The Marketing Strategy Behind Dirty Bird Esthetics: An Interview with Meghan
At Waxbare, we love highlighting estheticians who push boundaries, embrace creativity, and redefine the industry. One standout in this space is Dirty Bird Esthetics, known for its bold social media presence and expertise in waxing. We sat down with Meghan Vanderford, the mastermind behind Dirty Bird Esthetics, to dive into her unique approach to marketing, branding, and waxing techniques.
Waxbare: Tell us a little about yourself and how Dirty Bird Esthetics came to be.
Meghan: I’m Meghan Vanderford, and I’ve been living my dream as an esthetician for the past five years, helping people feel confident in their skin. There’s nothing quite like seeing my clients leave a waxing appointment feeling fresh and empowered. I also have a deep love for vintage finds and historic small towns—so if you ever visit Dirty Bird Esthetics, you’ll see my mid-century antique collection on full display!
Waxbare: Dirty Bird Esthetics has become known for its unconventional and creative social media content. How did this approach come to life?
Meghan: From the beginning, I knew I wanted to stand out. I’ve always embraced innovative ways to showcase my work—whether that’s using playful props to keep content Instagram-friendly, making political statements with body hair, or experimenting with pubic hair designs. Pushing boundaries has helped me create a brand that is both memorable and authentic.
Waxbare: A lot of estheticians struggle with finding their voice on social media. Where do you get your inspiration for content?
Meghan: Before becoming an esthetician, I worked in public relations and marketing, so I naturally pull ideas from industries outside of beauty, like fashion, food, and graphic design. When I need fresh inspiration, I turn to Pinterest, Instagram, or even flip through a magazine. The key is to keep an open mind—sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places!
Waxbare: What’s your best advice for estheticians trying to grow their brand online?
Meghan: My number one tip is to be authentic. If you create content that reflects who you are and what you love, social media will feel less like a chore and more like an extension of yourself. That energy is contagious! You’ll naturally start attracting clients who align with your brand.
For example, people who visit Dirty Bird Estheticsknow they are stepping into a space filled with bright colors, florals, and disco music playing in the background. That’s me in a nutshell, and my content reflects that.
Here are three things I always recommend:
1. Be authentic. Don’t try to copy someone else—lean into what makes you unique.
2. Talk about what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s skincare education, extractions, or creative waxing designs, let your enthusiasm shine through.
3. Show up consistently. You don’t have to post daily, but staying active (even once a week) helps keep you top of mind.
Waxbare: Many estheticians wonder if there’s a formula for going viral. What’s your take on that?
Meghan: There’s no magic formula for virality. The people who succeed on social media are the ones who consistently show up and stay true to themselves. Instead of chasing trends, I tell estheticians to focus on what excites them.
Here’s a simple way to start:
- Love extractions? Post videos demonstrating how to remove ingrown hairs and share remedies.
- Passionate about skincare education? Take a basic graphic design course and create engaging, informative content.
- Prefer a clean, minimalist aesthetic? Lean into that and make it your signature style.
Waxbare: Are there any estheticians who inspire you?
Meghan: Absolutely! Some estheticians have such a distinct and authentic presence that their posts are instantly recognizable. Here are a few who inspire me:
I hope this inspires other estheticians to own their brand and be unapologetically themselves on social media. There’s no right or wrong way to market yourself—just make sure it’s your way!
Waxbare: What are your go-to Waxbare products, and why do you love them?
Meghan: I swear by two Waxbare waxes that I use daily in my treatment room:
Coral Wax – My all-time favorite. It has a slight learning curve, but once mastered, it offers incredible precision and efficiency. The way it grips even the finest hairs is unmatched, which is why Vanessa patented this formula!
Crystal Clear – My go-to for clients with sensitive skin. It has a minimal ingredient list and dries quickly, making it ideal for gentle but effective hair removal.
