they’re trusting you with their face, skin, hair, nails, and sometimes even their confidence. 

That’s why it is more than a transaction. It is a transformation. And before anyone hands over that kind of trust (and their money), they want to know they’re in safe, skilled hands.

Nearly everyone is online, and reviews have become the modern word-of-mouth. One positive review from a client can influence ten more people. One glowing testimonial can move a potential customer from “I’m thinking about it” to “I just booked an appointment.”

As a beauty entrepreneur, whether you run a salon, work as a MUA (Makeup artist), do at-home facials, braid hair from your apartment, or own a mobile spa, your online presence plays a massive role in how people discover and choose you. And guess what? Your client reviews usually speak louder than your perfectly curated social media posts. 

More reviews mean more credibility, reinforced trust, and, of course, more bookings. It’s that simple. And in a space as competitive and fast-moving as the beauty industry, reassurance is everything.

So if you’re not actively collecting reviews, you’re leaving money (and visibility) on the table. In this article, we’ll explore why reviews matter so much in the beauty world and how to get more of them without sounding pushy.

 

The Psychology Behind Reviews in the Beauty Business

People trust people, especially when it comes to decisions that affect how they look and feel. We’re more likely to do something if we see others doing it first and enjoying the outcome. It’s why testimonials, reviews, and even before-and-after photos hold so much weight. Here are four reasons your beauty business needs reviews:

1. Reviews make potential customers trust you: In the beauty business, trust is very important. Your services are often deeply personal and emotional. It could be a bride looking for the perfect makeup artist, someone doing a big chop, or a client battling acne and seeking professional help.  The stakes are high. People want to be sure they’re making the right decision. 

2. Reviews prove you are good at what you do: Reviews in the beauty business show potential clients that they can relax because they are in good hands, especially if they have had a bad experience in the past. When you’re about to let someone touch your skin, hair, or nails, you want proof from real people who’ve been in the chair before you.

3. Reviews make your business stand out: Anyone in the beauty business can post flawless photos or use the right hashtags. But reviews? They’re raw. They’re real. They show the personality of your business, the quality of your service, and how you make people feel. That’s the kind of evidence that convinces someone to book you over the next person. 

4. Reviews tell the emotional story behind your work: Beauty services often mark important moments in people’s lives, from birthdays, graduations, weddings, to even self-care after a tough season. So, they are not just appointments but experiences. And experiences are emotional. When clients feel safe, seen, and celebrated, they talk about it. They write about it. And those stories help new clients feel like they’ve already found the right fit, even before they step into your space.

The Easiest Ways to Collect Reviews from Your Customers

Most happy clients want to leave a review, but life gets busy. They walk out feeling amazing, take a few selfies, and then move on with their day. If you want to turn their good vibes into glowing reviews, you have to be intentional and make it easy for them. There are simple, effective ways to collect reviews from your customers without sounding desperate or pushy:

1. Ask while they’re still glowing

Timing is everything. The best time to ask for a review is right after the service, when your client is still smiling at their reflection, admiring their fresh set, or flipping their hair in slow motion. At that moment, their excitement is at its peak, and they are willing to show appreciation.

Asking in a simple, friendly manner can go a long way. For example: “If you loved today’s session, would you mind leaving me a quick review? It really helps my business grow.”

Just be sure to keep it warm, personal, and appreciative.

2. Send a short follow-up via DM or text

Sometimes, clients just need a little nudge. A quick message sent a few hours after the appointment or the next day can do wonders. Keep it short and sweet. Don’t apply pressure. Just make it a gentle reminder with a link that takes them directly to your review page. 

Personalize your message to them, too. It makes them feel valued and more likely to respond. For example:
“Hello [Name], it was such a pleasure having you today! I’d be super grateful if you could leave a quick review here [insert link]. It helps other clients find me too. Thank you.”

3. Offer small incentives (without begging)

Incentives are a fun way to encourage reviews. Just make sure they’re not bribes. Offer something small but thoughtful, like:

• A discount on their next visit
• Entry into a monthly giveaway
• A feature on your social media page
• A free add-on (like a hand massage or brow trim)

A text like: “Leave a review and get ₦500 off your next appointment!” or “Drop a review and stand a chance to win a free touch-up!” can do wonders. It makes the exchange feel like a win-win.

4. Use in-salon prompts and signs

If you have a physical location, make your review request part of the decor. Place cute, eye-catching signs at your front desk, mirror station, or waiting area. You can even print a QR code that links directly to your review page so clients can scan and submit on the spot. 

Something like: “Loved your look? Let us know! Scan this code to leave a review.”  or “Help others discover us. Leave a review if we made you glow!”

Always remember that you’re not being annoying by asking for reviews; you’re simply building your brand.

Start Collecting Reviews with Parrot!

Now that you know the power of reviews and exactly how to get and respond to them, it is time to put that knowledge into action. 

Before you start, however, you should know this: consistently collecting reviews takes time, and manually following up with every client can get overwhelming. It is more intense when you are also juggling bookings, content creation, inventory, and DMs.

That’s where Parrot comes in.

Parrot is the easiest way to collect, manage, and showcase your beauty business reviews. Whether you’re a solo stylist, salon owner, makeup artist, or skincare expert, Parrot helps you build social proof while you focus on what you do best: making people look and feel amazing.

So why wait?  Sign up on Parrot today for FREE and start collecting reviews. Let your happy clients do the marketing for you.