Hair Stylist Resume: Example and Tips

Look to feature these types of skills in your resume:

• Understanding of various kinds of hair texture: Individual clients have different hair needs; you should be able to assess hair types, and suggest appropriate cuts or treatments.
• In-depth knowledge of hair products: Not only should you be well-versed in which products are best for individual treatments, but you should be able to push soft sales by making home-care recommendations to clients.
• Active listening skills: You should be sensitive to client needs, and be able to collaborate with them to achieve the look they want.
• Critical thinking: For clients who need advice on hairstyles, you should be able to suggest looks, and adjust treatments that end with a successful solution. Most clients would ask for your advice about what kind of hairstyle to sport. You should be able to suggest a look that aligns with the client’s hair texture, facial features, etc.
• Excellent communication” You should have the ability to make your clients comfortable about being serviced by you.
• Personal grooming: Maintaining hygiene and a well-groomed appearance should give clients confidence about your skills.

Look to get an associate degree in Cosmetology from a state-approved school. You can also get licensed by attending an approved cosmetology program and passing a skills-assessment examination. Your license will help you start your own business, or apply for jobs seeking qualified and experienced individuals. You should also look into enrolling in specialized training courses and staying updated about techniques and trends, such as new braiding styles.

The best approach is positioning yourself as a “specialist with breadth:” Cover all of the necessary skills needed for hairstyling, but if you have particular areas of expertise (e.g., a good knowledge of threading eyebrows and upper lips, or being well-versed in manicures and pedicures), make note of them in your skills and summary sections. This positions you as someone with more range than other applicants, and makes you more attractive as a job candidate.

Formatting your resume depends on your experience level, and what the job requires. First-time job applicants should use a functional resume format, which focuses on skills rather than work history. If you’re applying for a job that requires a few years in the field, use the combination format, which presents a balance of relevant skills and work experiences. For more senior jobs that require more than five years of experience, use the chronological format, which features an extensive work history section.

Don’t include irrelevant qualifications, work experiences or skills that don’t fit with the potential job. Any confidential information from previous employers should also not be included. Finally, make sure that none of your personal info is in the resume. For your contact information, all you need is a professional email address, and your city and state.