How to write a hair stylist resume

Creating a strong hair stylist resume requires highlighting your skills, experience, and certifications in a professional way. Here are some key tips to craft an impressive resume;

Write a compelling summary: Start with a short paragraph about your experience, top skills, and love for hairstyling.

List your hairstyling skills: Mention cutting, coloring, and any other techniques that match the job.

Show customer service strengths: Highlight how you build good relationships with clients and keep them coming back.

Detail past work experience: Explain your previous roles, what you did, and how you helped the salon grow.

Mention licenses and training: Add any cosmetology certifications or special courses that prove your expertise.

Use powerful words: Write your job duties using words like "designed," "advised," "crafted," and "enhanced."

Include achievements: Add numbers or facts, like how many clients you retained or if you won any hairstyling awards.

Keep the resume neat: Use a simple format with headings, bullet points, and short, clear sentences.

Share a portfolio link: If you have photos of your work, link to Instagram, a website, or another page.

Customize for each job: Adjust your resume for every application by focusing on the most relevant skills and experience.

What skills should a hair stylist put on a resume?

A hair stylist should include a mix of technical, creative, and customer service skills on their resume to showcase their expertise and ability to work with clients. Here are some essential skills to list;

1. Cutting and styling hair: Skilled in giving different haircuts and making stylish looks for all hair types.
2. Coloring and treatments: Experienced in hair coloring, highlights, balayage, ombre, and chemical treatments.
3. Talking with clients: Good at understanding what clients want and recommending the best styles for them.
4. Knowing hair products: Familiar with shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and tools to suggest the right ones.
5. Hair and scalp care: Can do deep conditioning, keratin treatments, and other hair repair treatments.
6. Customer interaction: Friendly and professional in handling clients to ensure they return.
7. Managing time well: Can handle multiple appointments and avoid long waiting times.
8. Keeping things clean: Follows hygiene rules and sanitizes tools properly to keep the salon safe.
9. Styling for events: Able to create wedding, prom, and special occasion hairstyles.
10. Selling products and services: Knows how to recommend and sell hair products to boost salon earnings.
11. Working in a team: Works well with other stylists and salon staff to create a good work environment.
12. Staying updated on trends: Follows the latest hair trends to give clients modern and trendy styles.
13. Handling salon tasks: Can schedule clients, take payments, and keep records of customer visits.
14. Men’s haircuts and grooming: Men’s cuts, fades, beard trims, and shaves.
15. Creative hairstyling: Has an artistic touch to design unique and flattering hairstyles.

How do I describe my hair styling experience on a resume?

When describing your hairstyling experience on a resume, it's important to focus on specific duties, skills, and achievements that demonstrate your expertise and contributions. Here’s how to showcase your experience;

1. Start with action words: Begin each task with strong verbs like "styled," "cut," or "consulted" to show what you did.
2. List the services you offered: Be clear about the types of hairstyling services you performed, like cuts, color, and treatments, and mention any special techniques you used.
3. Include achievements: Add any measurable results, such as repeat clients or successful event hairstyles, to show your impact.
4. Talk about the clients you worked with: If you worked with certain types of clients, like brides or men, mention that to highlight your specialization.
5. Show your problem-solving skills: Mention how you handled difficult hair situations or helped clients with challenging requests.
6. Describe teamwork: If you worked closely with other stylists or salon staff, explain how you collaborated to make clients happy.
7. Mention trend knowledge: Show how you keep learning new trends, whether through workshops or staying updated on hair styles.
8. Focus on customer service: Talk about how you helped clients feel comfortable, gave advice, and ensured they were happy with the results.
9. Note leadership roles: If you’ve supervised or mentored others, mention these to highlight your growth in the industry.
10. Keep it brief and to the point: Tailor your experience to the job you’re applying for, focusing on what’s most relevant.

What is a good objective for a hair stylist resume?

A good objective for a hair stylist resume should be concise, focused on your strengths, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Here’s how to craft an effective objective statement;

Talk about your skills and experience: Include how many years you’ve worked and what you do best, like cutting or coloring hair.

Show your passion: Let them know that you enjoy hairstyling and working with people.

Describe how you’ll add value: Explain how your skills will help the salon or business succeed.

Personalize it for the job: Change your objective to match the job you're applying for, focusing on what you can bring to the role.

Keep it short and clear: Make your objective a brief, direct statement in 1-2 lines.

How do I make my hair stylist resume stand out?

To make your hairstylist resume stand out, focus on showcasing your unique skills, achievements, and personality in a way that grabs the employer's attention. Here's some advice on writing a hair stylist resume;

1. Use a neat, professional design: Pick a clean, easy-to-read layout that makes your resume look good and organized.
2. Talk about your achievements: Include any special accomplishments, like keeping clients loyal or winning awards for great service.
3. Add a portfolio link: Link to your online portfolio or social media (like Instagram) to show examples of your work.
4. Customize for each job: Adjust your resume for each position to highlight skills and experiences that fit what the employer wants.
5. Include client feedback: If you have great reviews from clients, add them to build trust.
6. List special skills or techniques: If you're good at things like balayage or wedding hairstyles, mention them to set yourself apart.
7. Show you’re always learning: Include any extra courses or certifications you’ve earned to show you keep improving.
8. Highlight soft skills: Talk about your communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which are key for working with clients.
9. Be clear and to the point: Don’t overload your resume; focus on the most important, impressive details.
10. Use powerful verbs: Start each job description with strong action words like “designed” or “revitalized” to make your experience sound exciting.

What should be included in a beginner hair stylist resume?

If you're a beginner hairstylist, your resume should highlight your education, training, and any relevant experience, even if it’s from internships or apprenticeships. Focus on your skills, certifications, and enthusiasm for the beauty industry. Here’s what to include;

1. Your contact details: Add your name, phone number, email, and city. If you have a portfolio or Instagram for your hairstyling, include the link.
2. Short introduction: Write a brief summary about your love for hairstyling, training, and key skills like cutting, coloring, and styling.
3. Education and licenses: List your cosmetology school, any hairstyling courses, and your state cosmetology license if you have one.
4. Salon training or internships: If you worked as an assistant or intern, mention tasks like shampooing, helping stylists, or talking to clients.
5. Skills section: Highlight important hairstyling skills like cutting, styling, using hair products, and keeping tools clean.
6. Job experience: Even if you haven't had a hairstylist job, include any part-time work, freelance gigs, or volunteer hairstyling.
7. Personality traits: Mention soft skills like being creative, friendly, managing time well, and paying attention to details.
8. Extra training: If you attended hair shows, workshops, or special classes, list them to show you're eager to learn.
9. References: You can add contacts from teachers or salon managers who can recommend you.
10. Portfolio link: If you have photos of your work, share a link to your Instagram or an online portfolio.

How do I write a resume for a salon job with no experience?

If you’re applying for a salon job with no experience, focus on your skills, education, and any relevant training. Highlight your passion for hairstyling, customer service abilities, and willingness to learn. Here’s how to structure your resume;

Contact information: Provide your name, phone number, email address, and city. If you have a hairstyling portfolio or social media showcasing your work, include the link.

Brief summary: Write a short paragraph about your enthusiasm for hairstyling, any training you've completed, and your strong customer service skills.

Education and certifications: Mention any hairstyling courses, cosmetology school, or certifications, including a cosmetology license if you have one.

Key skills: List fundamental hairstyling abilities such as shampooing, blow-drying, product knowledge, sanitizing tools, and interacting with clients.

Related experience: Include any hairstyling practice, such as assisting at a salon, styling hair for friends, or participating in school projects.

Customer service background: If you’ve worked in retail or hospitality, highlight transferable skills like interacting with customers, handling payments, and working in a team.

Soft skills: Emphasize traits such as being personable, managing time effectively, being detail-oriented, and having a strong willingness to learn.

Additional learning: List any hairstyling workshops, online courses, or industry events you've attended to demonstrate your commitment to growth.

How do I format a hair stylist resume for ATS?

To format a hairstylist resume for an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), ensure it is structured properly, uses relevant keywords, and avoids formatting issues that could cause rejection. Follow these steps;

1. Keep the design simple: Use a clean format without images, tables, or fancy elements, as ATS may not recognize them.
2. Pick an easy-to-read font: Choose fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10-12 size for better readability.
3. Save in the right format: Use a .docx or standard PDF file to ensure ATS can read your resume properly.
4. Use relevant keywords: Add job-related words like "haircutting," "hair coloring," "salon maintenance," and "customer service" to match job descriptions.
5. Organize sections: Label each section properly, such as "Summary," "Skills," "Experience," and "Education," to help ATS scan it correctly.
6. Format job titles and dates properly: Write job titles, salon names, and work dates in a clear, consistent format so ATS can recognize them.
7. Avoid using headers, footers, or text boxes: Keep all important details in the main content area, as ATS may skip information in those sections.
8. Use bullet points for details: Keep job descriptions short and structured with bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
9. Don’t add pictures or extra design elements: Remove images, logos, or complex formatting, as they can interfere with ATS scanning.
10. Check for ATS compatibility: Copy and paste the resume into Notepad to see if the formatting stays correct without missing details.

What certifications should be listed on a hair stylist resume?

Certifications on a hairstylist resume help showcase your expertise, qualifications, and commitment to the industry. Here are the key certifications to include;

1. Cosmetology license: Required in most places, this proves you are trained and legally allowed to work as a hairstylist.
2. Barbicide certification: Shows you know how to disinfect tools and maintain a clean salon environment.
3. Hair coloring training: Certifications from brands like Wella, Redken, or Schwarzkopf confirm your skills in hair coloring techniques.
4. Cutting and styling certification: Training from Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell, or Toni & Guy proves advanced haircutting and styling expertise.
5. Keratin treatment certification: Shows you can perform smoothing treatments like Brazilian Blowouts or keratin-based services.
6. Hair extensions certification: Confirms your ability to apply and maintain different types of hair extensions.
7. Chemical treatment certification: Covers perming, relaxing, and rebonding, ensuring safe handling of chemical hair treatments.
8. Scalp and hair health training: Demonstrates knowledge of scalp care, hair treatments, and proper product recommendations.
9. Bridal and event hairstyling certification: Highlights your ability to create updos and special occasion hairstyles.
10. CPR and first aid certification: Not directly related to hairstyling, but useful in case of emergencies at the salon.

How do I write a professional summary for a hair stylist resume?

A professional summary for a hairstylist resume should highlight your skills, experience, and specialties while showcasing your ability to provide excellent client service. Keep it concise, engaging, and tailored to the job.

1. State your experience: Mention how long you've been in the industry or if you're newly trained.
2. List key hairstyling skills: Include skills like haircuts, coloring, styling, or extensions.
3. Focus on customer service: Show that you can consult with clients, understand their needs, and keep them happy.
4. Include licenses and certifications: If you have a cosmetology license or hair-related training, add it here.
5. Mention knowledge of trends: Show that you stay updated on new hairstyling trends and techniques.
6. Show enthusiasm: Express your passion for hairstyling and your commitment to quality work.

Example: "Passionate hairstylist with years of experience in haircuts, coloring, and treatments. Skilled in creating trendy hairstyles and giving clients a great salon experience. Certified in hair coloring and keratin treatments, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and professional service."

Should I include a portfolio link in a hair stylist resume?

Yes, including a portfolio link in your hairstylist resume can be a valuable addition, as it allows potential employers to see your work firsthand. A portfolio showcases your skills, creativity, and the range of services you offer, making it easier for employers to assess your abilities.

1. Show your skills: A portfolio link lets employers see your haircuts, colors, and styling, giving them a clear idea of your abilities.
2. Help with getting hired: Including a portfolio makes it easier for employers to evaluate your skills and may increase your chances of being hired.
3. Look professional: A good portfolio demonstrates that you’re serious about your career and willing to present your work thoughtfully.
4. Make it easier for employers: Adding a portfolio link makes it simple for hiring managers to check out your work online.
5. Show your range: A portfolio can show different styles and techniques that may not fit perfectly into the resume itself.

What are good action verbs for a hair stylist resume?

Using strong action verbs in your hairstylist resume can make your achievements stand out and show your proactive approach to work. Here are some effective action verbs for a hairstylist resume;

1. Styled: Used to show that you can create different looks for clients.
2. Cut: Highlights your expertise in cutting hair accurately and skillfully.
3. Colored: Reflects your experience in applying different hair colors.
4. Consulted: Shows you can provide advice and help clients choose the right style.
5. Trained: Indicates that you’ve helped teach or mentor others in hairstyling.
6. Shampooed: Describes your role in washing hair as part of hairstyling services.
7. Shaped: Shows your ability to create specific shapes or textures in hair.
8. Styled: Refers to your ability to style hair for everyday or special events.
9. Maintained: Refers to keeping tools, products, or the salon clean and organized.
10. Educated: Shows that you’ve shared knowledge or advice on hair care with clients.
11. Managed: Highlights your role in scheduling, managing stock, or client relationships.
12. Customized: Demonstrates your ability to adapt services to each client’s unique needs.
13. Performed: Describes the variety of hair services you’re capable of delivering.
14. Created: Shows you can design and personalize haircuts and styles.
15. Demonstrated: Shows that you can showcase skills or techniques to clients or other professionals.

How long should a hair stylist resume be?

A hairstylist resume should generally be one page long, especially for individuals with less than 10 years of experience. Keeping it concise helps hiring managers quickly assess your qualifications without overwhelming them with too much information.

1. One page is ideal for most: A one-page resume works well for hairstylists, especially those with less than 10 years of experience.
2. Adjust length based on experience: If you’ve been working for over 10 years or have notable achievements, it can extend to two pages.
3. Keep it concise: Stick to the most important information that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.
4. Highlight important details: Focus on showcasing your skills, certifications, and experience in a way that’s easy for the employer to scan.
5. Keep formatting clean: Don’t overcrowd the resume with text—ensure it’s easy to read and well-organized.

How do I write a resume for a freelance hair stylist?

Writing a resume for a freelance hairstylist is similar to creating a standard hairstylist resume, but with an emphasis on your self-employment experience, adaptability, and ability to manage your own business. Here's how to structure it;

1. Header and Contact Details: Add your name, phone number, email, and links to your online portfolio or social media profiles where people can view your work.
2. Summary: Write a short introduction about your freelance hairstyling experience, specialties, and focus on personalized client care.
3. Freelance Work: Explain your services as a freelancer, the clients you work with, and the services you offer, like haircuts or styling for events.
4. Skills: Include technical skills like cutting and coloring, plus business-related skills like managing schedules or marketing your services.
5. Certifications and Education: Mention any licenses, certifications, or relevant hairstyling courses you've completed.
6. Portfolio Link: Provide a link to your portfolio, Instagram, or website where clients can see your work.
7. Client Reviews: Include brief positive testimonials from clients to show your reputation and client satisfaction.
8. Business Skills: Highlight your ability to manage aspects like scheduling, invoicing, and customer relations as a freelancer.
9. Learning and Growth: Mention any workshops or online training you’ve attended to stay updated with the latest hairstyling trends.

What should be included in the education section of a hair stylist resume?

The education section of a hairstylist resume should highlight your formal training, certifications, and any relevant courses or workshops you've completed. Here's what to include;

1. Cosmetology Program: Mention the school you attended and the hairstyling program you completed, along with your attendance dates.
2. Certification or Degree: Include any official qualifications you earned, like a cosmetology license or hairstyling certificate.
3. Special Courses: List any special courses you took, such as hair coloring or extensions, to show your expertise in specific areas.
4. Ongoing Education: Include any extra workshops, classes, or seminars you've attended to keep your skills updated.
5. Cosmetology License: If you have a license from your state, mention it, including the license number if necessary.
6. Achievements: If you received any awards or recognition during your education, add them to showcase your excellence.

How do I list different hair styling techniques on a resume?

To list different hairstyling techniques on your resume, focus on including specific skills and techniques that highlight your expertise in various services. Group these skills under a "Skills" section or include them in your job descriptions to demonstrate your versatility.

1. Create a skills section: List specific hairstyling techniques in a "Skills" section, such as balayage, updos, or keratin treatments.
2. Add them to job descriptions: Mention any techniques you’ve used in past jobs, like "Styled hair using balayage techniques" or "Specialized in bridal hairstyling."
3. Group by categories: Organize your skills into categories like haircuts, coloring, or styling to make them easier to understand.
4. Use clear industry terms: Mention specific techniques with professional terms like "ombre," "Brazilian blowout," or "texturizing" to show your expertise.
5. Show advanced skills: Highlight advanced techniques like precise cutting or complex styling to show you’re skilled in challenging areas.
6. Include certifications: If you have certifications for specific techniques, list them under the "Certifications" section to add credibility.

Should I include client testimonials on a hair stylist resume?

Yes, including client testimonials on your hairstylist resume can be a great way to demonstrate your skills, professionalism, and the quality of service you provide. It adds credibility and shows potential employers or clients that you have a positive reputation.

1. Build trust: Client testimonials help show that you do great work and can be trusted by potential employers or clients.
2. Highlight your strengths: Testimonials can point out specific skills like creativity or customer service that might not be obvious in your resume.
3. Show client satisfaction: Positive reviews prove that you meet or exceed client expectations, which is very important in hairstyling.
4. Keep them short and focused: If you include testimonials, make sure they are brief and focus on key strengths related to the job.
5. Place them in the right spot: Instead of putting testimonials directly on your resume, consider adding them in a "Client Feedback" section or in your portfolio.

What is the best resume template for a hair stylist?

The best resume template for a hairstylist should be clean, visually appealing, and easy to read while showcasing your skills, experience, and creativity. Here are some key features of a good hairstylist resume template;

1. Clean and simple design: Choose a template that’s neat and well-organized, with clear sections like "Experience," "Skills," and "Education."
2. Visually attractive but not busy: Add some design details like icons, but keep it simple so the focus stays on your qualifications.
3. Modern design: Pick a template with a modern feel that fits the beauty industry but still looks professional.
4. Sections for skills and portfolio: Include a place to list hairstyling techniques and add a link to your portfolio or Instagram if you have one.
5. Show off accomplishments: Ensure the template allows you to highlight your achievements, such as certifications or client satisfaction.
6. Easy-to-read font: Use a simple, clear font like Arial or Calibri, and make sure the text is spaced well.
7. Customizable layout: Choose a template that lets you easily personalize it to showcase your experience and style.

How do I highlight customer service skills on a hair stylist resume?

Highlighting customer service skills on a hairstylist resume is important because it shows potential employers that you can provide a positive client experience, which is key in the beauty industry. Here’s how to showcase your customer service skills;

1. List customer service skills: Add skills like communication, active listening, and problem-solving in a "Skills" section.
2. Mention customer service in your work history: Talk about how you’ve helped clients in your previous jobs, like “Listened to clients’ needs and gave personalized recommendations.”
3. Explain your client care approach: Show how you make clients feel valued, like through consultations or follow-ups after the service.
4. Use strong action words: Use action words like "assisted," "resolved," and "communicated" to show your involvement in customer service.
5. Include client retention or reviews: If you have loyal clients or good reviews, mention it to show your ability to build relationships.
6. Highlight soft skills: Include traits like empathy and problem-solving, which are important for customer service, in a "Soft Skills" section or job descriptions.

What are the common mistakes to avoid on a hair stylist resume?

When crafting a hairstylist resume, it's essential to avoid common mistakes that can make your resume less effective or professional. Here’s a list of mistakes to avoid;

1. Using a generic template: Don’t use a basic or cluttered template. Pick a design that shows off your skills while staying professional.
2. Leaving out important skills: Make sure to list your hairstyling skills, like cutting, coloring, and customer service.
3. Including irrelevant personal details: Don’t add unnecessary personal info, such as your age or marital status. Just include contact information.
4. Listing only job duties: Focus on your achievements in each role, like how you kept clients or any special awards, instead of just listing what you did.
5. Using unprofessional language: Use professional, clear, and simple language—avoid slang or informal words.
6. Making spelling or grammar mistakes: Proofread your resume to remove any errors, as this shows attention to detail.
7. Not adding a portfolio link: If you have an online portfolio or Instagram, include the link so employers can see your work.
8. Not customizing your resume: Don’t send the same resume for every job. Adjust it to match the specific position you’re applying for.
9. Overloading with info: Keep your resume short and only include the most relevant experience and skills.
10. Listing outdated credentials: Make sure all your certifications and licenses are up to date to avoid damaging your chances of getting hired.

How to write a hair stylist cover letter, Hair stylist skills, hair stylist resume sample, how to become a hair stylist