Google reviews for hair salons and beauty centers

In a hair salon, a barbershop or a beauty centre, trust is everything. Nobody wants to risk their hair, skin or nails with a stranger, so before booking almost everyone checks the photos and reviews on Google. The good news is that few businesses have so many happy customers at the end of every service. The challenge is turning that satisfaction into reviews without being pushy.

Why reviews matter so much in beauty

• The result is visible. Reviews with photos of cuts, colours or manicures show your work better than any ad.
• People search for specific services. “Balayage”, “keratin straightening”, “eyebrow microblading”. When customers mention the service in their review, they help others understand what you do well.
• There’s a lot of competition nearby. One street can have several salons; the most complete profile with recent reviews usually wins the booking.

The perfect moment to ask

In beauty the moment is crystal clear: right at the end, when the customer looks in the mirror one last time. They have time (you’re taking off the cape or finishing the blow-dry) and they almost always have their phone in hand to take a photo.

A natural sentence works better than a speech:

“Your opinion on Google really helps us, whatever it is. Just tap your phone here.”

Say it the same way to every customer. Google doesn’t allow you to ask for reviews only from people you think will rate you well, or to offer discounts or free services in exchange for a review.

Where to place the plate in a salon

On the dressing table or mirror

A round adhesive NFC plate in the corner of the mirror or on the dressing table at each station. The customer sees it while you finish and can tap their phone without getting up.

At reception, next to the card terminal

A standing acrylic plate next to the till. It’s the second natural moment: the customer already has their phone in hand to pay or book their next appointment.

One card per stylist

If there are several people on your team, giving each one their own NFC card has an advantage: the Tocky dashboard counts each card’s taps separately, so you can see which stations use it most and adjust without guessing.

Beyond Google: Instagram and bookings

In beauty, Instagram is almost as important as Google. Since with Tocky you can change where each plate points from the dashboard whenever you like, some salons use:

• the mirror plate for Google reviews,
• a sticker at the entrance or in the changing area to follow the Instagram or TikTok profile,
• and the stylist’s card to open WhatsApp or the booking page.

No need to rewrite anything: you change the link in the dashboard and the plate opens the new destination instantly.

What to do with the reviews you get

Reply quickly

The dashboard notifies you when a new review comes in. Replying the same day, with the person’s name and a detail about the service (“We’re so glad you love how the colour turned out!”), looks professional and encourages others to write.

With negative ones, stay calm and offer a fix

A colour that didn’t turn out as the customer expected happens. Acknowledge it, offer to correct it and ask them to contact you privately. Never argue the details in public. You’ll find templates in our guide on how to reply to negative reviews.

Respect privacy

In beauty there are treatments some customers prefer to keep private (laser hair removal, facials, microblading). In your replies, don’t mention services the customer hasn’t named.

Look after your profile as well as your reviews

• A specific primary category: “Hair salon”, “Barber shop”, “Beauty salon”, “Nail salon”.
• A list of services with approximate prices.
• Real photos of your work, the premises and the team, updated often.
• A booking link if you use an appointments app.

If you’d rather we review it for you, we offer a Google Business Profile optimisation service for €79.

Compete (in a friendly way) in your city

Every business with a Tocky plate appears in the business directory and takes part in the Tocky League, a monthly ranking by city based on real activity. The champion of each city with at least 3 participating businesses shows the trophy on its directory listing; prizes are yet to be announced. It’s a fun way to motivate the team to ask everyone for a review.

What you need to get started

For a small salon, one plate at reception and one adhesive plate per station is usually enough. A plate costs €14.90, with an automatic 10% discount from 3 units and 20% from 5. Shipping is free from €29 and usually arrives in 2-8 business days. You also get 30 days to return and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. See plates and cards.

Frequently asked questions

Can I offer a discount to people who leave a review?

No. Google prohibits incentives in exchange for reviews, even small ones. Ask everyone equally and let each person decide.

Does it work with every phone?

With iPhone 7 and later and with most Android phones. For phones without NFC you can also use a QR with the same link.

Can I use the same plate for Instagram?

Yes. You change the destination from the dashboard whenever you like, without rewriting the plate.

How many plates do I need for a salon?

To start, one at reception and one per station or per stylist. With the tap counter you’ll soon see which ones work best.