12 Hair Stylist Resume Examples

This comprehensive guide offers examples of hair stylist resumes tailored to various experience levels and specialties. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, these examples will help you create a resume that showcases your unique skills, creativity, and passion for hair styling. Learn how to effectively highlight your technical expertise, client relations skills, and artistic flair to land your dream job in a top salon. Discover how to craft a resume that not only catches the eye but also demonstrates your ability to transform clients' looks and boost their confidence.

Entry-Level Hair Stylist Resume Examples

Fresh Graduate Hair Stylist Resume

This fresh graduate hair stylist resume example showcases how to highlight your education, relevant coursework, and internship experience when entering the beauty industry.

Apprentice Hair Stylist Resume

For those starting their journey in hair styling, this apprentice hair stylist resume example demonstrates how to highlight your eagerness to learn foundational skills.

Experienced Hair Stylist Resume Examples

Senior Hair Stylist Resume

This senior hair stylist resume example showcases how to highlight years of experience, advanced techniques, and leadership skills in the beauty industry.

Salon Manager Resume

This salon manager resume example demonstrates how to balance styling expertise with leadership and business acumen for hair stylists looking to move into management.

Specialized Hair Stylist Resume Examples

Color Specialist Resume

This color specialist resume example highlights advanced coloring techniques and a deep understanding of hair chemistry, perfect for those focusing on hair color services.

Bridal Hair Stylist Resume

For hair stylists specializing in wedding and unique event styling, this bridal hair stylist resume example showcases how to highlight your ability to create memorable looks for important occasions.

Men's Grooming Specialist Resume

This men's grooming specialist resume example demonstrates how to showcase expertise in men's haircuts, beard grooming, and traditional barbering techniques.

Hair Stylist Resume Examples by Work Environment

High-End Salon Hair Stylist Resume

This high-end salon hair stylist resume example showcases how to highlight luxury service skills, advanced techniques, and experience with premium products.

Freelance Hair Stylist Resume

For hair stylists working independently, this freelance hair stylist resume example demonstrates how to showcase your versatility, business acumen, and ability to build a personal brand.

Editorial Hair Stylist Resume

This editorial hair stylist resume example is tailored for those specializing in creating avant-garde and high-fashion hairstyles for photoshoots, runway shows, and media productions.

Celebrity Hair Stylist Resume

This celebrity hair stylist resume example demonstrates how to highlight high-profile clientele, red carpet experience, and the ability to create trendsetting looks under pressure.

Eco-Friendly Salon Hair Stylist Resume

This eco-friendly salon hair stylist resume example is designed for professionals specializing in sustainable beauty practices and organic hair care techniques.

How to Write a Hair Stylist Resume

Hair Stylist Resume Outline

A well-structured hair stylist resume typically includes the following sections:

• Contact Information
• Professional Summary or Objective
• Work Experience
• Education and Training
• Skills
• Certifications and Licenses
• Awards and Achievements (if applicable)
• Professional Memberships (if applicable)
• Languages (if relevant)
• Portfolio or Professional Website (optional)

Tailor your resume to highlight the most relevant information for the specific hair stylist position you're applying for, whether it's a high-end salon, a specialized role, or an entry-level position.

Which Resume Layout Should a Hair Stylist Use

Hair stylists should typically use a reverse-chronological resume layout, first highlighting your most recent and relevant experience. This format allows potential employers to see your career progression and most up-to-date skills quickly. However, consider these factors when choosing your layout:

• Reverse-chronological: Best for hair stylists with a consistent work history in salons or styling roles.
• Functional: Might be suitable for career changers or those with gaps in employment, focusing on skills rather than work history.
• Combination: Ideal for experienced hair stylists with diverse skills or those transitioning to a specialized hair styling area.

Regardless of the layout, ensure your resume is clean, well-organized, and easy to read. Use a professional font and consistent formatting throughout. Consider incorporating creativity in the design to showcase your artistic flair, but keep it subtle and professional.

What Your Hair Stylist Resume Header Should Include

Your hair stylist resume header should be clear and professional and include all necessary contact information. Here's what to include:

Hair Stylist Resume Header Examples

What Your Hair Stylist Resume Summary Should Include

A strong hair stylist resume summary should concisely highlight your key skills, experience, and unique value proposition. It should be tailored to the specific job you're applying for and grab the employer's attention. Here's what to include:

• Years of experience in hair styling
• Specializations or areas of expertise (e.g., color specialist, bridal styling)
• Key achievements or recognition in the industry
• Unique skills or qualities that set you apart
• Your career goals or what you can bring to the salon

Hair Stylist Resume Summary Examples

What Are the Most Common Hair Stylist Responsibilities

Hair stylists typically have a wide range of responsibilities that combine technical skills, creativity, and customer service. Some of the most common duties include:

• Consulting with clients to understand their desired hairstyles and making recommendations
• Cutting, trimming, and shaping hair using various techniques and tools
• Coloring, highlighting, and applying other chemical treatments to hair
• Styling hair for everyday wear, special occasions, or editorial purposes
• Washing, conditioning, and treating hair and scalp
• Performing scalp and hair analysis to recommend appropriate products and treatments
• Maintaining a clean and sanitized work area and tools
• Staying updated on current hair trends and techniques
• Recommending and selling hair care products to clients
• Scheduling appointments and managing client relationships
• Collaborating with other stylists and salon staff
• Potentially managing a team or mentoring junior stylists

When crafting your resume, focus on the responsibilities most relevant to the specific hair stylist position you're applying for, and be sure to highlight any unique or specialized skills you possess.

What Your Hair Stylist Resume Experience Should Include

Your hair stylist resume experience section should effectively showcase your career progression, key achievements, and relevant skills. Here's what to include:

• Job title, company name, location, and dates of employment
• Key responsibilities and duties performed in each role
• Specific achievements or contributions, preferably with quantifiable results
• Specializations or techniques you've mastered
• Recognition or awards received
• Client retention rates or growth in clientele
• Leadership or mentoring experiences
• Involvement in special projects or events (e.g., fashion shows, photoshoots)

Use action verbs to begin each bullet point and focus on your most impressive and relevant experiences. Tailor your experience section to align with the requirements of the job you're applying for.

Hair Stylist Resume Experience Examples

What's the Best Education for a Hair Stylist Resume?

The education section of a hair stylist resume should highlight your formal training and any additional courses or workshops that have enhanced your skills. Here's what to include:

• Cosmetology school diploma or associate degree
• State cosmetology license information
• Relevant coursework or specializations
• Advanced training programs or workshops
• Continuing education courses
• Any additional degrees that may be relevant (e.g., business management for salon owners)

List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. If you have significant work experience, you can place the education section after your work experience. For recent graduates or those with limited experience, the education section can be placed before work experience.

What's the Best Professional Organization for a Hair Stylist Resume?

Including professional organizations on your hair stylist resume can demonstrate your commitment to ongoing education and industry involvement. Some of the best professional organizations for hair stylists include:

• Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
• National Cosmetology Association (NCA)
• American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)
• International Association of Hair Designers (IAHD)
• Associated Hair Professionals (AHP)
• National Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (NHCA)
• State-specific cosmetology associations

When listing professional organizations on your resume, include your membership status and any leadership roles or significant contributions you've made within the organization. This can help set you apart from other candidates and show dedication to the profession.

What Are the Best Awards for a Hair Stylist Resume?

Awards and recognition can enhance your hair stylist resume by demonstrating your expertise and industry standing. Some prestigious awards to consider are:

• North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA)
• Behind the Chair #ONESHOT Hair Awards
• American Crew All-Star Challenge
• Wella Professionals TrendVision Award
• L'Oréal Colour Trophy
• Salon Today 200
• Local or regional "Best of" awards for hair salons or stylists
• Fashion Week or runway show styling recognition
• Magazine features or "Top Stylist" lists

When listing awards, include the award's name, the year received, and a brief description if the title isn't self-explanatory. Prioritize recent and most prestigious awards if you have multiple to list.

What Are Good Volunteer Opportunities for a Hair Stylist Resume?

Volunteer work can showcase your commitment to the community and your passion for using your skills to help others. Some volunteer opportunities that can enhance a hair stylist's resume include:

• Providing free haircuts for homeless shelters or low-income communities
• Styling hair for charity fashion shows or events
• Offering services at senior centers or nursing homes
• Participating in "Look Good Feel Better" programs for cancer patients
• Teaching basic hair care skills to at-risk youth or in community centers
• Volunteering for theater productions or school plays
• Offering styling services for local non-profit fundraising events
• Participating in career day events at local schools

When including volunteer work on your resume, focus on experiences relevant to hair styling or that demonstrate transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, or leadership.

What Are the Best Hard Skills to Add to a Hair Stylist Resume?

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that are essential for success in the hair styling profession. Including relevant hard skills on your resume can demonstrate your technical expertise to potential employers. Some of the best hard skills for a hair stylist resume include:

• Hair cutting techniques (precision cutting, texturizing, layering)
• Color application and correction
• Balayage and highlighting techniques
• Chemical treatments (perms, relaxers, keratin treatments)
• Updos and formal styling
• Hair extension application and maintenance
• Wig styling and customization
• Barbering techniques
• Scalp treatments and trichology knowledge
• Specialized techniques (e.g., razor cutting, pixie cuts, fades)
• Proficiency with styling tools and equipment
• Knowledge of hair products and their applications
• Sanitation and safety procedures
• Basic makeup application (if relevant)
• Point of sale (POS) system operation
• Salon management software proficiency

When listing hard skills, focus on those most relevant to the specific hair stylist position you're applying for, and be prepared to demonstrate these skills during the interview.

What Are the Best Soft Skills to Add to a Hair Stylist Resume?

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable you to interact effectively with clients and colleagues. These skills are crucial in the hair styling, where customer service and interpersonal relationships play a significant role. Some of the best soft skills to include on a hair stylist resume are:

• Excellent communication skills
• Active listening
• Creativity and artistic vision
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Customer service orientation
• Patience and empathy
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Problem-solving abilities
• Team collaboration
• Conflict resolution
• Stress management
• Professionalism and work ethic
• Ability to work under pressure
• Cultural sensitivity
• Sales and upselling skills

When incorporating soft skills into your resume, provide specific examples or contexts where you've demonstrated these skills in your professional experience. This approach can make your claims more credible and impactful.

What Are the Best Certifications for a Hair Stylist Resume?

Certifications can significantly enhance your hair stylist resume by demonstrating your commitment to ongoing education and specialization in specific areas of hair styling. Some valuable certifications to consider include:

• State Cosmetology License (required in most states)
• Vidal Sassoon Cutting Certification
• L'Oréal Professionnel Color Specialist Certification
• Wella Master Color Expert Certification
• DevaCurl Certification for curly hair specialists
• Great Lengths Hair Extensions Certification
• Brazilian Blowout Certification
• Balayage Certification (various providers)
• Barbicide Certification for Salon Sanitation
• Trichology Certification for scalp and hair health specialists
• American Board of Certified Haircolorists (ABCH) Certification
• Redken Certified Colorist
• Sassoon Academy Diplomas (various specializations)
• Paul Mitchell Advanced Education Certifications

When listing certifications, include the name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date of certification or expiration (if applicable). Prioritize certifications most relevant to the position you're applying for and those most current.

Tips for an Effective Hair Stylist Resume

To create a standout hair stylist resume, consider the following tips:

• Tailor your resume to the specific salon or position you're applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
• Use industry-specific keywords throughout your resume to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., increased client retention by 25%, boosted product sales by 30%).
• Showcase your creativity and attention to detail through a clean, well-designed resume layout.
• Include links to your online portfolio or professional social media profiles if they showcase your work.
• Highlight any specialized techniques or services you offer that set you apart from other candidates.
• Emphasize your customer service skills and ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Include any relevant experience in salon management or team leadership if applying for senior positions.
• Keep your resume concise and focused, ideally limiting it to one page unless you have extensive experience.
• Proofread carefully to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.

Remember, your resume is often your first impression on potential employers, so ensure it effectively showcases your skills, experience, and passion for hair styling.

How Long Should I Make My Hair Stylist Resume?

The ideal length for a hair stylist's resume typically depends on your level of experience:

• Entry-level or early career (0-3 years): Aim for a one-page resume. Focus on your education, relevant coursework, internships, and any part-time or apprenticeship experience.
• Mid-career (3-10 years): A one-page resume is still preferable, but you can extend it to two pages if necessary to showcase all relevant experience and achievements.
• Experienced (10+ years): You may use two pages to detail your extensive experience, notable clients, awards, and leadership roles. However, ensure every piece of information is relevant and adds value.

Regardless of length, prioritize the most recent and relevant information. Use concise language and bullet points to keep your resume focused and easy to read. Remember, quality is more important than quantity – it's better to have a well-crafted one-page resume than a two-page resume filled with unnecessary details.

What's the Best Format for a Hair Stylist Resume?

The best format for a hair stylist resume depends on your experience level and career goals. Here are the main options:

1. Reverse-Chronological Format: This is the most common and preferred format. It lists your work history from most recent to oldest. This format is ideal for hair stylists with a consistent work history in salons or styling roles.
2. Functional Format: This format focuses on your skills and abilities rather than your work history. It can be useful for career changers or those with gaps in employment. However, many employers prefer the reverse-chronological format, so use this cautiously.
3. Combination Format: This blends elements of both reverse-chronological and functional formats. It's suitable for experienced hair stylists with diverse skills or those transitioning to a specialized hair styling area.

Regardless of your format, ensure your resume is clean, well-organized, and easy to read. Use a professional font, consistent formatting, and plenty of white space. Consider adding a subtle touch of creativity in the design to showcase your artistic flair, but keep it professional.

Remember to tailor your resume to each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position or salon you're applying to.

What Should the Focus of a Hair Stylist Resume Be?

The focus of a hair stylist's resume should be on showcasing your technical skills, creativity, and ability to provide excellent client service. Here are key areas to emphasize:

1. Technical Skills: Highlight your proficiency in cutting, coloring, and styling techniques. Include any specializations or advanced skills you've mastered.
2. Creativity and Artistic Vision: Demonstrate your ability to create unique, personalized looks that enhance clients' features and meet their desires.
3. Client Relations: Emphasize your communication skills, ability to build rapport with clients, and success in maintaining a loyal clientele.
4. Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements such as client retention rates, sales figures, or awards won.
5. Continuous Learning: Highlight relevant certifications, workshops attended, and your commitment to staying updated with the latest trends and techniques.
6. Versatility: Show your ability to work with diverse hair types and styles and adapt to different client needs.
7. Professionalism: Demonstrate your understanding of salon operations, hygiene standards, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Tailor the focus of your resume to align with the specific requirements of the job you're applying for. For instance, if applying to a high-end salon, you might emphasize your experience with luxury services and products. If the role involves management responsibilities, highlight your leadership or business management skills.

Remember, your resume should tell a compelling story about your career as a hair stylist, showcasing not just what you've done but the impact you've made and the value you can bring to a new salon or clientele.

Conclusion

Crafting an impressive hair stylist resume is crucial in advancing your career in the dynamic world of beauty and fashion. You can set yourself apart in this competitive industry by showcasing your technical skills, creativity, and client-focused approach. Remember to tailor your resume for each application, highlighting the most relevant experiences and skills for the specific role or salon. Whether you are an entry-level stylist or a seasoned professional, your resume should reflect your passion for hair styling and your commitment to delivering exceptional results. By following the guidelines and examples in this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to create a resume that captures the attention of potential employers and opens doors to exciting opportunities in the world of hair styling. Ready to take the next step in your career?

Sign up for Huntr and start crafting your perfect hair stylist resume today.