How does the Hairstory affiliate program work for hairdressers?

Hairstory's affiliate program gives every hairdresser a unique personal link. When a client clicks that link and makes a purchase on hairstory.com, they are permanently linked to that hairdresser's account. From that point forward, the hairdresser earns a 25% commission on every purchase that client makes — automatically, without the client needing to use the link again.

How much commission do Hairstory affiliates earn?

Hairstory affiliates earn 25% commission on every individual sale made by clients linked to their account. For example, a hairdresser who introduces five clients to the New Wash method — which includes Pre-Wash, New Wash, and a scalp brush — earns approximately $16 per client purchase, totaling around $80 per month from just those five clients.

What discount does a client receive when they use a hairdresser's Hairstory affiliate link?

When a client uses a hairdresser's affiliate link for the first time, they receive 15% off their first purchase on hairstory.com. This gives clients an immediate incentive to shop through the link, while the hairdresser still earns their 25% commission on the sale.

Does a client need to use my affiliate link every time they purchase for me to earn commission?

No. Once a client makes their first purchase through your affiliate link, they are permanently linked to your account. Every future purchase they make on hairstory.com — regardless of how they access the site — will automatically generate a 25% commission for you without requiring them to use your link again.

What is the best way to share my Hairstory affiliate link with clients?

Wes and Nicholas recommend four main channels: a QR code displayed at your station during services (Hairstory can generate one embedded with your unique link), your Instagram bio or Stories, Facebook, and email. During blowouts — when conversation is difficult — handing a client a QR code to scan while they're on their phone is particularly effective. You can also send an email announcing that you're transitioning to detergent-free hair care and include your link directly.

Why did Hairstory build an affiliate program instead of traditional salon retail?

Hairstory's co-founder Eli Halliwell created the affiliate model so hairdressers could participate in e-commerce rather than be left out of it. As online shopping has become the dominant way people buy hair care products, hairdressers who recommend products in the chair were losing out on retail income to online platforms. The affiliate program is designed to ensure hairdressers are rewarded for their influence and the work they put into educating their clients.

How much can a hairdresser realistically earn through the Hairstory affiliate program over time?

Based on the example shared in the session, a hairdresser who introduces just five clients per month to the New Wash method earns approximately $80 per month in commission — close to $1,000 in the first year and nearly $5,000 over five years from passive recurring commissions. These figures reflect what Hairstory describes as typical earnings among their average affiliate earners.

What support does Hairstory offer to help hairdressers grow their affiliate business?

Hairstory provides regional account managers who offer one-on-one coaching, goal-setting support, and personalized development plans. Affiliates also receive a monthly Pro email newsletter, access to an Instagram broadcast channel with early product news and exclusive content, and SMS text updates with educational bite-sized content. Account managers can be found through Hairstory's Pro West, Pro East, and Pro Central Instagram accounts.

AFFILIATE PROGRAM 101

Name: Affiliate Program 101
Uploaded: 2025-12-17
Channel: Hairstory
Description: Hairstory's Wes and Director of Education Nicholas Smith walk professional hairdressers through the Hairstory affiliate program — explaining how it works, why it was built, and how to use it to generate passive income. The session covers the "linked for life" model that pays hairdressers 25% recu...

For the love of links...Learn how to tap into Hairstory's Affiliate Program to boost your earnings while sharing the products you love.

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Hairstory's Wes and Director of Education Nicholas Smith walk professional hairdressers through the Hairstory affiliate program — explaining how it works, why it was built, and how to use it to generate passive income. The session covers the "linked for life" model that pays hairdressers 25% recurring commission on every client purchase, the 15% first-purchase discount clients receive, and concrete strategies for sharing an affiliate link in the chair, on Instagram, via QR code, and through email. Hairdressers looking to build a new revenue stream alongside their service income will find practical, immediately actionable guidance here.

How to Set Up and Start Using the Hairstory Affiliate Program as a Hairdresser

A step-by-step guide for hairdressers to join the Hairstory affiliate program, share their unique link with clients, and begin earning 25% recurring commission on purchases.

Sign up and get your unique affiliate link

Complete the one-click signup for the Hairstory affiliate program to receive your unique personal link. This link is specific to you and is how Hairstory tracks purchases back to your account. Once a client makes a purchase through your link, they are permanently connected to your affiliate account for all future purchases.

Pro Tip: Contact your regional Hairstory account manager — available through Pro West, Pro East, or Pro Central on Instagram — if you need help getting set up or finding your link.

Request a QR code from Hairstory

Ask Hairstory to generate a QR code embedded with your unique affiliate link. Display this at your station so clients can scan it during their appointment. This is particularly useful during blowouts and other noisy parts of the service when conversation is difficult and clients are naturally on their phones.

Pro Tip: When handing the code to a client, say something like: 'If you want to learn more about the products I'm using on you today, just scan this — and if you purchase anything through it, you're supporting my business.'

Use Hairstory products on clients in the chair

Apply New Wash and other Hairstory products during services so clients can experience the results firsthand. Let them smell the products, feel the difference in their hair, and have that moment of realizing their hair is soft and conditioned without a separate conditioner. The in-chair experience is the most powerful introduction to the products.

Share your link on Instagram

Add your affiliate link to your Instagram bio so clients can access it any time. If your bio already links to a booking site, use a link tree tool to host multiple links under one URL. Post about Hairstory products in your Stories, which tend to have higher engagement than grid posts, and include a link sticker directing followers to shop.

Pro Tip: Stories are more impactful than grid posts for driving action — sharing why you personally love a product in a Story is more persuasive than a polished grid image.

Send an introductory email to your client list

Send an email to your clients announcing that you're transitioning to detergent-free hair care and explain why. Include your affiliate link so clients can explore and purchase directly. Clients are more likely to open and act on emails from their hairdresser than from most other senders, making this a high-return channel.

Pro Tip: Keep the email personal and genuine — explain what you love about New Wash and why it works better for their hair. The recommendation carries more weight coming from a trusted professional than from a brand.

Share your link on Facebook

Post your affiliate link on your Facebook business page or profile. Even if you feel your audience there is smaller or less engaged, many existing clients are active on Facebook and may purchase through your link when they see it in their feed.

Pro Tip: Don't overlook Facebook even if it feels outdated — it still drives purchases from an older, established client base that may not follow you on Instagram.

Set an earning goal and track progress

Work with your Hairstory account manager to set a realistic earning goal. For reference, introducing five clients per month to the New Wash method generates approximately $80 in monthly commission — close to $1,000 in the first year. Use this as a baseline and scale up as more clients are linked to your account over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Hairstory affiliate program work for hairdressers?

Hairstory's affiliate program gives every hairdresser a unique personal link. When a client clicks that link and makes a purchase on hairstory.com, they are permanently linked to that hairdresser's account. From that point forward, the hairdresser earns a 25% commission on every purchase that client makes — automatically, without the client needing to use the link again.
How much commission do Hairstory affiliates earn?

Hairstory affiliates earn 25% commission on every individual sale made by clients linked to their account. For example, a hairdresser who introduces five clients to the New Wash method — which includes Pre-Wash, New Wash, and a scalp brush — earns approximately $16 per client purchase, totaling around $80 per month from just those five clients.
What discount does a client receive when they use a hairdresser's Hairstory affiliate link?

When a client uses a hairdresser's affiliate link for the first time, they receive 15% off their first purchase on hairstory.com. This gives clients an immediate incentive to shop through the link, while the hairdresser still earns their 25% commission on the sale.
Does a client need to use my affiliate link every time they purchase for me to earn commission?

No. Once a client makes their first purchase through your affiliate link, they are permanently linked to your account. Every future purchase they make on hairstory.com — regardless of how they access the site — will automatically generate a 25% commission for you without requiring them to use your link again.
What is the best way to share my Hairstory affiliate link with clients?

Wes and Nicholas recommend four main channels: a QR code displayed at your station during services (Hairstory can generate one embedded with your unique link), your Instagram bio or Stories, Facebook, and email. During blowouts — when conversation is difficult — handing a client a QR code to scan while they're on their phone is particularly effective. You can also send an email announcing that you're transitioning to detergent-free hair care and include your link directly.
Why did Hairstory build an affiliate program instead of traditional salon retail?

Hairstory's co-founder Eli Halliwell created the affiliate model so hairdressers could participate in e-commerce rather than be left out of it. As online shopping has become the dominant way people buy hair care products, hairdressers who recommend products in the chair were losing out on retail income to online platforms. The affiliate program is designed to ensure hairdressers are rewarded for their influence and the work they put into educating their clients.
How much can a hairdresser realistically earn through the Hairstory affiliate program over time?

Based on the example shared in the session, a hairdresser who introduces just five clients per month to the New Wash method earns approximately $80 per month in commission — close to $1,000 in the first year and nearly $5,000 over five years from passive recurring commissions. These figures reflect what Hairstory describes as typical earnings among their average affiliate earners.
What support does Hairstory offer to help hairdressers grow their affiliate business?

Hairstory provides regional account managers who offer one-on-one coaching, goal-setting support, and personalized development plans. Affiliates also receive a monthly Pro email newsletter, access to an Instagram broadcast channel with early product news and exclusive content, and SMS text updates with educational bite-sized content. Account managers can be found through Hairstory's Pro West, Pro East, and Pro Central Instagram accounts.