All Examples

Hair Stylist Resume Example & Writing Guide

  • Why use this hair stylist resume example?
  • How to write a great hair stylist resume
  • Which key skills are relevant for a stylist resume?

Getting an opportunity at the best spa or salon is the way to get your career going in the right direction. If you want to get the attention of the hottest salons in your area, then you’ll need a hair stylist resume that is clean, well-finished, and in tune with the latest trends. Check out our example and tips on how to create a well-coiffed hair stylist resume. Hair stylists are personal care professionals that provide services including cutting hair, consulting customers about styles and colors, wigs and extensions, and applying hair care products (treatment oils and masks).

Why use this hair stylist resume example?

Your resume has to grab the reader’s interest right away. Having a great, concise summary is the best way to do this. The example has a solid summary that is short and to the point. It also includes important skills needed to be a successful hairstylist.

Including a separate list of hard and soft skills, like in the sample, is a great idea. This gives your potential new employer or recruiter a single place where they can quickly scan all of your skills to see if you are a good candidate. It is very important to list your best skills. Don’t make your list too long, around ten items, at most. We recommend you tailor your list of skills to the specific job you are applying for. Look at the job ad and make note of the skills and keywords they use. Use any of them that are a match for your skill set.

Your job experience is very important, but you want to keep the descriptions concise. Don’t get wordy or give a lot of little details about your job tasks. The hiring manager probably knows what a hair stylist does, so you don’t need to waste space explaining that on your resume. Take a cue from the sample and keep each description focused on what you accomplished and what makes you stand out as a great hairstylist.

The example resume does a good job of keeping the professional experiences brief, but they each include relevant information about the job function. Each professional experience also includes a bullet point or two about specific achievements for that role. This is key because it highlights things that make them a great candidate.

How to write a great hair stylist resume

Being a professional hair stylist requires certification and a lot of training. You can include these in a separate section for education, certifications, and training. This is where you list all the schools you went to, what certifications you’ve received, and any other relevant professional development training you have attended.

1. Highlight your certifications and licenses. Many places require a license to practice any form of cosmetology. So, this is one of the first things an employer is going to look for on your resume. Make sure it jumps out at them. Another good idea is to mention that you are licensed in your summary section. This puts it right up front for your potential employer to see. You can include more details about your licenses and certifications in a separate section. Don’t forget to include the name of the license or certification and where you received it. If the license or certification requires a regular renewal, then you can just list the expiration date.

Here’s an example of how to list a cosmetology license: 

Cosmetology License - Tennessee Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

2. Customize your resume for each job application. Study the hair stylist job description for the position you are going for and write your resume to match it. Obviously, you can’t just copy and paste the job description into your resume. Look for skills, responsibilities, specific requirements, and other keywords. Blend those into your resume in each section as appropriate.

3. Include numbers. Including numbers on your resume is more effective than just saying “increased sales.” Employers like to see hard numbers on your experience and accomplishments because this allows them to better understand the scale and scope of what you did. So, put numbers on as many things as you can. How many people did you supervise? How many clients did you manage? Things like this will make your resume stand out.

Which key skills are relevant for a stylist resume?

The list of skills on your resume may make the difference between getting a call for an interview or not. So, make sure your resume has your best and most relevant skills. Soft skills are also important, the best hair stylists use their people skills and customer service to create a loyal clientele.

Some of the more sought-after skills for a hair stylist to list on your resume include:

  • Hair coloring (Balayage) and extensions

  • Thermal styling

  • Face waxing

  • Customer service

  • Upselling

  • Proficiency in a second language

  • Knowledge of current trends & styles

  • Verbal communication

  • Empathy

  • Negotiation

  • Problem-solving

Example

Summary example

Highly trained and experienced beauty professional with exceptional aesthetic sensibilities spanning makeup, brows, and hair. Top-notch customer service skills and outstanding organizational abilities.

Employment history example

Salon Manager / Hair Stylist at Splash Hair Studio, Toronto

2018 - 2023

Scheduled and supervised six-person team and provided on-site services. Consulted with clients to determine personal preferences and developed individual solutions; promoted product purchases through education and persuasion; ensured exceptional customer service. Resolved client questions and issues. Managed business functions including payroll processing, inventory management, and vendor / distributor interactions. Placed products according to agreements; managed opening / closing. Trained and developed staff.

  • Led team to achieve Best of Philly Salon award from Philadelphia Magazine for high-quality services as well as sales of products.

Makeup Artist at Civello Salon & Spa, Toronto

2012 - 2018

Consulted with customers to assess needs related to makeup application and lessons, facial waxing, and skin care for this established Aveda concept salon and spa with six locations. Assisted with salon scheduling and administration; booked appointments, collected payments, and maintained records of client preferences and expectations to ensure quality service.

  • Recommended and upsold Aveda products to promote profitability while increase client satisfaction and retention.

  • Hand-picked to assist Aveda Canada Creative Director for five years, traveling nationwide to support Creative Team.

Hair Stylist at Supercuts, Toronto

2007 - 2012

Assisted client by recommending and demonstrating products and services, and by completing routine styling tasks; sch2eduled client appointments. Managed cash/credit transactions. Sanitized equipment and maintained overall shop cleanliness.

  • Selected to fill in for Shift Supervisor during their absence, including opening and closing the store, counting the till, and depositing daily cash accruals.

Education example

  • Hairstyling Diploma at Marvel Beauty School

  • Makeup Design for Film & Television Diploma at Vancouver Film School

Skills example

  • Brow Shaping & Waxing

  • Bridal & Event Makeup

  • Haircare & Styling

  • Product Consultations

  • Makeup Lessons

Share this article