As a hair stylist, the resume you present can play a vital role in determining whether or not you land your next job. With a profession as competitive and creative as hair styling, your resume needs to effectively showcase your skills, experience, and achievements to stand out from the sea of applicants. A good hair stylist resume not only demonstrates your ability to provide quality hair services to clients, but also highlights your unique style, commitment to customer service, and willingness to stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques.

In this article, we’ll explore 5 of the best hair stylist resume examples to help guide you in crafting an exceptional resume for your next job application. Whether you’re a seasoned hair stylist or just beginning your career, these examples will provide inspiration and insight into what makes a winning hair stylist resume. We’ll cover key elements to include in your resume such as relevant work experience, education and training, certifications and licenses, and additional skills and achievements. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to create a standout hair stylist resume that truly represents your unique strengths and abilities.

So, whether you’re looking for your first hair styling job, or you’re ready to take your career to the next level, keep reading to discover the 5 best hair stylist resume examples and how to use them as a springboard for success!

Understanding the Basics of a Hair Stylist Resume

As a hair stylist, crafting an impressive resume that stands out from the competition can be a crucial first step towards landing the job of your dreams. To be effective, your resume should be well-structured and showcase your skills and experience in a clear, concise manner.

Key components of a hair stylist resume

To ensure your resume catches the eye of hiring managers, there are several essential components that you should include, such as:

A professional summary that briefly summarizes your skills and experience
Your education and relevant certifications
Details on your work experience, including the name of the salon you worked in, job title, and your responsibilities
A list of your technical skills (e.g., hair cutting, coloring, and styling)
Your unique selling points, such as a portfolio of your work or awards you’ve received

Keep in mind that your resume should highlight your achievements and what sets you apart from other candidates. Quantifying your results with statistics, such as increased profits or customer retention rates, can be a powerful way to demonstrate your value.

How to structure your resume effectively

The structure of your resume is equally important as its content. Your resume should be visually appealing and easy to read, with clear headings and bullet points to break up the text.

Consider using a template that incorporates modern design trends and customization options, or hiring a professional to help you design a tailored resume that showcases your skills in the best possible light.

When implementing your resume structure, organize your information in reverse chronological order, with your most recent work experience appearing first. This format highlights your most relevant and recent experience, making it easier for recruiters to assess the value you can bring to their organization.

An effective hair stylist resume should be well-structured, visually appealing, and highlight your key qualifications and achievements. By including the key components, using an effective structure, and taking the time to customize your resume, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Description

One of the most essential steps to land your dream hair stylist job is customizing your resume to fit the job description. Employers typically receive many applications, and a generic resume might not be enough to capture their attention.

Understanding the Employer’s Needs and Requirements

The first step in tailoring your resume to the job description is understanding what the employer needs and requires. You need to study the job description carefully, analyze the qualifications, and identify the key requirements.

Some employers might emphasize academic qualifications, while others might be more interested in practical experience. Others might require specific skills, such as color correction, precision haircutting, or textured styling.

Understanding the employer’s needs and requirements is crucial because it helps you highlight the most relevant skills and qualifications in your resume.

How to Customize Your Resume for the Job

Once you have understood the employer’s needs and requirements, it’s time to customize your resume to match them. Here are some tips:

Tailor your professional summary: Your professional summary should be specific to the job you are applying for. Emphasize your key skills, achievements, and experience that match the job requirements.
Highlight relevant experience: Review your work history and select the experiences that align with the job description. Include specific examples of your achievements that demonstrate your skills.
Showcase your skills: Use bullet points to present your skills, and make sure they match the employer’s requirements. Use keywords that are relevant to the job.
Add relevant certifications and training: If you have any certifications or training that are relevant to the job, include them in your resume.
Use the right format: Use a format that makes it easy for the employer to read and scan your resume. Use headings, bullet points, and white space effectively.

By customizing your hair stylist resume to match the job description, you demonstrate that you understand the employer’s needs and requirements. This makes your application stand out and increases your chances of getting hired.

Top 5 Hair Stylist Resume Examples

In order to stand out among the competition and showcase your skills to potential employers, it’s important to have a well-crafted resume that presents your expertise and experience in an effective way. Here are the top 5 hair stylist resume examples that we recommend:

Example 1: Entry-Level Hair Stylist

If you’re just starting out in the industry, your main focus should be on highlighting your education and any relevant training or certifications you have received. Additionally, be sure to include any relevant work experience you may have, even if it’s not directly related to hair styling.

Example 2: Experienced Hair Stylist

For those who have been in the industry for a while, emphasize your work history and be sure to include any specific skills you have acquired over the years. Also, list any notable achievements or accolades you have received, such as awards or recognition from industry organizations.

Example 3: Salon Manager Resume

For those who have risen to the level of salon manager, your resume should highlight your leadership and organizational skills. Emphasize any experience you have in managing staff, overseeing daily operations, and achieving revenue targets.

Example 4: Freelance Hair Stylist Resume

If you operate as a freelance hair stylist, your resume should emphasize your ability to work independently and manage your own business. Be sure to highlight any experience you have in marketing and branding yourself, and include references and testimonials from satisfied clients.

Example 5: Creative Hair Stylist Resume

For the more artistic and creatively inclined hair stylists out there, your resume should present you as a visionary and innovator in the industry. Include examples of your work, including styled photographs and testimonials from clients who were satisfied with your unique creations.

No matter which of these examples best represents your own skills and experience, remember that the key to a successful hair stylist resume is to present yourself as a knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate professional in the field.

Crafting an Eye-Catching Summary Statement

When it comes to creating a hair stylist resume, the summary statement is often the first thing that potential employers read. It provides an overview of your skills, experience, and qualifications in just a few sentences. Therefore, it’s crucial to craft an eye-catching summary statement that will make a lasting impression.

What a summary statement is and why it matters

The summary statement is a brief introduction to your resume that highlights your most relevant qualifications and accomplishments. It’s typically placed at the top of the document, just below your contact information. This statement serves as a hook to grab the attention of hiring managers and convince them to continue reading your resume. Without a strong summary statement, your resume may end up in the “no” pile, regardless of how impressive your experience and qualifications are.

Tips for creating a compelling summary statement

Crafting an effective summary statement can be a challenge, but it’s essential to put in the effort to make it stand out. Here are some tips to help you create a summary statement that will make a great impression:

Be clear and concise: Your summary statement should be brief and to the point. Avoid using jargon or buzzwords that may be unfamiliar to the reader. Instead, focus on using simple, straightforward language to clearly state your qualifications and accomplishments.
Highlight your strengths: Your summary statement should emphasize your most relevant skills and experiences. Consider what sets you apart from other hair stylists, and use this information to showcase your unique value proposition.
Customize for each job: While it’s tempting to create one generic summary statement to use for all job applications, taking the time to customize your statement for each position will make a big difference. Research the job requirements and tailor your summary statement to match the employer’s needs.
Use action verbs: Action verbs are a great way to add energy and excitement to your summary statement. Use verbs like “achieved,” “created,” “managed,” and “developed” to highlight your accomplishments and show that you are a proactive and results-driven professional.
Keep it professional: While it’s important to showcase your personality and style, remember that your summary statement is a professional document. Avoid using slang or informal language that may come across as unprofessional. Instead, focus on conveying your qualifications and accomplishments in a clear and concise way.

By following these tips, you can create a summary statement that will make a lasting impression on potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired. Remember that your summary statement is the first thing that a hiring manager will read, so make sure it’s compelling enough to convince them to keep reading.

Showcase Your Hair Styling Skills

As a hair stylist, showcasing your skills is essential in getting noticed by potential employers. In this section, we will discuss the skills that employers look for in hair stylists and how to highlight these skills on your resume.

Skills Employers Look For

Hair styling is a competitive industry, and employers are always on the lookout for candidates with the right set of skills. Here are some of the most sought-after skills for hair stylists:

Technical ability: Employers want hair stylists who can cut, color, and style hair with precision and mastery.
Creativity: Being able to come up with unique and appealing hairstyles is a must for hair stylists.
Customer service: Good communication skills, patience, and the ability to work with a wide range of personalities are crucial for providing excellent customer service.
Time management: Hair stylists need to be efficient with their time to ensure that clients are not kept waiting and appointments are not delayed.
Knowledge of trends: Employers prefer hair stylists who have a good grasp of current hair trends and can provide clients with the latest styles.

Highlighting Your Skills

When it comes to your resume, highlighting your hair styling skills is essential. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Tailor your resume: Customize your resume to the job you’re applying for by highlighting the skills that match the requirements of the position.
Use action verbs: Instead of saying “responsible for cutting hair,” use active verbs like “developed” or “created” to showcase your skills.
Quantify your achievements: If you increased salon revenue or improved customer satisfaction, include those accomplishments on your resume with specific numbers.
Include a skills section: Use a skills section to list your hair styling skills, including technical ability, creativity, customer service, time management, and knowledge of trends.
Showcase your portfolio: If you have a portfolio of your work, include it with your resume to demonstrate your skills visually.

By following these tips, you are sure to make your resume stand out to potential employers and showcase your hair styling skills in the best possible light.

Listing Your Work Experience

Your work experience section is one of the most critical parts of your hair stylist resume. This section showcases your past work history and illustrates to the hiring manager the knowledge and expertise you have gained in the industry. Here are some essential tips for listing your work experience:

Tips for Listing Your Work Experience

Reverse-chronological order: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job first. This structure demonstrates a clear career progression and highlights your most current skills and achievements.
Include all relevant experience: Include all relevant experience in the hair and beauty industry, even if it’s not a traditional salon job. This could include freelance work, internship experience, or work on film or theater productions.
Use strong action verbs: Use strong action verbs to showcase your achievements and responsibilities in your previous positions. For example, use words like “managed,” “created,” and “developed” rather than “worked on” or “assisted with.”
Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to demonstrate the impact you had in your previous roles. For example, if you increased sales by a certain percentage or trained a certain number of new stylists, include these metrics in your resume.
Tailor your experience to the job: Tailor your experience to the specific job you’re applying for by highlighting skills and experience that match the job posting. This helps you stand out to the hiring manager and demonstrates that you have the right qualifications for the role.

What to Include and What to Leave Out

When it comes to listing your work experience, it’s important to strike the right balance between including all relevant experience and keeping your resume concise and targeted. Here’s what to include and what to leave out:

Include

Your job title, the salon or employer name, and the dates you worked there
A brief description of your key responsibilities and achievements in each role
The skills and experience you gained in each position that are relevant to the job you’re applying for
Any awards, honors, or recognitions you received in your previous roles

Leave Out

Non-relevant work experience, such as positions outside of the hair and beauty industry
Irrelevant skills or achievements that don’t demonstrate your ability to perform in the job you’re applying for
Excessive detail or unnecessary information that clutters your resume

By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a strong work experience section that highlights your expertise as a hair stylist and sets you apart from other applicants.

Education and Certifications

Why it’s important to include your education and certifications

As a hair stylist, your education and certifications are important to showcase on your resume. This information demonstrates your level of expertise, training, and knowledge within the field. Employers are looking for candidates who have invested in their education and are committed to staying up-to-date on the latest techniques and trends in the industry. Additionally, certain states or regions may require hair stylists to hold specific licenses or certifications.

Including your education and certifications on your resume can also help you stand out from other candidates. It shows that you have taken the time and effort to develop your skills and knowledge beyond on-the-job experience.

How to present this information on your resume

When presenting your education and certifications on your resume, list them in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Be sure to include the institution, degree or certification earned, and the date it was earned. If you are still in the process of obtaining a degree or certification, include the expected completion date.

Here is an example of how to present your education and certifications on your resume:

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Cosmetology, XYZ University, June 2020

Certifications:

Certified Hair Colorist, American Board of Certified Hair Colorists, May 2021
Certified Hair Extension Specialist, Hair Extension Academy, December 2020

Remember, including your education and certifications on your resume can make a difference in catching the attention of potential employers. Be sure to present this information clearly and accurately.

References and Recommendations

As a hair stylist, your work speaks volumes about your skills and experience. But, relying on that alone may not be enough when it comes to getting hired for a new position. This is where references and recommendations come in handy.

Having solid references and positive recommendations from previous employers or satisfied clients is crucial to boosting your credibility as a candidate. They serve as a verification of your abilities, work ethic, and professionalism, and help hiring managers feel more confident in their decision to hire you.

Here’s how you can include references and recommendations on your resume:

Make a separate section: It’s best to create a separate section on your resume for references and recommendations. This way, they can be easily found and accessed by the hiring manager.
Choose the right format: There are two popular formats for references and recommendations- contact information and letter overview. Contact information usually includes the name, designation, company, and contact information of your references, while letter overview includes a brief paragraph praising your skills and work ethic.
Select your references with care: Always choose references who can vouch for your skills and professionalism. This can be previous employers, supervisors, or clients who have worked with you directly. Make sure to ask for their permission before adding their information to your resume.
Get recommendations: Reach out to past clients or colleagues who can provide a letter or recommendation. You can also ask for recommendations on platforms such as LinkedIn.
Keep it concise: Only include two or three references and recommendations to avoid cluttering your resume. Choose the best ones that showcase your strengths and skills.

References and recommendations can make a big difference in how hiring managers perceive you as a candidate. By following these tips, you can showcase your expertise and stand out from the competition.

Formatting and Design

Having a well-designed and professional-looking resume is crucial in the job application process. A great resume not only showcases your skills and experience but also speaks to your attention to detail and professionalism. Here are some tips to help you create a winning resume design.

Tips for creating a professional-looking resume

1. Consider the layout

The layout of your resume should be clean and easy to read. Use a consistent font throughout, and make sure the text is the appropriate size. Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text, and make sure your headings and subheadings are clearly defined.

2. Use white space

Don’t be afraid to use white space to your advantage. A cluttered resume can turn off potential employers, so make sure there is enough space between each section and that the overall design is balanced.

3. Choose a color scheme

Using color in your resume design can make it stand out, but make sure to use it tastefully. Stick to a simple color scheme that complements your content and avoid using too many different colors.

4. Use professional images

If you decide to use images in your resume, such as a headshot or portfolio samples, make sure they are high-quality and professional-looking.

5. Keep it concise

While it’s important to showcase your skills and experience, your resume should be concise and to the point. Keep it to one or two pages and avoid including irrelevant details.

Dos and don’ts of resume design

Dos

Use a consistent font throughout the document
Make sure the text is readable and appropriately sized
Include plenty of white space for a clean and balanced layout
Use a simple color scheme
Highlight your achievements and relevant experience

Don’ts

Use too many different fonts or font sizes
Make the text too small or unreadable
Clutter the layout with too much information or design elements
Use too many different colors or bolded text
Include irrelevant or outdated information

By following these tips and avoiding common resume design mistakes, you can create a professional-looking resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light.

Mistakes to Avoid

As a hair stylist, your resume is a crucial tool for landing your dream job. However, many hair stylists make common mistakes on their resumes, which can hinder their chances of securing a job interview. In this section, we’ll discuss the most common mistakes hair stylists make on their resumes and provide tips on how to avoid them.

1. Not Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Description

One of the biggest mistakes hair stylists make on their resumes is not tailoring their resume to the job description. Many hair stylists make the mistake of using a one-size-fits-all resume, which is not effective. Instead, tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for by matching your skills and experience to the requirements of the job description.

2. Not Highlighting Your Achievements

Another mistake hair stylists make on their resumes is not highlighting their achievements. Many hair stylists focus on their job duties and responsibilities, rather than their accomplishments. To make your resume stand out, highlight your achievements, such as awards, recognition, and promotions.

3. Not Including Relevant Skills

Hair stylists are experts in their field, and they possess a wide range of skills. However, some hair stylists make the mistake of not including relevant skills on their resumes. To avoid this mistake, make sure you include all the relevant skills you possess on your resume.

4. Including Irrelevant Information

Another common mistake hair stylists make on their resumes is including irrelevant information. This can include information about hobbies, personal interests, and unrelated work experience. To avoid this mistake, only include information that is relevant to the job you are applying for.

5. Not Proofreading Your Resume

The final mistake hair stylists make on their resumes is not proofreading their resume thoroughly. Spelling and grammar mistakes make a bad impression, and they can lead to your resume being immediately discarded. To avoid this mistake, make sure to proofread your resume multiple times or ask someone to review it for you.

Making these common mistakes on your resume can limit your chances of landing your dream job. However, by tailoring your resume to the job description, highlighting your achievements, including relevant skills, excluding irrelevant information, and thoroughly proofreading your resume, you can increase your chances of securing a job interview and ultimately landing your dream job as a hair stylist.

5 Best Hair Stylist Resume Examples for 2024