How to get more Google reviews for a hairdresser or barber in NZ

A haircut is personal. People choose a hairdresser based on whether strangers say the colour matched the photo, the barber listened, and the salon felt welcoming. Google reviews are how those strangers speak.

The moment to ask

The best moment is when the customer looks in the mirror and smiles. That moment is as good as it gets.

• At the chair, right after the finish. "Would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? I can show you how." It is natural when you are the one who made them feel good.
• At the front desk, when they pay. A QR sticker on the card machine or the desk.
• A message later that day. Good for customers who are rushing out, or who do not like being put on the spot.

A message you can copy

Hi [first name], it was lovely to do your [cut / colour / style] today. If you are happy with it, a Google review would really help our small salon. Here is the link: [your link]. Thank you, [stylist name] at [business name]

If you use a booking system, the same message can go out automatically after each appointment.

Where to put your review link

1. On the mirror at each station, a small sticker with a QR code.
2. At the front desk, next to the card machine.
3. In the appointment confirmation and reminder for returning clients.

You can make a free link and QR code with the review link and QR code generator.

Ask every client

Ask everyone who walks out of the door. Some clients will take a while to settle into a new look, and some stylists find it uncomfortable to ask. A sticker at the mirror and a message afterwards take the discomfort out of it. Avoid asking only the clients you know are thrilled, because that is a form of review gating.

If someone is not happy with the result, talking to them in the chair or privately afterwards is the right first step, and a private feedback option makes that easy.

Reply as a team

A short reply that names the stylist, mentions the service and says thanks is enough. Photos in reviews are particularly valuable for hair, so tell happy clients that photos are welcome.

Do not offer discounts for reviews

"10 percent off your next cut if you review" is an incentive. Google does not allow it, and reviews tied to a discount can be removed. A genuine thank-you for a loyal client is a different thing from an advertised offer.