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How UK hair and beauty salons can get more genuine Google reviews

When someone in London, Leeds or Bristol searches "hairdresser near me" or "nail salon near me", the Google map pack is often the first thing they see. Salons with plenty of recent, genuine reviews tend to get the click. The good news is that most of your clients are happy to leave a review. They just need to be asked at the right moment, in the right way.

Why reviews matter so much for salons

Choosing a new stylist or beautician is personal. People want to know whether you listen, whether you're on time and whether the result matches the photo they brought in. A review that says "Amy got my balayage exactly right and didn't rush me" does more than any advert. Recent reviews matter too. A profile whose last review was in 2023 can make people wonder if you're still open.

Ask every client, not just the ones who smiled

It's tempting to ask only the regulars who love you. Don't. Google's policies don't allow "review gating", which means filtering clients so only happy ones get asked. Ask everyone in the same way. In practice, most clients who bother to reply are positive, and a calm, polite reply to the odd mixed review shows new clients how you treat people.

Never offer anything in return

No discount on the next cut, no free brow tint, no prize draw entry. Offering anything in exchange for a review is against Google's rules and can lead to reviews being removed. It also makes the reviews worth less to the people reading them. A simple, honest "thank you, would you mind sharing your experience?" is enough.

Timing: ask the same day

The best time to ask is a few hours after the appointment, while the client is still enjoying the result and before life gets busy. Asking at the till can feel awkward for both of you, and clients often forget by the time they get home. A short email that evening works well: it's polite, it's easy to ignore if they're busy, and the review link is one tap away.

Make it one tap

Find your review link in your Google Business Profile (look for "Ask for reviews" or "Get more reviews"). Put that exact link in your message, so the client lands straight on the review box. Every extra step, such as searching for your salon name, loses people.

Keep the message short and personal

Something like:

Hi Sophie, thanks for coming in today. If you have a minute, we'd really appreciate an honest Google review. It helps other people in the area find us. Thanks, Jess at Studio Nine

Use their first name, your name and the salon name. Skip the exclamation marks and emoji overload.

Ask once, then stop

One polite ask is enough. Chasing starts to feel like pressure. Always include a clear way to opt out of further emails.

Respect UK email rules

Review requests by email can count as marketing under PECR. Only email clients who've agreed to hear from you, or where the "soft opt-in" applies, and always offer an unsubscribe link. The ICO website has plain-English guidance.

Reply to your reviews

Thank people by name for good reviews. For a disappointing one, reply politely, don't argue, and offer to put it right. Future clients read the replies as closely as the reviews.

Make asking automatic

The hardest part isn't knowing what to do, it's remembering to do it after a full day of appointments. AskForStars sends a polite review-request email to each client you add, with an unsubscribe link built in, by email only. No incentives, no gating. It's £19/month, with no contract and you can cancel anytime.