Resume Examples for Hair Stylists

Resumes and CVs for hair stylists vary greatly depending on experience, from fresh graduates to seasoned professionals. Discover our tailored templates for each career stage and take advantage of our Resume Builder to craft your perfect application.

Entry-Level Hair Stylist Resume

Ideal for recent graduates and those changing careers, this template is crafted to help you create a standout resume with no experience, showcasing your passion for hair styling and customer service.

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Why this resume works:

This resume demonstrates a solid foundation in cosmetology with a bachelor’s degree and hands-on experience at reputable salons.

Mid-Career Hair Stylist Resume

A smart choice for mid-level hair stylists aiming to elevate their careers, this template showcases recent achievements and positions them for advanced roles in the beauty industry.

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Why this resume works:

With over seven years of experience, this hair stylist showcases a strong record of client satisfaction and career advancement in the beauty industry. The combination format highlights their extensive skills in hair styling alongside significant achievements, demonstrating suitability for leadership roles in salon management.

Experienced Hair Stylist Resume

An ideal choice for hair stylists with over 10 years of experience, this template supports professionals seeking advanced roles or leadership opportunities within the beauty industry.

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Why this resume works:

This resume reflects notable career advancement, emphasizing skills in creative styling and client retention that drive success in the salon environment. Leadership roles as a senior hair technician and certifications (e.g., Certified Master Stylist) demonstrate the job seeker’s capability to excel in higher-level positions within the industry.

Hair Stylist Resume Template (Text)

Use this customizable text format of a hair stylist resume to copy, edit, and personalize directly in your document.

John Zhang

Parkview, MO 64158

Professional Summary

Experienced Hair Stylist with expertise in creative cutting, color, and client consultation. Proven track record of increasing client retention and satisfaction. Recognized for trendsetting and leading effective salon teams.

Work Experience

March 2024 – March 2026

Chic Clippers Salon – Parkview, MO

Hair Stylist

  • Styled hair for 50+ clients weekly
  • Achieved 20% increase in client retention
  • Expanded product sales by 15%

January 2023 – February 2024

Glamour Glow Studio – Parkview, MO

Cosmetology Expert

  • Provided styling for photo shoots
  • Reduced wait times by 30%
  • Trained 3 junior stylists

January 2022 – December 2022

Elegance Hair Studio – St. Louis, MO

Salon Stylist

  • Managed daily salon operations
  • Increased client satisfaction by 25%
  • Introduced trendsetting techniques

Education

December 2021
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Brooklyn, NY
Master’s in Cosmetology Cosmetology

December 2019
Merrell University of Beauty Arts & Science, Jefferson City, MO
Bachelor’s in Beauty Management Beauty Management

Certifications

  • Certified Hair Colorist – National Hair Federation
  • Advanced Haircutting Techniques – American Beauty Association

Skills

  • Creative Cutting
  • Coloring Techniques
  • Client Consultation
  • Time Management
  • Product Sales
  • Trend Analysis
  • Team Leadership
  • Customer Service

How to Write a Hair Stylist Resume

As a hair stylist, understanding how to write a resume involves showcasing your creativity and technical skills while using a format that presents your experience well. Use the guidance below to highlight your strengths and tailor your resume for the positions you’re aiming for.

1. Contact Info

Your contact information should stand out, be professional, and be placed prominently at the top of your resume.

Include the following essential details:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Professional email address
  • City and state (ZIP code is optional)
  • LinkedIn profile or portfolio relevant to your field
TipPRO TIP

Avoid including sensitive information on your resume, such as Social Security number, age, or photographs unless explicitly requested by potential employers.

2. Resume Profile

A resume profile is a concise introduction, typically two to four sentences long, that highlights your key skills and experiences. It serves as an engaging pitch to hiring managers, designed to spark their interest and prompt them to explore your qualifications further.

The profile is placed at the top of your resume, formatted as either a summary or an objective. Each option has its own specific purpose: the summary focuses on your overall experience, while the objective outlines your career goals.

  • A resume summary showcases your most relevant skills, creative abilities, and achievements within the beauty industry. This format is particularly beneficial for those with a history of client interactions or transferable skills who want to highlight their impact as an accomplished hair stylist.
  • A resume objective highlights your career aspirations and the goals you aim to achieve in your next role. It’s especially useful for recent graduates, those transitioning careers, or individuals with limited experience, such as beauty school alumni moving into hair styling, or professionals starting out in this field.

Now, let’s examine a resume summary and a resume objective to compare their distinct purposes:

Hair stylist resume summary example:

Creative hair stylist with over 6 years of experience in vibrant salon environments, specializing in color techniques, precision cutting, and client consultations. Known for transforming clients’ looks while improving their confidence through personalized service. Consistently recognized for exceptional customer satisfaction and trend-setting styles.

Hair stylist resume objective example:

Recent cosmetology graduate and licensed hair stylist excited to begin a rewarding career in a vibrant salon environment. Committed to improving clients’ self-esteem through creative hair styling and exceptional customer service skills, while seeking to contribute to a dynamic team in a trendy salon setting.

3. Work Experience

The work experience on your resume is an important selling point for any professional role. Employers seek details beyond your job titles, wanting to understand the tangible impact you’ve made in previous positions.

By showcasing relevant experiences and achievements, hair stylists can illustrate their expertise and creativity, proving they are ideally suited for the desired role.

The work experience section should contain:

  • Job title
  • Employer name and location
  • Dates of employment (month/year)
  • 3–5 bullet points detailing your styling techniques and client satisfaction achievements

Customize your work experience bullet points to align with the hair stylist role by incorporating industry-specific terminology. Begin each statement with a strong action verb like “Styled,” “Consulted,” or “Trained” to create a compelling impact.

Incorporate measurable achievements to showcase your contributions clearly. Demonstrating success through quantifiable data (like “Increased client retention by 20%”) provides concrete evidence of your abilities and sets you apart from other applicants.

In general, consider following the format of:

[action verb] + [responsibility] = [result/achievement]

For example:

Provided expert hair styling services to over 50 clients weekly, achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rate through personalized consultations and tailored techniques.

Note that you can also flip the result/achievement with the responsibility:

Increased client retention by 25% within six months by implementing loyalty programs and improving customer engagement.

Explore more work experience examples for hair stylists further down the page.

4. Skills

The skills section serves as a concise overview of your professional abilities as a hair stylist. Formatted for an ATS-friendly resume, hiring managers can quickly assess your qualifications and suitability for their salon.

Skills can be categorized into three key areas:

  • Soft skills are personal qualities that influence how well hair stylists connect with clients and colleagues. Important soft skills include communication, creativity, patience, and adaptability.
  • Hard skills are specific, quantifiable abilities gained through education, training, or experience. For a hair stylist, examples include cutting and coloring techniques.
  • Technical skills refer to the hands-on abilities required to use specific tools and techniques in a profession. For hair stylists, this includes expertise in haircutting shears, styling tools like blow dryers, and color application systems.

In general, aim to showcase a balanced mix of skills that match the requirements of the hair stylist position. For additional examples tailored to your profession, please explore the skills listed further down the page.

TipPRO TIP

If you’re a newer hair stylist, consider placing your skills section higher on your resume, right after your summary. For those with more experience, it’s better to position this section lower, weaving your skills into the descriptions of your work history for a cohesive presentation.

5. Education

Understanding how to list education on your resume can improve the presentation of your qualifications. Begin with your most recent or relevant degree, noting the type and institution.

Recent graduates can include their graduation year, GPA if it’s 3.5 or above, any honors received, or courses that align with hair styling skills. This information helps employers quickly assess your educational background.

Hair stylist resume education section example:

Diploma in Cosmetology
Beauty Institute of New York, New York, NY
Graduated: 2023 | Top Student Award

TipPRO TIP

When listing multiple degrees on your resume, always arrange them in reverse-chronological order, starting with the highest degree first, such as Bachelor of Arts in Cosmetology, followed by Associate Degree in Hair Styling.

6. Certifications

Certifications highlight your expertise and current knowledge in hair styling. While they may not always appear on a traditional resume, including them is beneficial for most stylists. Salons often seek specific credentials for specialized roles like colorist or extensions expert.

List certifications on your resume that strengthen your application, and be sure to keep them up to date. Clearly list and format these details to ensure they stand out to potential employers.

Hair stylist certification examples:

  • Cosmetology License, California | California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology | Expires: 01/2028
  • Hair Color Specialist Certification | National Hair Color Association | Expires: 11/2027
  • Barbering Certificate | American Barber Institute | Expires: 03/2028
  • Certified Hair Stylist Credential | Beauty Schools of America | Expires: 08/2027

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Tailor Your Work History to Beat the ATS

Your work experience as a hair stylist goes beyond just listing previous salons or positions. It’s your opportunity to highlight the tangible effects you’ve had on clients, teams, and overall satisfaction. This detailed approach not only showcases your skills but also makes your resume more ATS-friendly, allowing applicant tracking systems (ATS) to effectively scan it.

To create a strong work history, tailor it specifically to the job you seek by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. Begin by analyzing the posting closely for commonly mentioned skills or qualifications. Then, weave those elements into your experience descriptions to clearly demonstrate how you meet the employer’s needs.

These examples are pulled from our most-used entries in the resume builder—based on what hiring managers respond to most.

  • Executed precision haircuts and styles for over 50 clients weekly, resulting in a 20% increase in customer retention.
  • Implemented innovative coloring techniques that boosted service sales by 30% within three months.
  • Mentored junior stylists on advanced styling methods, improving team performance and client satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with local salons to organize community events, increasing brand visibility and attracting new clientele.
  • Used salon management software to streamline appointment scheduling, improving overall operational efficiency.

Example of Skills for Hair Stylists

Including the right skills for your resume demonstrates to employers and ATS that you possess the essential abilities needed for a successful career as a hair stylist. Since resumes are often scanned quickly, ensure your skills are focused, relevant, and aligned with the job description to make an immediate impact.

The skills list below reflects what is currently valued in the hair styling industry. These skills commonly appear in strong resumes and resonate with hiring managers looking for job seekers who can excel in this creative field.

5 Soft Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Customer service excellence
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Effective communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management abilities

5 Hard Skills for Your Resume or CV

  • Hair coloring techniques (balayage, ombre)
  • Cutting methods (layered, blunt)
  • Texture treatments (keratin, perming)
  • Styling tools skill (flat iron, blow dryer)
  • Product knowledge (Wella, Redken)

Key Takeaways

  • Tailor your resume to the job description. Incorporate the salon’s language when detailing your experience and skills—this benefits both ATS and hiring managers.
  • Highlight quantifiable accomplishments to demonstrate your impact. Focus on metrics that matter (e.g., client retention rates, sales figures, awards) to differentiate yourself.
  • Select a resume format that suits your experience level. New stylists may find a functional or hybrid layout helpful, while seasoned professionals typically prefer a reverse-chronological format.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Last Update:

What resume format should I use for my hair stylist resume?

There are three main resume formats to consider when applying for a hair stylist position. Your choice should reflect your experience level and highlight the skills or accomplishments you wish to showcase:

  • Chronological: The chronological resume format is the most widely used style, as it emphasizes your work experience by outlining your responsibilities and achievements in reverse chronological order. This format works well for job seekers with a relevant job history because it highlights their qualifications and strengthens their professional profile.
  • Functional: The functional resume, often called a skills-based resume, highlights your qualifications and skills rather than concentrating on your work history. This format is particularly helpful for individuals who may lack direct experience in the hair styling field or have employment history gaps.
  • Combination: A combination resume merges elements from both chronological and functional formats. This structure allows you to showcase relevant skills alongside your work history. It benefits professionals by emphasizing their abilities while also demonstrating career growth, making it ideal for those seeking specialized roles.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?

Yes, you should include a cover letter with your job application as a hair stylist. A well-crafted cover letter can improve your resume by allowing you to express your passion for hair styling and customer service while detailing relevant experiences that may not be evident from your resume alone. It shows potential employers that you’ve personalized your application and are genuinely interested in the position, giving you an advantage over applicants who skip this step.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of writing a cover letter, there are numerous resources available to assist you. You can find guides on how to write a cover letter specifically for hair stylists, along with examples that showcase successful approaches. Additionally, exploring various cover letter formats can help you discover one that best highlights your skills and personality.

For those looking to simplify the writing process, using a cover letter generator can provide structure and tailored suggestions based on the specific job you’re applying for.

How long should a hair stylist resume be?

For hair stylists with less than 10 years of experience, a one-page resume is typically adequate to showcase skills and relevant experience. Highlight key services offered, certifications (e.g., cosmetology license), and any specialized training that demonstrates your expertise in the field.

Conversely, stylists in senior or specialized roles can extend their resumes to two pages if all information remains relevant. Focus on significant achievements, advanced techniques, and client satisfaction metrics while ensuring clarity and precision throughout the document.

What keywords should I include to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?

To ensure your resume gets noticed by ATS, focus on using keywords directly from the job posting. Look for phrases like “hair coloring,” “styling techniques,” or “customer service” that reflect the skills and experiences relevant to a hair stylist position. Incorporating these terms will help you pass through initial screenings.

Don’t forget to highlight any relevant certifications, such as a cosmetology license or advanced color techniques. Mention any tools you’re skilled with, like shears or styling products, to demonstrate your qualifications further. Being specific about your expertise can greatly improve your chances of landing an interview.

Should I include volunteer work or freelance projects on my resume?

Yes, especially if you’re starting out in your career. Including volunteer work highlights your practical skills and creativity while demonstrating your commitment to the industry. This can be particularly beneficial if you lack extensive salon experience.

Elizabeth Muenzen profile image
Elizabeth Muenzen Career Advice Writer

Elizabeth Muenzen is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools.

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