Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: By increasing client retention by 25%, the applicant showcases tangible career impacts through measurable achievements.
- Uses action-oriented language: Using action verbs like “introduced” and “boosted,” the applicant’s resume exudes initiative and effectiveness.
- Illustrates problem-solving ability: Streamlining inventory to cut costs by 18% highlights problem-solving skills.
More Cosmetologist Resume Examples
See our cosmetologist resume examples to learn how to showcase your hairstyling skills, skincare expertise, and client service abilities. Use these samples to help you craft a resume that highlights your creative talents effectively.
Entry-level cosmetologist
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: Graduating with a master’s in cosmetology showcases a strong academic foundation, important for early career success.
- Puts skills at the forefront: By emphasizing skills like hair styling and salon management upfront using the skills-based resume format, the applicant leverages strategies ideal for beginners.
- Places contact information prominently: A professional resume header is essential for callbacks, providing quick access to contact information and establishing credibility right from the start.
Mid-level cosmetologist
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: The applicant’s ability to boost sales by 20% and improve customer satisfaction showcases a talent for driving measurable improvements in the beauty industry.
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: Mixing skills in customer consultations and salon management show a balance between interpersonal skills with technical expertise.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Language skills in Spanish, French, and Italian enables this applicant to engage in cross-cultural interaction and enrich client experiences.
Experienced cosmetologist
Why this resume works
- Focuses on work history: Using a chronological resume format, the applicant’s extensive career experience from an aesthetic consultant to a cosmetologist is neatly showcased, emphasizing steady professional growth.
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: Standout achievements like boosting salon revenue by 40% through service menu revamps reflect a significant business impact and senior-level performance.
- Lists relevant certifications: Certifications such as Certified Professional Cosmetologist and an Advanced Makeup Certification highlight the applicant’s dedication to learning and expertise in their field.
Cosmetologist Resume Template (Text Version)
Hiro Huang
Albany, NY 12208
(555)555-5555
Hiro.Huang@example.com
Professional Summary
Dynamic cosmetologist with 8 years’ expertise in advanced skincare, makeup artistry, and hair styling. Expertise in enhancing client experience and driving salon success through innovative techniques.
Work History
Cosmetologist
Radiant Beauty Spa – Albany, NY
June 2023 – June 2025
- Increased client retention by 25%
- Introduced new skincare line boosting sales 15%
- Conducted advanced hair care workshops monthly
Hair Stylist Specialist
Glamour Heights Salon – Buffalo, NY
May 2019 – May 2023
- Boosted hair treatment bookings by 40%
- Trained 15 new stylists annually
- Streamlined inventory, cutting costs 18%
Makeup Artist
Style Studio – Hillcrest, NY
June 2017 – April 2019
- Enhanced bridal package sales by K monthly
- Led fashion show makeup team for 10 events
- Optimized product usage, reducing waste 12%
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Beginner (A1)
- Mandarin – Beginner (A1)
Skills
- Advanced Skincare
- Hair Styling Techniques
- Makeup Application
- Client Consultation
- Product Knowledge
- Color Theory
- Beauty Marketing
- Inventory Management
Certifications
- Certified Advanced Cosmetologist – National Beauty Association
- Professional Makeup Artist – Cosmetic Professionals Guild
Education
Master of Cosmetology Cosmetology
Beauty University Los Angeles, California
May 2017
Bachelor of Arts Fashion & Design
California Beauty College San Francisco, California
May 2015
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Cosmetologist Resume
Leanr how to write a resume for a cosmetologist position and discover how to creatively highlight your styling skills, customer service flair, and passion for beauty. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up in the beauty industry, these tailored insights will help you craft a standout resume that truly shines.
Showcase your portfolio or projects
For a cosmetologist, having a portfolio or project showcase is super important. It shows off your skills and style, which helps clients see what you can do. Whether you’re applying for a salon job or looking to attract freelance gigs, showcasing your work can set you apart from others.
Your portfolio gives potential clients and employers a glimpse of your creativity and expertise in areas like makeup, hair styling, or nail art. You should link to your online portfolio or a personal website where you display your best works. Include different projects you’ve worked on—like freelance gigs, school assignments, or side projects—and give them the same attention you’d give to regular job entries.
Alternatively, you can list your projects on your resume. Each project should have a name, any client or company involved if it applies, a short description of what you did, and how it made an impact.
Remember that variety in your projects is good; it shows you’re versatile and can handle different styles and challenges. Even if some work was unpaid or just for practice, it still counts by showing your dedication to the craft. So make sure to put thought into how each piece represents you as a cosmetologist.
Example of a projects section
Bridal Makeup Portfolio
Personal Initiative
June 2022
- Created a comprehensive bridal makeup portfolio showcasing diverse styles and techniques.
- Collaborated with photographers to capture high-quality images for social media and website use.
- Increased client inquiries by 30% through targeted online promotion of the portfolio.
Skincare Workshop Series
Glow & Shine Spa
March 2023 – May 2023
- Developed and hosted a series of skincare workshops aimed at educating clients about personalized skincare routines.
- Implemented interactive sessions that led to a 20% increase in product sales post-workshop.
- Received positive feedback from participants, improving customer loyalty and repeat visits.
Need some ideas for your resume? Check out these professional resume examples to see how others showcase their skills and work history.
Emphasize your most relevant skills
As a cosmetologist, highlighting both technical and soft skills is key to showing your value. Technical skills like hair cutting, coloring, and makeup application are important for performing the job well. Soft skills such as communication, creativity, and customer service help in building a solid relationship with clients.
Together, these skills show that you can not only do the job but also make clients feel comfortable and happy with their results. Creating a dedicated skills section on your resume helps employers quickly see what you excel at. This can include software abilities like using scheduling programs or artistic talents such as nail art design.
Listing these clearly makes it easy for an employer to understand your strengths right away. You can also weave these skills into your work experience bullet points to give real-life examples of how you’ve used them successfully in past roles.
For example, instead of just saying “Styled hair for clients,” you could say “Used advanced coloring techniques to create custom looks that increased client satisfaction.” This way, you’re showing how your skills have directly impacted your work performance. By doing this throughout your resume, you’ll create a more compelling picture of why you’re a great fit for the cosmetologist role.
Selecting a resume format that highlights your creative skills, customer service experience, and professional achievements can help cosmetologists stand out.
Choose a professional resume template
When selecting a resume template for a cosmetologist, aim for a design that mixes creativity with professionalism. Your resume should showcase your artistic skills while remaining easy to read and well-organized.
Look for templates featuring clean lines and structured layouts, allowing you to highlight your experience and skills clearly. Steer clear of templates that are too flashy or decorative, as they may distract from the key information you want to present.
Picking a format that’s ATS-friendly is also important. This means using simple fonts and avoiding images or tables that might confuse automated systems many employers use. A straightforward design with clear headings helps ensure your resume passes through these systems smoothly.
As a cosmetologist, consider subtle color accents or section dividers to add personality without overwhelming the content. The goal is to make sure your talents stand out in an organized way while remaining professional enough for any employer’s review process.
Create a standout resume effortlessly! Use our Resume Builder to craft a polished, professional look that highlights your cosmetology skills and experience.
Format your resume properly
Getting your resume format right is important for making your resume easy to read and look professional. Cosmetologists with a lot of salon or spa experience should opt for a chronological layout to clearly present their work history. If you’re new or switching careers, a functional style can spotlight abilities like customer service and creativity.
5 resume formatting tips
- Structure with clear headings: Use distinct sections like “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Portfolio” for clarity.
- Select consistent fonts: Choose a font like Arial or Calibri in 10-12 pt. size for readability.
- Use bullet points: Employ bullet points to list job duties and skills for easy scanning.
- Aim for one-page length: Keep resumes to one page unless you have extensive experience.
- Ensure proper spacing and alignment: Maintain clean lines with even spacing and alignment throughout the document.
Make your resume stand out with our ATS Resume Checker; it reviews key areas and boosts your score, helping you get noticed by tracking systems.
Salary Insights for Cosmetologists
Knowing salary data can help you decide on your career path or if you should move to a new place. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics gives info to compare pay rates, which you’ll find below.
Top 10 highest-paying states for cosmetologists
Cosmetologists earn varying salaries across the United States, with a national average of $42,400. The table below highlights the states where cosmetologists command the highest compensation.
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for cosmetologists across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures presented here reflect the May 2025 dataset, which is the most recent available as of this publication.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $66,380 |
| District of Columbia | $62,110 |
| New Jersey | $56,930 |
| Vermont | $55,290 |
| Maine | $54,180 |
| Massachusetts | $51,600 |
| Hawaii | $50,460 |
| Virginia | $49,690 |
| California | $49,540 |
| Kentucky | $48,910 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my cosmetologist resume?
Yes, adding a cover letter to your cosmetologist resume can make your application stand out and increase your chances of getting hired.
A cover letter allows you to showcase your passion for beauty and wellness, explain why you’re excited about the salon or spa, and demonstrate how your skills align with their services or clientele.
For example, if they focus on bridal makeup or advanced hair techniques, you can highlight relevant experience to prove you’re perfect for their team.
Creating a personalized cover letter also shows initiative and professionalism—traits employers look for in customer-facing roles like cosmetology.
Check out cover letter examples for inspiration.
You can also use our Cover Letter Generator to create one from scratch or update your existing resume, saving time while making a great impression.
How long should a cosmetologist’s resume be?
For a cosmetologist, a one-page resume is usually enough to effectively show your skills and experience. Focus on your expertise in styling, cutting, coloring, and any specialties like bridal work. Include certifications or licenses that prove your qualifications.
If you have lots of experience or several specialized certifications, a two-page resume might be fitting. Just make sure each detail is relevant and adds value. Highlight recent roles and achievements to grab attention.
Check out our guide on how long a resume should be for tips on finding the ideal length for your career stage.
How do you write a cosmetologist resume with no experience?
If you’re new to cosmetology, highlight your education, training, and any skills or volunteer work on your resume. Check out these tips for a resume with no experience to help you create an entry-level cosmetologist resume.
- Highlight your education and certifications: List your cosmetology school, graduation date, and any certifications you’ve earned such as esthetician licenses or specialized training in hair styling or makeup.
- Include hands-on training: Detail any practical training you received during your education. Mention specific techniques you learned like cutting, coloring, or skincare treatments.
- Showcase transferable skills: If you’ve worked in customer service or retail, emphasize skills like client communication, time management, and sales—all valuable in a salon setting.
- Feature volunteer work: If you’ve volunteered at events doing makeup or hair for charity functions or community events, include these experiences to show real-world application of your skills.
Consider tailoring each resume submission to match specific roles by highlighting particular skills and experiences relevant to each job description.
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Cosmetologist
Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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