Client permission
Ask before you film
Clients relax when they know exactly what is happening. A short, clear question before you lift your phone keeps trust intact and makes your content easier to share with a good conscience.
This is a practical communication guide to help you have that conversation. It is not legal advice and it is not a release form.
Say three things before you pick up the phone
- What you want to film. For example, three short clips: the before, a moment of the work, and the finish.
- Whether their face, name or voice will appear. Be specific, so they are not left guessing.
- Exactly where you intend to post. Name the actual channel, such as your business Instagram, your booking page or your TikTok.
Recording and sharing are two separate yeses
Agreeing to be filmed is not the same as agreeing to have those clips posted. Ask once before you record, and ask again before you share, once the client has seen what you actually captured.
A suggested script before filming
Adjust the wording so it sounds like you, and swap in the channel you really use:
“Would you be comfortable with me filming three short clips of your hair today? I would like to post them on my business Instagram. We can keep your face, name and voice out. It is completely fine to say no, and it will not change your service.”
A second question before posting
“Are you happy for me to share these clips on my business Instagram, without your name or face?”
If you post somewhere else, say that place instead. Choose the channel you will actually use rather than repeating Instagram out of habit, and only post where the client agreed.
Offer clear options
- No filming. A completely normal answer. Carry on with the service as usual.
- Hair only, with no identifying details. No face, name or voice, and nothing else that points to them.
- Agreed face-on clips. Only when the client clearly says they are happy to be shown.
Do not assume hair-only footage is anonymous. A distinctive cut or colour, a tattoo, jewellery, a recognisable outfit or a familiar setting can still let friends, family or colleagues recognise someone.
Keep it comfortable
- If you are unsure whether the client is comfortable, or they seem hesitant, do not film.
- Ask once. If the answer is no, accept it without repeated persuasion.
- Agreeing to a service does not mean agreeing to filming or posting.
- If the client asks you to stop at any point, stop.
Watch the edges of the frame
Keep other clients, mirror reflections, background conversations and identifying items out of shot. That includes screens, appointment books, paperwork, name tags and anything showing an address.
Show before you share
Before posting, show the client the final clips and the caption you plan to use. Confirm the audience and the channels you agreed on, and post only there.
If they change their mind
- Before posting: do not post the clips.
- After posting: stop reusing the clips and promptly remove the posts you control when asked. You cannot promise to remove copies other people may have saved or shared, so say that honestly.
Quick checklists
Before you film
- Said what you want to film
- Said whether face, name or voice will appear
- Named the exact channel
- Made it clear that no is fine
- Checked the frame for other people, reflections and identifying items
Before you post
- Asked the second question
- Showed the final clips and caption
- Confirmed the audience and channels
- Removed any identifying details you agreed to leave out
A short private note for your records
Keep a brief note in your own records. Leave out sensitive client or service details.
Date: ______
Clips agreed: ______ (for example, three hair-only clips)
Identifying details left out: ______ (for example, face, name, voice)
Channel: ______
Confirmed before posting: yes / no