Hair Stylist Resume Examples: 5 Best Samples & Why They Work

Are you struggling with putting together a gripping and informational hair stylist resume to stand out for a high-paying job? You are not alone!

There are many job-seekers out there who are trying to figure out how to best display their prowess and individuality when it comes to compiling a resume for employers.

Luckily, it’s easily done! We show you how to stand out as a hair stylist in this burgeoning industry.

Hair Stylist Resume Examples

Understanding what to include on hair stylist resumes is crucial to showing enough experience or desire to be in the industry—both of which can influence an employer to select the applicant.

Showing hands-on knowledge and positive experiences in past jobs shows the hiring employer the applicant’s customer satisfaction, use of advanced techniques, and years of experience in all-around hairdressing.

Beginner Hair Stylist Resume Example

A beginner hair stylist resume is excellent for those who are new to this position. This usually includes job seekers who are just out of college or a trades school who are searching for an entry-level position that is an introduction into the industry.

Work Experience 1: Administrative Secretary, ___ Hair Salon

• Assisted customers with booking and scheduling their hair appointments.
• Collaborated with local companies to obtain discounts on products and services.
• Communicated with clients regarding the salon’s schedule and social media.
• Processed cash and card payments.
• Helped customers find beauty supplies and tools for their specific preferences and financial budget.

Work Experience 2: Cosmetologist, ____ Salon

• Performed scalp, neck, and facial treatments.
• Helped create a new serum to treat rosacea that became a high-selling product in the store.
• Cleaned wigs and hairpieces for hygienic purposes and everyday use at the store
• Styled hairpieces for sale.
• Recommended hair care and facial care products to customers that met their unique preferences, skin/hair needs, and budget .

Project Experience

• Offered clients helpful tips on how to care for their hair by recommending in-store products.
• Organized and recorded clients’ past services to help the salon colorists and stylists.
• Scheduled client services and recorded services in the company’s calendar and booking system.

Skills

• Time management to keep appointments
• Listening skills to communicate with clients
• Physical endurance for standing/sitting multiple hours per day
• Well-versed in the scheduling and cleaning processes of a salon
• Friendly and personable when dealing with clients

Education

• Associate in Cosmetology, (Year)

Paul Mitchell Hair & Beauty School

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, (Year)

Parsons School of Design

Licenses & Accreditations

• (State license for hair styling or # of hours)

Why This Resume Works

This resume shows the individual has experience in an administrative role in the hair industry. Although the applicant does not yet have any hair-cutting expertise, they have organizational skills that can help them succeed in this specific industry.

Plus, the applicant demonstrates a willingness to progress in the hair business, as they have done state licensing and completed a degree in cosmetology.

Experienced Hair Stylist Resume Example

An experienced hairstylist is a professional who is well-versed in almost all facets of hairdressing, including color correction, highlighting, coloring, balayage, consulting, cutting, touch-ups, treatments, and much more. Those who are applying for a senior or experienced hair stylist open position must show their relevant experience on their resume.

Work Experience 1: Professional Hair Stylist, (Salon Name), (Year)

• Researched the current market trends, styles, celebrity hair, and other current looks to provide new and returning clients with style guides, advice, and replicable styles based on preferences, face shape, and hair type.
• Created a relaxing and zen atmosphere by adding low-lit colors, calming elements, and spa procedures to the salon, such as scalp massages, lavender-scented shampoo, aromatherapy, and massage chairs, resulting in 90+ 5-star Google reviews.
• Collaborated with product suppliers to purchase hair care products and facial products at a discounted rate of 56%.
• Recommended supplier’s products to clients, helping boost the business’ revenue by 15% in the first quarter.
• Obtained 5+ specialized treatment certifications for specific hair and skin care, such as curly hair styling, hair coloring, perming, straightening, and Brazilian Blowouts.

Work Experience 2: Professional Hair Stylist, (Salon Name), (Year)

• Posted current clients and hairstyles on social media, helping the salon gain 500+ followers.
• Prioritized customer satisfaction and customer service during salon off-hours, including working on holidays or weekends.
• Streamlined the booking and scheduling software, helping increase client retention by 73%.
• Collaborated with coworkers regarding cleaning shifts and duties, reducing worker turnover by 8%.
• Provided 8+ types of service to clients, including styling, perming, highlighting, balayage, color, smoothing Keratin treatments, and blowouts.

Project Experience

• Offered salon manager position after six months at last job due to excellent interpersonal, organizational, and delegation skills.
• Created a regular client list of 98 clients.
• Created new staff training protocols for salon stylists, receptionists, and shampooers, improving customer satisfaction and tip by 25%.
• Ran a social media campaign to show current hair trends, increasing the number of salon customers by 14%.

Skills

• Collaborate with other stylists regarding the best client treatment
• Listen to client’s wishes to create the best end product
• Communicate with clients and co-workers
• Attention to detail in scheduling, preparation, styling, cutting, and organizing
• Active learning through seminars and other stylists
• Presentable for daily work shifts
• Cutting and styling techniques
• Hair extensions
• Perming and straightening
• Time management to schedule multiple clients

Education

• Cosmotology, (Year)

Pivot Point Academy

Licenses & Accreditations

• Board Certified Haircolorist
• National Laser Certification
• Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist, (State) Board of Cosmetology

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it shows how the applicant already has two previous jobs working as a professional hairstylist in a salon. If the applicant is going for an experienced hairstylist position, this typically requires years of experience and top-tier skills.

This resume shows the numerous licenses, accreditations, skills, and previous jobs held by this applicant, demonstrating their multi-year expertise in the industry.  

Creative Hair Stylist Resume Example

A creative hair stylist is a profession that involves creating unique hairstyles that require extra knowledge and care. Oftentimes, these creative hair stylists work on bright colors, unique cuts, different styling, and special events that require specialized skills and expertise.

Work Experience 1: Professional Hair Stylist, (Salon), (Year)

• Demonstrated technical skill when providing hair coloring, cutting, extensions, perms, straightening, and conditioning treatments for clients with different hair types.
• Retained 92% of customer base built at previous salon, with over ¾ of these clients booking add-on services at the following salon based on word-of-mouth recommendations.
• The uptick in customer base from the previous salon led to a 33% increase in revenue at the current salon.
• Ranked #2 consistently in the month-to-month service bookings.
• Introduced chemical-free and cruelty-free shampoos and conditioners for a healthy and eco-conscious workplace.

Work Experience 2: Professional Hair Stylist, (Salon), (Year)

• Built long-lasting client relationships with repeat customers by delivering high-quality services and friendly conversation.
• Exceeded productivity goals throughout the duration of the job, achieving top 5 status month-over-month in terms of booked services and add-on sales.
• Used different hair-cutting tools to cut, trim, shape, and fix clients’ hair, such as scissors, razors, and brushes.
• Performed in-home services for clients who were unable to travel to the salon.
• Sanitized the hair-cutting tools, restock products, and clean the workstation/entire salon during scheduled days.

Project Experience

• Created a spa promotional service that offered discount rates on massages, spa services, and facials, leading to a $4k monthly increase in revenue per month.
• Created package haircut and styling deals that led to a $2k increase in revenue per month and a 86% client satisfaction rating.

Skills

• Men’s, women’s, and unisex cuts and styles
• Hair smoothing and relaxing treatments, including Brazilian blowouts and keratin straightening
• Balayage, somber, and ombre treatments
• Special occasion treatments and styling, including weddings
• Expertise in braiding and natural styles

Education

• Costmotology, (Year)

Aveda Institute

Licenses & Accreditations

• Licensed Cosmetologist, ABCH-Certified
• American Board of Certified Hair Colorists, Certification 

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it showcases the applicants years of experience as a professional hair stylist, demonstrating their proficiency in the industry. This experience indicates that they have honed their skills over time and are capable of handling a wide range of hair types and styles.

Additionally, the candidate’s list of multiple skills goes beyond regular salon cuts and coloring, indicating their attitude towards creative hair styling.

This shows that they are versatile and capable of providing unique and innovative hair styling solutions to their clients. This is an essential quality in the hairdressing industry, as clients often look for a stylist who can offer them a personalized experience.

Overall, the candidate’s resume demonstrates a strong combination of technical expertise and creative flair, making them an excellent fit for a salon that values both.

Student Hair Stylist Resume Example

A student hair stylist is a new professional or apprentice who is learning how to put their educational theory into real practice in a hair salon or workplace. A student hair stylist will usually have theoretical knowledge based on watching professionals or teachers but may lack the skills to be an independent hair stylist at a salon.

In this case, demonstrating knowledge of the industry is key. Student hair stylists may have less on-the-job training and years of experience, but demonstrating their educational history and desire to work in the hair-cutting world can help them get hired by employers.

Work Experience 1: Beginner Hair Stylist, (Salon), (Year)

• Distributed business cards and social media information outside of the salon to attract more business.
• Created a strong relationship with multiple clients to build the salon’s dedicated clientele base.
• Educated customers on the right products and haircare steps.
• Provided various hair relaxation and straightening services.

Work Experience 2: Student Hair Stylist, (Salon), (Year)

• Examined client’s hair texture to determine the appropriate treatment, cut, and color.
• Promoted various salon services and products to current and new clients.
• Recommended specific hair care treatments.
• Set up the workstation with the correct equipment, supplies, and products.
• Scheduled and booked client appointments for myself and other salon stylists.

Project Experience

• Received Aveda training and certification to share knowledge with other staff members about the benefits of Aveda products.
• Attended workshops and seminars, including The International Salon and Spa Expo (ISSE) and The American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), to stay up-to-date on techniques and trends in the beauty industry.
• Created a social media campaign as a student hair stylist to offer student deals for the salon, which increased monthly clientele by 20%.

Skills

• Experience with natural hair styles
• Friendly communication skills with clients and co-workers
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and challenging workplace
• Creative in coming up with new hairstyles and adjusting on-the-fly
• Collaborate and discuss with co-workers to come up with solutions for an entire salon

Education

• Cosmetology, (Year)

Paul Mitchell School 

Licenses & Accreditations

• Licensed (State) Hair Stylist

Why This Resume Works

This resume works because it shows this student hairstylist wants to continue to learn and grow in the industry. This person learned how to become a hairstylist while studying their course, which shows their desire to have hands-on training and work while studying.

Plus, the experience as a previous student hair stylist and beginner’s hair stylist demonstrates this student wants to continue to work in a salon and become a qualified stylist as time goes on.

Additionally, the candidate’s resume indicates a willingness to learn and improve their skills by mentioning their attendance at industry workshops and seminars. This shows that they are dedicated to staying current with the latest trends and techniques in hairdressing.

Overall, this resume demonstrates a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for the profession, which are essential qualities for success as a hairdresser.

Freelance Hair Stylist

A freelance hairstylist is a creative professional who is self-employed and does not work for a specific employer. This self-employed ‘gig’ worker might have their own clientele as a hairstylist, which can be helpful for future salons.

Or, the freelance hair stylist is starting out in the industry and needs a home-based salon to broaden their skills, techniques, and consistent clients.

If you are writing a resume as a freelance hair stylist, showing your wide range of skills is important to showcase your versatility. Many freelance hair stylists will have a cosmetology license.

Work Experience 1: Freelance Hair Stylist, Self Employed, (Year)

• Maintained sanitary equipment and workstation.
• Kept documentation and client information for an organized database.
• Responded to client inquiries and customer requests for services and products.
• Suggested specific retail products or services for the best hair care and long-term hair health.
• Upheld hygiene standards and safety regulations.

Work Experience 2: Freelance Wedding Hair Stylist, Self Employed, (Year)

• Specialized in high-end events, such as male grooming for weddings, special female hairstyles for fashion shows, and actor/actress styling for movies and TV shows.
• Created different hairstyles and administered chemical treatments, such as coloring, perms, curly blow dry, balayage, and keratin.
• Distributed business cards to create a dedicated clientele base and repeat customers.
• Resolved guest queries or complaints quickly and efficiently for higher customer satisfaction rankings.
• Offered new clients a catalog for style and color inspiration.

Skills

• Attention to detail — The ability to match hair color to client needs, can look at a photo of client’s inspiration and mimic the cut, and double-checks and touch-up the final cut and style to match the original request
• Organization — Maintains a clean and organized hair salon station, keeps tools in order, prevents wasted materials, adheres to set schedule to avoid client dissatisfaction or missed appointments
• Communication — Friendly and communicative with new and current clients, asks necessary questions to find out the client’s goals, provides low-pressure suggestions to clients, and maintains positive working relationships with other staff members

Education

• Associate of Applied Science, (Year)

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

Licensing & Accreditation

• Certification – American Board of Certified Haircolorists
• Certification – International Hair Stylist Certification

Why This Resume Works

This resume shows how, although the applicant is a freelance worker, they have the appropriate licensing and accreditations to qualify to work and succeed in a salon.

Demonstrating being a freelance hairstylist by choice—not because they could not hold a job in a salon—is crucial to look employable.

This resume shows how the applicant has a few years of experience with hair styling and special event styling—both of which can be helpful in any type of salon. The well-rounded and versatile nature of this applicant is great for the potential for success.

Common Skills & Action Verbs to Include On a Hair Stylist Resume

There are certain skills and action verbs that make your resume “pop”! We also recommend using a resume headline generator to create an attention-grabbing sentence to catch an employer’s attention.

Common Skills for Hair Stylist Resumes

• Communication/interpersonal skills
• Active and passive listening to clients and co-workers to create the best plan of action
• Collaborated with other co-workers to facilitate a healthy working environment
• Perming and straightening
• Time management to deal with multiple clients and busy schedules
• Consistent high-end appearance while in the workplace  
• Designing new hairstyles
• Training salon staff
• Working effectively under time constraints
• Providing a top-notch customer experience
• Analyzing hair wants, facial features, and hair texture to provide the best end product
• Scheduling appointments and adhering to the client’s schedule
• Servicing clients with a multifaceted approach, including a facial analysis, hair analysis, client Q&A, de-brief, and service
• Assessing customer’s unique needs to find out the best solution for preferences and hair condition/facial shape
• Promoting hair care products and salon packages to new and current clients
• Resolve guest issues or complaints effectively and quickly
• Providing high-end techniques and numerous services for a comprehensive look, including styling, waving, relaxing, cutting, perming, straightening, etc.
• Creating a dedicated clientele base to keep dedicated customers  

Common Action Verbs for Hair Stylist Resumes

• Cutting
• Coloring
• Bleaching
• Analyzing
• Leading
• Learning
• Perming
• Straightening
• Marketing
• Managing
• Up-selling
• Assessing
• Analyzing
• Updating
• Greeting
• Scheduling
• Shampooing
• Conditioning
• Treating
• Massaging
• Providing
• Working
• Designing
• Utilizing
• Training
• Conducting
• Sanitizing
• Perming
• Distributing
• Resolving
• Offering
• Performing

Tips for Writing a Better Hairstylist Resume  

There are certain tips to keep in mind when writing a better hair stylist resume. Applicants should include core competencies, list accreditations, and certifications, list reliable references, and include contact information.

1. Include Skills

One of the most important sections of any resume is the ‘Skills’ section. This is the area in which future employers will see what you have already learned and put into practice and what you may need to work on in the future. For example, if you are applying to be a wedding hairdresser, having skills in formal hairdressing, events, or certain styles can be desirable.

Furthermore, including your skills shows employers that you have spent time and effort honing specific methods or techniques that new hair stylists may not already acquire. Listing hands-on skills and previous techniques learned in past salons or job opportunities can provide future employers with an idea of your educational progress.

2. Mention Your Certifications

Certifications are not the end-all-be-all when it comes to hairdressing. However, showing that you invest your time, money, and effort into acquiring a certification or accreditation is a good stepping stone to getting hired.

Not only does this show employers that you are serious about the job, but it also shows that you took the initiative to learn a new skill or technique that salon owners may not teach during on-the-job training.

3. Put Reliable Contacts

If you have worked for a favorable employer in the past, make sure you have them on your resume! The last thing you want is to have a past boss who spoke very highly of you, and the future employer cannot reach them.

You want to show your future bosses all of your positive skills through a reliable and professional contact—make sure that you include the employer’s name, contact information, and business name.

4. Include Your Education

Just like your certifications and accreditations, you can still be a successful hair salon stylist without going to formal education. However, atlas mentioning your education—or demonstrating that you went to a cosmetology school, beauty school, or obtained a degree—can be helpful in showing future employers that you are dedicated to the industry.

5. Don’t Skimp on References

We already talked about how you want to add a foolproof reference who can really speak for your work ethic, character, and prowess—but that is sometimes not enough. You want to add as many high-quality and reliable references as you can.

If you just have one, it can look like a scam. Make sure you add as many reliable references as you can to show your future employer that you are a trustworthy employee who knows what they are doing.

6. Reliable Contact Information

This may seem like a no-brainer, but adding reliable contact information is crucial to allowing employers to get in touch with you. Double-check your email and phone number are up to date. The last thing you want is to get interested in a job and then have the employer be unable to contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding some commonly asked questions from hairdressers, and aspiring hair stylists, is key to knowing what should be included on a top-notch resume.

Similar Resume Types to Reference

Applicants can use these references to get an idea of what to include in their personal resume. These occupations are very similar to hairstylists and can be the beginner experience a person is looking for.

• Esthetician Resume: An esthetician is a professional who helps treat or prevent skin conditions by analyzing a client’s skin, diagnosing skin conditions, providing treatment, and advising the client on the correct cleansing techniques. An esthetician can be a good beginner before working in a salon as a beginner hair stylist.
• Hostess Resume: A hostess is a professional who greets customers, seats them at tables, and serves them in a dining establishment. Having experience as a hostess can be a good way to integrate into the beauty industry.
• Interior Design Resume: An interior designer makes functional spaces within a property livable, usable, and aesthetic. Interior design skills can carry over to working in a hair salon as a stylist, receptionist, manager, or supervisor.

Wrapping Up

If you are considering applying for a hairstylist opening, creating a foolproof resume is essential to standing out among the crowd and displaying your skills. Creating a comprehensive resume that explains an applicant’s experience, education, skills, licenses, and project experience can make them unique to hiring employers.

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