Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2026
Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.
How One Stylist Built Her Instagram Engagement and Following
MODERN’s had a relationship with DeLuca for at least 10 years—but only recently did we start encouraging her (okay, maybe a little strong-arming, but she needed it) to focus on her @hairbykatied Instagram page and get more eyes on her much-deserving work. Here's what she did to boost her following, engagement and, as a result, clientele.
September 11, 2018
@hairbykatied's mixed metals.
1/10
2 min to read
We admit it—we may be slightly obsessed with Katie DeLuca’s intense talent in hairdressing. MODERN’s had a relationship with DeLuca for at least 10 years—but only recently did we start encouraging her (okay, maybe a little harassing and strong-arming, but she needed it!!) to focus on her @hairbykatied Instagram and get more eyes on her much-deserving work.
DeLuca recently joined MODERN in New York City, along with 15 other stylists with major talent, for a photoshoot collaboration where she also spoke about her love of styling, what she keeps in her kit, and some of her favorite techniques. While she was with us, the Ohio-based stylist also made connections with other like-minded stylists who all have a specialty and post frequently about it on their own Instagrams. Since then, DeLuca’s following and engagement have BLOWN UP.
On August 8th, she shared that her following reached 5,000 and, just two weeks later 10,000, this morning (September 11) it’s almost at 13,000. She’s unstoppable. What’s been the biggest difference? If you ask us, it’s dedication. DeLuca has found what works for her page—braids braids and more braids—and is consistently posting new techniques, styles and finishes showcasing her talent.
She consistently uses a white background so her Instagram grid (what a follower sees when they click on her profile) has a cohesive vibe. DeLuca also showcases her techniques on a variety of multi-colored wigs, mannequins and clients, yet each image is carefully placed next to a complementary color. Also, pay attention to how she crops her images—rarely do you see the full lengths of the style—it’s all about that strategic zoom.
Cleverly, in her location geo-tags within her posts, she tags Cleveland hot spots and locations where lots of other Instagram-worthy images are likely getting posted to attract additional clientele and more eyes on her work: including The Cleveland Museum of Art, local restaurants, wineries, ice cream shops and more.
In the gallery above, take a look at some of the looks we’re loving by @hairbykatied—and it’ll be obvious why we selected her to join us in NYC, celebrate her as a 2018 MODERN SALON 100, and welcome her into our MODERN SALON Artist Connective.
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