David Thurston, co-owner of Butterfly Loft Salon and Spa of Los Angeles, California, is the creator of one of our favorite Instagram sites: @butterflyloftsalon. Thurston is an enlightened leader who guides and supports his team allowing each to achieve success and happiness. The site is chock full of beautiful finishes and amazing transformations by Buttrfly Loft Salon and Spa artists, all shot in natural light against the "wall of fame" in the reception area.

"It's a great time to be a hairdresser," says Thurston. "In a click of a button, you can get your images out there. Instagram is so important. It brings money, opportunity and clients." Adds Thurston, "Not only is it worth the effort, it's fun!"

MODERN's Beauty and Fashion Director Maggie Mulhern caught up with Thurston recently to chat about Instagram on our Periscope site (@modernsalon). During the live/interactive part of the video, salon pros kept asking us to post this again or ideally save on You Tube for future viewing. We did! We've saved these 7 TIPS TO INSTAGRAM STARDOM and share here. A lot is covered and a lot of information is shared, so prepare to take notes!!!!

The topics covered:

1. THE PIX: In a nutshell (IAN): have GREAT photos that are clear and unfiltered. Do not photoshop. Ideally shoot the image in natural light against a plain background.

2. HASHTAGS: IAN: Tagging is important. It is how people find you! Tag your location. Tag that YOU are the artist (#hairbyme). Tag #MODERNSALON!

3. YOUR BIO: IAN: This is your "storefront." It should include your name, salon, city/state. Are you a hairdresser? Makeup artist? Adds Thurston "The bio picture should be YOU!"

4. MAKE YOUR PAGE PROFESSIONAL: IAN: Make sure your page is filled with what you do professionally. Limit the number of personal photos (food, pets, etc.) Have a separate "personal" page for those kinds of photos.

5. TIME OF DAY: IAN: Best time to post is during business and evening hours, covering from 9 - 9 Eastern to Pacific time zones. Be consistent. Thurston suggests posting 4 times a day.

6. YOUR COMMENTS: IAN: Be nice. If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all. "There is no room for negativity," says Thurston. Negative comments hurt the artist, the client AND the industry. They also make YOU look unprofessional.

7. WATERMARKS: (identification marks added to the photo): IAN: Watermarks can and should be used, but should not interfere with the photo.

as a bonus, check out our tour of the Butterfly Loft Salon and Spa, the Encino area of Los Angeles, California (and see the famous wall!):