As a PR and marketing specialist working with hair, beauty, and wellness brands, I hear the same question all the time: “Do I really need PR if I’m already on Instagram and TikTok?” The answer is, if you want to make an impact, yes, because PR and social media aren’t the same thing. In fact, when used together, they’re unstoppable.
Social media is brilliant for direct engagement, instant updates, and showcasing your latest cut, colour, or product. But let’s be honest: anyone can post. The real power of PR lies in third-party credibility and ‘earned’ media. When a journalist writes about your salon, or a trusted beauty editor recommends your product, that endorsement carries weight in a way that a self-written caption never could – and you’ve earned it.
PR creates reach outside your own bubble. Social media mostly reaches the people who already know you or follow your work. PR, on the other hand, puts you in front of new audiences, whether that’s a quote on a website (with the added benefit of a backlink which strengthens your SEO), a feature in a national newspaper, or a mention on a beauty podcast.
Another key difference is longevity. An Instagram post is here today and gone tomorrow. A piece of press coverage lives on: online articles are searchable for years, and magazine features can be clipped, framed, and used in your salon or marketing materials forever. Clients love seeing proof that their chosen salon or product is recommended by the media, it reassures them they’re in expert hands.
PR also helps you tell your story in a way that’s compelling. Maybe you launched your salon to create a safe space for women, or perhaps you’re pioneering a treatment no one else in your city offers. Journalists want those narratives. A good PR strategy frames your news, whether it’s a new stylist joining the team, a seasonal promotion, or your expertise in a trending topic, in a way the media cares about.
And once you’ve got coverage, you can amplify it on social media, adding another layer of credibility. Imagine posting: “We’ve just been featured in Grazia’s Top 10 Salons for Colour”. That’s a stronger message than any ad could buy.
If you’re serious about growing your brand, don’t think of PR as a luxury. Think of it as the foundation of your reputation. Social media builds personality. PR builds trust. And together, they’re a combination no salon or beauty brand can afford to ignore.
