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How to Handle Haters: Dealing with Negative Comments as a Personal Stylist

Sunday, February 02, 2025

Primary Blog/How to Handle Haters: Dealing with Negative Comments as a Personal Stylist

Social media is an incredible tool for personal stylists. It’s where you connect with potential clients, share your expertise, and build your brand. But let’s be honest—it’s not always smooth sailing. One of the biggest struggles many stylists face is handling negative or sarcastic comments.

You pour your heart into a post, sharing tips or insights, and suddenly, someone swoops in with a snarky remark. It stings. It makes you wonder, Should I even bother?

​If you’ve ever felt like quitting social media because of negativity, you’re not alone. But before you pull the plug, let’s talk about why these comments happen and how you can shift your mindset to handle them with confidence.

🎙️Listen to the podcast version of this blog post.

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Why Negative Comments Hit So Hard

Posting online requires vulnerability. You’re putting yourself out there, hoping to engage and inspire. But when someone responds with sarcasm or negativity, it can feel like a personal attack. One rude comment can outweigh ten positive ones because our brains naturally focus on threats.

​And when this happens repeatedly? Many stylists start pulling back, posting less, or even quitting social media entirely. But here’s the thing—negative comments usually aren’t about you. More often than not, they reflect something about the person who wrote them.

My Own “Called Out” Moment on Social Media

A while back, someone in a Facebook group asked about choosing a colour analysis training program. Since this is my area of expertise, I jumped in to answer.

Now, I love using ChatGPT to organize my thoughts before posting. I had a lot to say, so I used it to structure my response clearly and concisely before commenting.

Shortly after, someone replied: “Great guidance from ChatGPT.”

Oof. That moment of feeling “caught out.” A split second of embarrassment. My first instinct? Maybe I should delete my comment. Maybe I should explain myself.

But then I stopped. Wait a minute—I did use ChatGPT. And that’s not a bad thing.

Instead of getting defensive, I responded with: “Thanks for your comment! I absolutely did use ChatGPT to structure my thoughts.”

By owning it, I took control of the conversation. And in doing so, I realized something important—this wasn’t about me. This was about her perception of AI. Maybe she had a bad experience. Maybe she doesn’t trust it. Whatever it was, her comment had more to do with her than it did with me.

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Why Do People Leave Negative Comments?

If you’ve ever been hit with a sarcastic or rude comment, it’s natural to take it personally. But understanding why people behave this way can help you detach emotionally. Here are some common reasons people leave negative comments:

  • They’ve been hurt before. People who’ve felt dismissed, overlooked, or criticized often project their pain onto others.
  • They crave attention. Some people comment negatively just to provoke a reaction or feel seen.
  • They resist change. AI, online training, and digital tools are evolving. Some people struggle to accept these shifts.
  • They don’t realize their impact. Many don’t consider how their words affect others. They might think they’re being clever without realizing they’re being unkind.

How to Handle Negative Comments Like a Pro

So, how do you stay confident and visible in the face of negativity? Here are a few strategies that work:

Pause Before Reacting

✅When you see a negative comment, take a deep breath before responding.

✅Ask yourself: Is this about me, or is this about them?

✅If you posted from a place of authenticity, there’s nothing to doubt.


Own Your Choices

✅If someone questions your methods, stand by them. “Yes, I use ChatGPT because it helps me structure my thoughts more clearly.”

✅Thought leaders in every industry use tools—graphic designers use Photoshop, writers use Grammarly, and stylists use mood boards. AI is just another tool.

✅Don’t Take the Bait


Some people just want a reaction. If the comment is pure negativity with no value, ignore it or delete it.

✅Engaging in a defensive back-and-forth rarely changes their mind and drains your energy.

✅Turn It Into a Learning Opportunity

✅Use criticism to share insights. “That’s a great point! AI is an incredible tool, but it’s important to use it thoughtfully. Here’s how I make sure my content stays authentic…”

✅Remember: Hurt People Hurt People

✅Instead of internalizing negativity, view it with compassion. The person behind the comment might be struggling. That doesn’t mean you have to accept rudeness, but understanding this makes it easier to let go.

Mindset Is Everything: Don’t Let Fear Dim Your Light

The real challenge isn’t just negative comments—it’s how we internalize them. If fear of criticism is holding you back, the work isn’t about avoiding social media—it’s about shifting your mindset.

This is exactly what we work on inside the Stylepreneur Accelerator Program. I help personal stylists:

  • Develop a confident, resilient mindset
  • Show up online without fear of judgment
  • Attract their ideal clients through visibility and authenticity

If you’re ready to stop letting fear hold you back and start showing up with confidence in your styling business, I’d love to help you.

Join the Stylepreneur Accelerator Mastermind today and transform your mindset and business. Click here to learn more!

Social media isn’t always easy, but it’s a necessary tool for modern personal stylists. Instead of letting a few sarcastic comments make you shrink, remind yourself why you started in the first place.

The world needs your expertise. Your future clients are waiting for you to show up. Don’t let negativity stop you from building the thriving business you deserve.

​I’m here to help you step into your power with confidence—are you ready?

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Hi, I'm Aileen Lane AICI CIP

6-Figure  Mentor To Personal Stylists

Empowering stylists to achieve financial and personal freedom while embodying their best, most authentic selves.

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