Being a hair stylist is a dynamic, fun, and exciting career choice. People rely on your skills to look their best for important occasions and milestones. While the demand for skilled hair stylists is high, you still need a standout resume to land the perfect job that allows you to grow and thrive.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, a well-crafted resume that highlights your skills, achievements, and work history is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about creating a professional hair stylist resume, from general tips to essential components and customization techniques.
General Tips for Crafting a Hair Stylist Resume
1. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Posting
Carefully read each job description to understand what the employer is seeking. Tailoring your resume to the specific requirements shows you understand the position’s needs and makes your application more appealing to hiring managers.
2. Professional Formatting Matters
In a creative field like hairstyling, presentation is just as important as content. Use a clean and professional layout:
- Choose a legible font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) in size 11-12.
- Keep your sections clearly defined with headings and bullet points.
- Ensure there is enough white space to avoid a cluttered look.
3. Start with a Strong Summary or Objective Statement
Begin your resume with a concise summary or objective statement that showcases your skills, experience, and career goals. Tailor this section to highlight the qualifications most relevant to the job posting.
4. Include Relevant Skills
In the skills section, list both technical skills (e.g., cutting, coloring, and styling techniques) and soft skills (e.g., communication, customer service, and time management).
5. Highlight Your Education and Certifications
Include your education, licenses, and certifications. Since all states require hair stylists to have a state-approved license, make sure to list your current license details.
6. Showcase Your Portfolio
Add a link to your online portfolio or professional social media page to give employers a visual example of your work. Place this link in the header for easy access.
Essential Components of a Hair Stylist Resume
1. Header
Your header should contain your name, contact information, and a link to your portfolio.
Example:
Sally Smith
Licensed Hair Stylist
(123) 123-1234
sally.smith@example.com
www.sallysmithhair.com
2. Professional Summary
A brief statement that highlights your skills, experience, and career goals.
Example:
“Licensed hairstylist with over three years of experience in diverse salon settings. Skilled in advanced styling techniques, color treatments, and client consultations. Dedicated to enhancing client satisfaction and staying up-to-date with the latest trends. Seeking a dynamic role to apply my artistic flair and customer service skills.”
3. Skills Section
Include a mix of technical and soft skills relevant to hairstyling.
Example:
- Advanced cutting and styling techniques
- Color correction and treatments
- Client consultations
- Customer service and communication
- Hair straightening and curling
- Product knowledge and retail sales
- Sanitation and hygiene protocols
4. Education
List your highest level of education and any relevant certifications or specialized training programs.
Example:
Hair Institute – Camden, New Jersey
Certification in Cosmetology, 2021
University of Example – Camden, New Jersey
Bachelor of Science in Business Management, 2017
5. Experience
Describe your work history, focusing on responsibilities and achievements in bullet points. Quantify your accomplishments when possible.
Example:
Hairstylist | Panna Hair Boutique, Camden, New Jersey
June 2017 – June 2023
- Provided cutting, coloring, balayage, and styling services for a diverse client base.
- Increased retail sales by 40% within the first year by promoting salon products.
- Maintained a clean and organized salon environment, contributing to high client satisfaction.
- Participated in ongoing training to stay current with the latest hairstyling trends.
6. Certifications and Licenses
Include any relevant licenses and certifications.
Example:
- Cosmetology License – New Jersey Department of State, Division of Licensing Services (Issued May 2019)
- Certified Hair Colorist – American Board of Certified Hair Colorists (Issued September 2020)
How to Customize Your Hair Stylist Resume for Specific Jobs
1. Analyze the Job Posting
Identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Tailor your summary, skills, and experience sections to match these requirements.
2. Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience
If a job posting emphasizes hair coloring techniques or bridal hairstyling, make sure to highlight these skills in your resume.
3. Use Keywords
Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This can increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
4. Adjust Your Objective or Summary Statement
For example, if applying for a position in a high-end salon, emphasize your experience with luxury hair treatments and client consultations.
Additional Tips for a Strong Hair Stylist Resume
1. Proofread and Edit
Ensure your resume is free of typos and grammatical errors. Use online tools like Grammarly to double-check your work.
2. Quantify Achievements
Use numbers to highlight your accomplishments (e.g., “Increased client retention by 25%” or “Boosted retail sales by 40%”).
3. Keep It Professional
Stick to a clean and simple layout. Avoid flashy designs that may distract from your content.
4. Follow Up
After submitting your application, follow up with a polite email expressing your continued interest in the position.
Ready to Craft the Perfect Hair Stylist Resume?
A professional, well-crafted resume is your ticket to landing your dream job. By highlighting your skills, experience, and certifications, you can stand out from the competition and secure a role where you can thrive.
Start building your resume today with CV2Go and take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career in hairstyling!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I make a hair stylist resume?
Start with a clear header, write a compelling summary, list relevant skills, detail your education and experience, and proofread carefully.
What should I list under the skills section?
Include technical skills like cutting, coloring, and styling, as well as soft skills like communication, customer service, and time management.
How do I customize my resume for a specific job?
Tailor your summary, skills, and experience to match the requirements listed in the job description.
How do I format my resume?
Use a clean layout with headings, bullet points, and legible fonts. Keep the design professional and easy to read.
Should I include a portfolio link?
Yes! Including a link to your online portfolio helps potential employers see examples of your work.
Ready to make your mark as a hair stylist? Start building your resume today!
