Hair Stylist Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Hairstylist Resume Examples and Templates (Downloadable)

• Entry level
• Midlevel
• Senior level

PDF

DOCX

Google Docs

PDF

DOCX

Google Docs

PDF

DOCX

Google Docs

Your hairstylist resume must prove you have the skills and knowledge necessary to meet or exceed client expectations. Potential employers like salon owners, managers, event planners, and photographers should be confident in your ability to listen to the desires and goals of the people in your salon chair. We’ll provide expert tips to help style a resume that shows you can enhance the appearance and boost your clients’ confidence.

Key takeaways:

• Emphasize specializations: Quickly highlight your hairstylist specialties such as hair extensions, color correction, and consulting with clients to identify an ideal hairstyle.
• Detail quantifiable achievements: Use specific numbers and outcomes to illustrate your impact in previous hairstylist roles, such as building relationships with clients, resulting in a 5-star customer satisfaction rating. Or, if you excel at selling products, share numbers such as selling to 65% of your client base.
• Use keywords for ATS: Include relevant hairstylist skills and keywords from the job posting in your resume to ensure it passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and reaches hiring managers.

How To Write a Hairstylist Resume Example

Using a resume template can help you write an effective hairstylist resume. Your hairstylist resume should include these sections:

• Contact information
• Profile
• Key skills
• Professional experience
• Education and certifications

1. Share your contact information

Provide your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your online professional profile. Ensure your contact information is current so potential employers can contact you for an interview.

2. Create a compelling profile summarizing your hairstylist qualifications

Displaying an engaging snapshot of your hairstylist career will capture the attention of hiring managers. Begin by listing your job title, experience, and three to four specializations that align with the hairstylist job posting. In the following sentences, establish yourself as a committed professional in the cosmetology field.

For example, if you have experience specializing in children’s haircuts and teen styles, share how you are skilled at connecting with a young audience and listening to parents’ requests. Or, if you have a proven track record of recommending ideal cuts and styles for clients, explain this upfront in your summary. These insights will tell your story and illustrate the value you can bring to potential employers.

3. Write a success-driven professional experience section

A success-driven professional experience section will demonstrate accomplishments achieved throughout your hairstylist career. Detail past responsibilities and show how you deliver excellent client service, sell hair products, and drive revenue to the salon. If you have limited experience in the cosmetology field, highlight internship experiences and training.

Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience

What if you don’t have experience?

Whether you went to cosmetology school or studied as an apprentice, your education is your biggest asset. For entry-level hairstylists, starting your resume with an overview of your academic history and a list of key skills is a great strategy. Describe the hands-on experience, technical knowledge, and interpersonal skills gained during this time.

If you’ve done volunteer work or styled hair for your friends and family, this time, honing your skills is just as valuable, and you can include it. Beyond your hair-specific endeavors, use any customer service or sales experience to your advantage. Working with customers in any setting provides an opportunity to learn about things like communication, upselling, and teamwork.

4. Include relevant education and certifications

If you attended a beauty institute, list this first and provide details on where and when you attended. Follow this with your highest level of education, including the degree or diploma name, dates of attendance, and name of the school.

To work legally as a hairstylist, you must obtain a state license before you can take on any clients. Remember to provide information on your license and any further certifications or training that could set you apart from other hairstylists.

5. List pertinent key skills

Most organizations rely on some form of ATS to identify qualified candidates for job openings. To get your resume through the initial screening process and into the hiring manager’s hands, incorporate keywords from the job description directly into your profile, professional experience, and skills section. Below are key terms and skills that you may encounter while applying for hairstylist positions:

Resume writer’s tip: Use common action verbs

It can be a challenge to describe your work history without sounding repetitive and vague, but action verbs can help you clearly articulate your past job descriptions. Start each bullet point of the professional experience section with one of these dynamic words. This will frame your everyday duties as accomplishments and show you were an active member of the salon or styling team. Use action verbs like the ones below to polish up your hairstylist resume:

How To Pick the Best Hairstylist Resume Template

When selecting your hairstylist resume template, prioritize structure and readability over visual appeal. Avoid loud graphics and overbearing colors, and instead focus on a clean design that showcases your content in an organized way. Keep in mind hiring managers will always be more interested in your achievements and qualifications than the style of your template.

Hairstylist Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates

Frequently Asked Questions: Hairstylist Resume Examples and Advice

How do you align your resume with a hairstylist job description?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for hairstylists, barbers, and cosmetology professionals are projected to grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average for most occupations. This growth is primarily driven by a demand for basic hair care and specialty services such as hair coloring, straightening, and advanced hair treatments.

Although these projections are highly optimistic, you must align your resume with the job description to secure interviews for the most lucrative opportunities. The salon field can be competitive, and tailoring your document to individual job postings will significantly increase your chances of landing your next job opportunity.

For example, suppose a company is looking for a hairstylist who specializes in hair extensions. In this case, highlight your knowledge and certification to deliver hair extension services.

What is the best hairstylist resume format?

Reverse chronological format is ideal for most resumes, including those for hairstylists. This approach ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is featured at the top of your document. Even at the entry level, avoid functional resume formats. If you lack hands-on experience, your resume will still be more effective if you highlight training and customer service skills, which are essential for hairdressers.

What skills should I put on my hairstylist resume?

Your hairstylist resume should demonstrate your strong communication skills, ability to build rapport with clients, artistic nature, and friendly demeanor. Ultimately, you’re in the customer service business. Your resume should quantify your success in this capacity by noting customer service ratings, client retention rates, and the ability to build a strong book of business.

How do I make my hairstylist resume stand out?

Make your hairstylist resume stand out by highlighting achievements, demonstrating the value you bring to salons by incorporating numbers, data, and keywords that align with the job description. Begin with a compelling profile summary, detail your accomplishments in the professional experience section, list relevant skills, and include your education and certifications.

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Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.