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Table of contents

Hair stylist resume examples
Choose the right resume format for your hair stylist resume
How to write a hair stylist resume in 5 simple steps
Include a cover letter
Key takeaways for your hair stylist resume
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

As a skilled hairstylist, you’re an expert in creating the perfect look for every client, understanding the latest trends in hair fashion and bringing out the best in each person who sits in your chair.

But, putting all of that talent and experience into a resume that catches the eye of salon managers and clients might seem tricky, right?

Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you might expect, even if you haven’t updated your resume in a while.

Explore our guide to learn how to put together a resume that captures your hairstyling flair and expertise.

This guide will offer:

Hairstylist resume samples for various stages in your career.
Guidance on choosing the best resume format and template for you.
A step-by-step approach to creating an impactful resume.
Advice on drafting a cover letter that enhances your resume.
Essential resume-writing tips to help you land your next hairstyling role.

Eager to start on your resume now? Visit our AI Resume Builder for customizable templates and options to download your resume in various formats, all designed to showcase the unique skills of hairstylists.

Hair stylist resume examples

Entry-level hair stylist resume example

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What makes this a great resume example?

Eye-catching design
The resume features a visually appealing design that captures the creative essence of hairstyling. Its striking layout is designed to grab the attention of recruiters and salon managers.
Skills-centric format
This candidate uses a functional format, emphasizing skills over experience. It’s divided into three sections dedicated to showcasing the candidate’s hairstyling abilities, client service skills and technical knowledge.
Inclusion of language skills
This resume highlights the candidate’s proficiency in Spanish, demonstrating their ability to communicate with a diverse client base.

Experienced hair stylist resume example

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What makes this a great resume example?

Skills-infused professional summary
The summary section skillfully intertwines the candidate’s expertise in various aspects of hairstyling, from product knowledge to the latest trends.
Detailed chronological experience
The resume showcases substantial work history in a chronological format, using bullet points to highlight specific achievements and contributions in previous roles.
Licenses section
A dedicated section for professional licenses confirms the candidate’s qualifications and legal eligibility to practice hairstyling in their state.

Looking for a different resume example? Here are some other examples that might interest you:

Browse other popular samples

Hairstylist Cover Letters

Choose the right resume format for your hair stylist resume

Before you start writing your resume, it’s important to pick the right format.

A resume format organizes your content to emphasize different strengths, and the best choice depends on your professional experience and how you want to highlight your hairstyling skills.

Let’s look at the three main types:

Chronological resume: Ideal for hairstylists with a clear, progressive career path in the beauty industry. This format showcases your growth and experience in hairstyling and salon management.
Functional resume: Great for those transitioning into hairstyling or returning after a break. It emphasizes your skills and key achievements more than your work history.
Combination resume: Merges the chronological and functional formats, offering a comprehensive view of your skills, experiences and professional achievements in hairstyling.

Remember, readability is crucial. Choose a resume font that’s clear and professional, and ensure your layout has enough space and standard margins. Avoid tiny fonts or cluttered designs.

Now, let’s talk about styling your resume.

Choose a hair stylist resume template

Create your resume

For hairstylists, your resume template is as important as its content.

In the hairstyling field, you have the freedom to choose from a variety of creative resume styles:

Creative templates: Reflect your flair for style and innovation in hairstyling with a fun and artistic resume template.
Modern templates: Opt for sophisticated and sleek designs that showcase your professionalism and up-to-date industry knowledge.

Your chosen style should mirror your personal brand and appeal to the salons or beauty establishments you’re aiming for.

Regardless of the template, clarity is essential. Your skills and significant accomplishments should be immediately noticeable to anyone reviewing your resume.

Next, we’ll guide you through each resume section to ensure your skills and experiences are presented compellingly.

How to write a hair stylist resume in 5 simple steps

Creating a standout resume is crucial, and it’s not just about design — the content is key. Let’s break down how to craft an impressive hairstylist resume in five simple steps.

Step 1

Understand the job listing

Tailoring your resume is like selecting the right hair treatment for a client. First, pinpoint the specific skills and experiences the salon or employer is looking for.

Why does this matter? Salons often use systems to filter through applications. They’re looking for certain keywords that match their needs.

Your guide here is the job listing. It’s like a recipe for the perfect hairstyle. Look for terms specific to hairstyling like “color techniques,” “customer service” and “styling skills.” Include these keywords throughout your resume, especially in your summary, skills and experience sections.

This step might seem small, but it’s the difference between a good resume and a truly ATS-friendly resume.

Step 2

Craft a compelling summary or objective

Start with a clear, engaging resume profile. Choose between a professional summary and a resume objective based on your experience.

If you have a wealth of hairstyling experience, go for a professional summary. It’s the ideal place to highlight your best skills and major successes.

If you’re new to the profession, a resume objective is more suitable. It should showcase your goals and how your skills can benefit the salon.

Here are examples of both:

Experienced hair stylist professional summary example:

Seasoned hairstylist with over 10 years in the industry, known for advanced color techniques and exceptional customer service. A track record of increasing client retention and mentoring junior stylists. Excited to bring my creative styling skills and expertise in hair care to Salon XYZ.

Entry-level hair stylist resume objective example:

Newly licensed hairstylist with comprehensive training in hair cutting, coloring and styling. Eager to apply my learned techniques and excellent customer service skills in a dynamic salon environment. Motivated to grow and contribute positively to the Salon XYZ team.

Step 3

Highlight a mix of skills

In the hairstyling industry, salons and employers look for a mix of technical (hard) and interpersonal (soft) skills.

Hard skills are technical skills related to your measurable abilities and knowledge in hairstyling. This could include expertise in hair-cutting techniques, color application or familiarity with various styling tools.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are the personal attributes that affect how you interact with clients and colleagues. For example, customer service, creativity and effective communication are key.

Balancing hard and soft skills is vital for a well-rounded hairstylist profile.

Common hairstylist skills include:

Hard Skills

Advanced cutting techniques
Expertise in color and highlights
Knowledge of hair treatments
Styling for various occasions
Use of hairstyling tools

Soft Skills

Excellent customer service
Creative problem-solving
Effective communication
Flexibility and adaptability
Time management

Example of a hairstylist skills section:

Proficient in modern and classic hair-cutting techniques
Skilled in color application
Excellent at building rapport with clients
Creative in styling
Efficient time management

Pro tip

Include your knowledge of salon software and digital appointment systems by mentioning computer skills. In today’s tech-driven salon environment, familiarity with these tools can give you an edge.

Step 4

Craft a strong employment history section

For experienced stylists, the work history section is key.

Make sure it’s clear and concise, as salon managers often have limited time for each resume. Bullet points are great for spotlighting key achievements.

Example employment section for a hairstylist:

Senior Stylist, Chic Salon
New York, NY
June 2015 – Present

Spearheaded a salon-wide initiative to introduce organic hair products, boosting client satisfaction by 25%.
Cultivate a loyal client base, consistently receiving high ratings for service and expertise.
Mentor junior stylists, enhancing team skills and salon reputation.
Implement innovative styling techniques and increase salon’s social media visibility.
Manage inventory and product ordering, reducing costs by 15%.

Pro tip

Use dynamic action verbs like “spearheaded,” “cultivated” and “implemented” in your employment history. These words add energy to your resume, painting you as a proactive and accomplished hairstylist.

Step 5

Outline your education

In your resume, the education section is where you display your hairstyling qualifications and relevant certifications.

For hairstylists, this usually includes formal training from a cosmetology school or beauty academy, followed by licensure in your state. If you’ve completed specialized courses in areas like advanced coloring techniques or unique styling methods, be sure to include them.

Example of an education section for a hairstylist:

Education:

Diploma in Cosmetology
Elite Beauty School
Los Angeles, CA

High School Diploma
Lincoln High School
Portland, OR

Certifications:

State Licensed Cosmetologist
Certified Hair Color Specialist

Pro tip

If you’ve participated in any additional workshops or seminars that add to your hairstyling expertise, include them. This shows your commitment to staying updated with the latest trends and techniques in the industry.

Optional sections for your resume

Professional associations

Being part of professional hairstyling associations demonstrates your commitment to the industry and your passion for staying current and connected.

Example of a professional associations section:

Member of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA).
Participant in the National Cosmetologists Association.

Volunteer experience

Including volunteer work, especially if it’s related to hairstyling or community service, shows a well-rounded character and a dedication to using your skills for a good cause.

Example of a volunteer experience section:

Volunteered hairstyling services at local shelters for the homeless.
Provided free haircuts and styling for cancer patients and survivors at charity events.

Hobbies and interests

Your hobbies or interests, particularly if they are related to fashion, beauty or creativity, can add a personal touch to your resume and highlight your artistic side.

Example of a hobbies section:

Enthusiastic about fashion photography and trends.
Active blogger on hair care tips and styling tutorials.

Languages

Fluency in multiple languages can be a great asset in a salon setting, allowing you to communicate effectively with a diverse clientele.

Example of a languages section:

Fluent in English and Spanish
Basic proficiency in French

Include a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Before sending off your hairstylist application, don’t forget to add a cover letter.

Even when they aren’t required, cover letters can give you the space to elaborate on experiences that your resume might only touch on.

For instance, you could share a particular styling project you’re proud of or discuss how you’ve excelled in customer service. If there’s a gap in your employment or a shift in your career path, the cover letter is an ideal spot to explain that, showing how these experiences have enhanced your skills in hairstyling.

Starting with a basic cover letter template can help structure your thoughts. For more inspiration, check out other hairstylists’ cover letter examples. Also, using a cover letter builder can make the process smoother and more cohesive.

Together, your cover letter and resume will comprehensively showcase your talents, dedication and passion for hairstyling.

Key takeaways for your hair stylist resume

Customize your resume for each salon

Adapt all sections of your resume for each hairstyling job, including your professional summary, skills and work history.
Choose the right format

Decide what you want to highlight in your hairstylist resume — your skills, experience or a blend of both — and pick a template that best showcases your strengths.
Provide specific details

Use specific information from the salon’s job posting rather than generic terms. This ensures your resume aligns with what the employer is looking for.
Include a mix of hard and soft skills

Being a hairstylist requires a balance of practical hairstyling skills and interpersonal abilities. Ensure your resume reflects this range.
Demonstrate the impact of your work

Salons want to see the real-world impact of your hairstyling work. In your experience section, use specific examples to show how your influence boosted client satisfaction and promoted repeat business.
Select a stylish design

While hairstyling is a creative field, professionalism is key. Choose a resume design that’s both stylish and professional, matching your personal brand.
Include a cover letter

A personalized cover letter can make your application stand out. Dedicate time to crafting a letter that expresses your enthusiasm for hairstyling.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

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Don is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than 10 years’ experience creating digital content, including four years helping job seekers develop their careers. He holds an M.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University.