Hairstylist Resume Example
Also known as: Hair Stylist, Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Salon Stylist, Hair Artist
About This Hairstylist Resume
The beauty industry is booming—the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 19% employment growth for hairstylists from 2020 to 2030, much faster than average. With approximately 85,300 job openings annually, a compelling resume is essential to stand out. Your hairstylist resume should showcase technical mastery, client relationship building, and the ability to generate revenue through both services and retail. Top stylists highlight their client retention rates, specializations, and social proof like Instagram followers or Google reviews.
Key Skills to Include
Hard Skills
Soft Skills
Technical Skills
Essential—Skills marked with a star are most important for this role
How to Write This Resume
Follow these 6 steps to create a compelling resume
Lead with years of experience, specializations, and quantifiable achievements like client retention rate or revenue generated. Mention specific color systems or techniques you're known for.
Example
Creative Senior Hairstylist with 7+ years specializing in balayage and color correction. Built loyal clientele of 250+ with 92% retention rate and $18K+ monthly revenue. Expert in Aveda color systems with 37% boost in client retention through personalized consultations.
Quantify your impact with specific metrics. Include client counts, revenue figures, retention rates, and retail performance. Use action verbs like "generated," "built," "trained," and "achieved."
Example
• Maintained clientele of 200+ with 90% retention and $150 average ticket • Specialize in lived-in color and balayage, generating $15K+ monthly revenue • Achieved highest retail sales among 12 stylists for 8 consecutive months
Organize skills by category: Color (balayage, highlights, vivid colors), Cutting (precision, textured, men's), Styling (blowouts, updos, bridal), and Chemical Services (relaxers, perms, keratin).
List your cosmetology license prominently with state and license number. Include advanced training certifications from recognized educators like Guy Tang, Vivid Hair, or brand-specific programs.
Include links to your Instagram or website. For stylists, visual proof of work is essential. Mention follower counts if significant (10K+) as social proof.
List experience with specific product lines (Aveda, Redken, Olaplex, Wella) as certain salons seek stylists familiar with their brand systems.
Pro Tips
Expert advice to make your resume stand out
Lead with Your Book
Client retention rate and request rate demonstrate your value more than job descriptions. A 90%+ retention rate shows you're a revenue generator salons want.
Quantify Everything
Monthly revenue, average ticket price, client count, retail sales percentages—numbers tell your story better than adjectives.
Showcase Specializations
Balayage, color correction, textured hair, or extensions expertise can command premium pricing. Be specific about your niche.
Include Social Proof
Instagram followers, Google reviews, or industry awards validate your skills. Even 5K engaged followers shows marketing ability.
Show Career Growth
Highlight progression from assistant to senior stylist, increasing client counts, or growing average ticket size over time.
Tailor to the Salon
Research the salon's vibe and clientele. High-end salons want different signals than fast-casual chains.
Remember
These tips are guidelines, not rules. Adapt them to your unique experience and the specific job you are applying for.
Tools to Help You Succeed
Use our AI-powered tools to optimize your Hairstylist resume
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely—if it showcases your work professionally. For stylists, Instagram is essentially a portfolio. Include your handle and follower count if significant. A strong social presence shows you can bring clients and understand marketing.