Best Hair Stylist Resume Examples For 2025 (Template & Guide)

Edit This Example

Hair Stylist Resume: Choose a Format

The first step to creating a hair stylist resume that gets noticed is to choose a resume format.

Choosing the right format is the key to showcasing your hairstyling skills and experience in the best possible way.

You can choose from three resume formats for a hairstylist: chronological, functional or combination.

Chronological Resumes for Hair Stylists

Chronological resumes serve as a chronological timeline of your hairstyling career, spotlighting your extensive experience and career progression.

This format is a perfect fit for seasoned stylists with a rich history of creating stunning looks and cultivating a loyal clientele.

A chronological format lists your work history in reverse chronological order so potential employers can easily see your expertise and career growth over time.

Each job entry will include your job title, employer’s name, and the dates of employment.

Then, under each job listed, you provide details about your responsibilities and accomplishments to provide a complete picture of your abilities and qualifications.

Chronological resumes are the most common format choice and are highly compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Edit This Example

Functional Resumes for Hair Stylists

Functional resumes shift the focus to your skills and achievements, making them ideal for showcasing expertise in specific hairstyling techniques or specialties.

This format works exceptionally well for freelancers or those just beginning their career as a stylist, allowing you to emphasize your competencies rather than relying solely on your work history.

Highlighting key skills helps potential employers quickly identify your strengths, making this format especially beneficial for those with specialized hair styling skills like creating bridal looks, working with extensions, or experience with different hair textures or styles.

A functional resume format can work well for a hairstylist. However, it is important to note that this format is incompatible with applicant tracking systems, and some employers might prefer a more detailed work history.

Combination Resumes for Hair Stylists

Combination resumes offer the best of both worlds, blending chronological and functional elements. This format allows you to spotlight your skills while also showcasing your career timeline.

It’s an excellent choice for stylists with some relevant work history aiming to emphasize specific achievements alongside their overall experience.

If you want to showcase your skill set and highlight key milestones in your hairstyling journey, a combination resume provides a balanced approach, making it suitable for stylists with a diverse job history.

Edit This Example

Choosing a Resume Format

Choosing the right format for your level of experience is crucial for making your resume stand out. If you are having a difficult time deciding which format is best for you, most experts recommend a chronological resume format.

A chronological format is familiar to potential employers and is ATS-friendly, increasing the chances of getting your resume into the hands of a hiring manager.

Even if you lack relevant experience, you can customize your resume to align with your unique career journey and shine in the competitive world of hair styling.

For example, even if your previous work experience is not in a hair salon, you can emphasize how that job taught you skills that are also valuable to hair stylists.

Edit This Example

How to Write a Hair Stylist Resume

Once you have chosen a resume format, you are ready to write an exceptional hair stylist resume. Our step-by-step guide will provide insights to help you showcase your skills and experience effectively.

Your hair stylist resume will consist of five key sections:

• • • • • Contact Information
        • Resume Summary or Objective Statement
        • Work History
        • Skills
        • Education

Once you have created those five sections, you can also consider additional sections like certifications, awards, or linking to an online portfolio.

Edit This Example

Summary or Objective

Next, you will create a brief introduction to your resume by writing either a resume summary or an objective statement.

Crafting an impactful summary or objective is crucial in presenting your unique style and expertise as a hairstylist.

If you have extensive experience, opt for a compelling hairstylist resume summary that emphasizes your career journey and key strengths. In a concise 2-3 sentences, describe your level of expertise and your most relevant skills.

Here is an example of a resume summary for a hairstylist resume:

“Versatile and creative hair stylist with over 8 years of experience creating trendsetting looks. Proven expertise in precision cutting and color techniques, dedicated to exceeding client expectations. Adept at staying current with industry trends to deliver exceptional results.”

Alternatively, if you’re just starting your career as a stylist, consider a hairstylist objective statement that conveys your passion for hair styling and your commitment to growth.

Here’s an example of an impressive objective statement for a hairstylist resume:

“Eager and skilled hair stylist seeking an opportunity to bring creativity and flair to a dynamic salon environment. Trained in the latest trends and committed to providing exceptional client experiences. Seeking a position where I can contribute my passion for hairstyling and continuously enhance my skills.”

To make your hairstylist resume ATS-friendly, customize your summary or objective statement for each job you apply to by incorporating keywords from the job description and mentioning your most relevant skills.

Edit This Example

Work History

The work history section is your canvas to showcase your hairstyling experience and accomplishments.

Start with your most recent job, and work backward to create a detailed list of your previous job experience. Each job entry should include the following information:

• • • • • Job Title
        • Name of Employer
        • City and State
        • Dates of Employment

Then, beneath each job entry, use bulleted sentences to highlight your contributions to client satisfaction, business growth, and any awards or recognitions you have received.

To create a work history section that grabs a reader’s attention, use strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities.

For example, using words like improved, performed, implemented and created will demonstrate your impact as a stylist.

Most importantly, quantify your achievements wherever possible, providing a clear picture of your value to potential employers.

For example, don’t just say you have “a loyal client base.” Instead, provide numbers demonstrating your value, “Provides exceptional service to a loyal client base of over 50 regular customers.”

Your work history section provides valuable information to potential employers, so focus on relevant details to get the job you want!

Here is an example of what the work history section of a hairstylist resume could look like:

Senior Hairstylist
Glamour Locks Salon
Miami, FL | June 2020 – Present

• • • • • Spearheaded the introduction of a new digital booking system, increasing client bookings by 30%.

• • • • • Developed and implemented a training program for junior stylists, improving overall team skill levels and customer satisfaction.

• • • • • Received the “Stylist of the Year” award in 2022 for outstanding client service and creativity.

• • • • • Manages and provides exceptional service to a loyal client base of over 70 regular customers, focusing on personalized styling and color treatments.

Edit This Example

Skills

Next, you will craft a dedicated skills section to showcase your expertise as a hairstylist. Include your top hard skills like cutting and hair coloring and crucial soft skills like creativity and teamwork.

We have compiled a list of the top hard and soft skills for a hairstylist resume for inspiration, though remember to always tailor to the job description so that employers know your most relevant skills.

Top 5 Hard Skills for Hair Stylist Resumes

• • • • • Precision Cutting: Showcase your mastery in creating precise and personalized haircuts. This skill is essential for achieving flawless and tailored hairstyles that meet each client’s unique preferences. It reflects your attention to detail and commitment to delivering exceptional results, making it a crucial inclusion on your resume.

• • • • • Color Expertise: Demonstrate proficiency in various coloring techniques, emphasizing your ability to transform hair with various colors. Whether it’s highlights, balayage, or creative color applications, showcasing your color expertise highlights your versatility as a hairstylist.

• • • • • Client Communication: Highlight your exceptional ability to understand and fulfill client expectations through effective communication. Clear and empathetic communication is key in the hairstyling industry, ensuring clients leave satisfied and return for future services. This skill showcases your dedication to providing each client with a personalized and enjoyable experience, contributing to client retention.

• • • • • Trend Awareness: Demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the dynamic world of fashion and beauty. This skill showcases your passion for the industry and positions you as a stylist who can offer clients the latest and most sought-after trends. Being trend-aware enhances your credibility and appeals to clients seeking contemporary and fashionable styles.

• • • • • Product Knowledge: Display an in-depth understanding of hair care products, emphasizing your ability to recommend and use the right products for each client’s hair type and needs. This skill showcases your expertise in maintaining hair health and positions you as a knowledgeable professional who can provide valuable advice on home care. Including product knowledge on your resume adds a layer of professionalism and client-centered service.

Top 5 Soft Skills for Hair Stylist Resumes

• • • • • Creativity: Highlight your ability to envision and execute unique styles, showcasing your creativity in crafting personalized looks for each client. This skill is crucial for standing out in a competitive market and offering clients innovative and trendsetting hairstyles that align with their individual preferences.

• • • • • Time Management: Emphasize your efficiency in handling appointments and multitasking within a salon environment. Strong time management skills ensure smooth operations, preventing delays and contributing to a positive experience for clients and salon staff. This skill reflects your professionalism and commitment to providing timely and reliable services.

• • • • • Team Collaboration: Showcase your ability to work seamlessly with salon staff and colleagues. Effective collaboration contributes to a harmonious salon environment, fostering teamwork and ensuring a cohesive client experience. This skill is essential in a salon where collaboration enhances overall service quality and client satisfaction.

• • • • • Adaptability: Highlight your quick adaptability to new styles and techniques, showcasing your openness to embracing change in the dynamic hairstyling industry. This skill positions you as a stylist who can effortlessly incorporate the latest trends and techniques into your repertoire, appealing to clients seeking a stylist who stays ahead of the curve.

• • • • • Client Relationship Building: Demonstrate your capability to cultivate lasting connections with clients beyond the salon chair. Building strong client relationships contributes to customer loyalty, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth referrals. This skill reflects your dedication to creating a personalized and memorable experience for each client, which is essential for long-term success in the hairstyling profession.

To craft an excellent hair stylist resume, showcase your most impressive and relevant skills.

Include both hard and soft skills to create a compelling skills section that reflects your expertise. Tailor this section to each job description to show your alignment with the role.

Edit This Example

Education

Next, you will provide your educational background, including beauty school or relevant certifications. List your degree, school name, and location. For example, your education section may look like this:

Associate of Applied Science: Cosmetology
David Pressley School of Cosmetology, Royal Oak, MI

You can also include licenses, relevant certifications, workshops or other training in your education section. However, you can also create a separate section for that information, see below for more details!

Additional Sections

Once you have completed the five key sections of your resume, if space allows, you can consider adding sections like:

• • • • • Portfolio: Consider providing a link to an online portfolio showcasing photos of your best work to let employers see your hairstyling abilities.

• • • • • Continuing Education: Highlight workshops or courses attended to demonstrate your commitment to keeping your hairstyling skills up to date.

• • • • • Certifications: If you hold a certificate that validates your specialized hairstyling skills, create a separate section on your resume to showcase your commitment to professional excellence.

Top Certifications For Hair Stylists

Including your industry certifications will elevate your hairstylist resume by demonstrating your talents, abilities, and professionalism.

Some top certifications for a hair stylist include:

• • • • • American Board of Certified Haircolorists (ABCH): Establishing oneself as a Board Certified Haircolorist gives potential clients the ability to select you as a fully qualified, tested haircolorist – an expert in your field.

• • • • • Keratin Complex Pro Certification: Prove your ability to provide revenue-boosting keratin hair smoothing treatments to eliminate frizz, increase manageability and repair damage.

• • • • • ABA BarberSAFE Certification: Validate your experience cutting short hair and knowledge of industry best practices.

Edit This Example

8 Tips For Writing A Hair Stylist Resume

Tailor your resume to the specific salon or job description: Carefully study the salon’s values, clientele, and unique requirements. Then, customize your resume to align with the salon’s aesthetic and the hairstylist job description.

This tailored approach not only demonstrates your genuine interest in the hairstylist position but also increases your chances of standing out among other applicants.

Highlight your specialties and expertise: Emphasize your cutting, coloring, or styling talents by dedicating a section of your resume to showcase your proficiency in each area. Provide detailed examples of your skills in precision cutting, various coloring techniques, and trendsetting styles.

This approach ensures that potential employers quickly grasp the depth of your hairstyling expertise, making you stand out as a candidate.

Showcase a diverse range of hairstyles in your portfolio: Illustrate your versatility and ability to cater to various client preferences. Include photos demonstrating your mastery in creating different looks, from classic and timeless styles to trendy and avant-garde designs.

A diverse portfolio captures attention and assures potential clients that you can fulfill their unique hairstyling needs.

Quantify achievements: Include numbers and percentages, such as client satisfaction scores or business growth, to provide tangible evidence of your impact. For instance, mention the percentage increase in client satisfaction during your tenure or the growth in business revenue attributable to your contributions.

Quantifying achievements adds credibility to your resume, emphasizing your ability to deliver measurable results.

Use action verbs: Instead of simply listing hairstyling duties, employ verbs like “revitalized,” “innovated,” or “executed” to convey your active role in each accomplishment.

Using strong verbs enhances your resume’s readability and paints a vivid picture of your contributions and achievements in each hairstylist position or related role.

Include relevant keywords from the job description: Use keywords to ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Identify key terms from the job description and related to the hairstyling industry, salon requirements, and the specific role you are applying for.

This strategy optimizes your resume for ATS, increasing the likelihood of it being noticed by potential employers.

Demonstrate exceptional client communication skills: Highlight instances where you effectively understood and fulfilled client expectations. Mention how you actively listened to clients’ preferences, provided expert advice, and ensured their satisfaction with the final result.

Effective client communication is integral to building trust and repeat business in hairstyling.

Choose a visually appealing resume template: Use a clean and professional layout to ensure your hairstylist resume is attractive and easy to read. Consider a creative or modern resume template and Use a consistent font throughout, maintain proper spacing, and use bullet points for easy readability.

A visually appealing resume captures attention and reflects your attention to detail – a trait valued in the hairstyling profession where aesthetic appeal and precision are key.