Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

It's going to be tough because you're dealing with the way people look. If you messed up haircuts/styles because of what was going on in your personal life, short of moving to a new city and starting where people don't know you as a stylist, you will have to work hard to assure people that even if things go bad again, it won't affect your service to them. You will want to enlist people who still believe in you to sing your praises in public.

Tony,
I only respond here because your story is so similar to a friend of mine's...
Here are some thoughts:

1) What are you doing to market yourself?

This need not cost money. I would begin looking for ways to connect to friends and past clients via facebook and myspace. This gives you access to your clients.

Begin collecting clients email addresses so that you do not lose touch with them.

2) Become proactive at building new clients

Ask your clients, who cuts their children, spouse, good friends hair. Offer to give them a special introductory offer.

3) Network. Are you volunteering? Going to church, clubs, gyms, PTA, etc.

Be sure to let people know in a friendly subtle way that you are accepting new clients.

4) lock in your clients - when someone visits, set up a return appointment (with a reminder call) for their next visit.

Most people actually want to get their hair done more often than they do - its about scheduling.

5) Build revenue streams

Offer a discount for people who want their hair trimmed ever 2 weeks. These take less time and bring you a lesser amount of money (but every 2 weeks). This builds customer loyalty.

You're going to repair your reputation the way you hurt it-- one head at a time. Call your clients and be candid. Ask them to give you a 2nd chance. Some of them have moved on to salons where they are happy. Some, may still be shopping-- and they miss you.

Then move on to new clients and build your following like you did before. Every day a new person walks in cold to a salon. When that happens treat them like your best and oldest customer.

Do some charity work. In my area a bunch of hairdresser and tattoo artists gave free time and set up shop in a local church. They gave haircuts and tattoos to those that have been putting it off because of the economy. Do some time in a nursing home. Fusion market with a Mary Kay or Avon lady. You slacked off and gave them less than your best. You owe your community to give some of that back. And when you see the pride they feel when you do this, you will get your pride back too.

Don't overly beat yourself up over it. Its more important to move forward than to dwell on the past. Every monkey falls out a tree now and then-- it's how they get back in that tree that counts. They don't remember the fall, just they're back up there swinging coconuts!

Frank's given you a wealth of great information. One other thought - can you connect to women who are/were in similar situation as you (for example, going through divorce, new to dating scene, etc.)? They'd be more understanding about what you went through and more appreciative of connecting with someone who's "been there".