In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a hairdresser's resume that shows off your strengths, experience, and signature style. We’ll break it down step by step, with real examples and easy tips you can follow.
Top Resume Tips for Hairdressers
Here are six practical tips for building a resume that actually works. Each one focuses on something specific that makes a big difference. Follow these and you’ll stand out from other stylists.
1. Start with a good summary
The top section of your resume is your first impression in your job search. So make it count. A good hair stylist resume summary should explain who you are, what services you specialise in, and what makes your work stand out, in three to four lines.
Here’s a great example:
Be clear and confident. No need for fluff. Let your passion, skills, and customer impact in the beauty industry shine through right away.
2. Show off your experience the right way
When listing past salon jobs, don’t just describe tasks. Show what you achieved. Use bullet points, start each one with an action verb, and highlight how you helped clients or contributed to the salon.
Like this:
- Built loyal client base of 120+ regulars through excellent customer service
- Increased product sales by 35% with personalised upselling
- Styled bridal and event looks for 40+ clients with 5-star feedback as a self-employed hair stylist
- Trained two junior stylists in advanced cutting and colour techniques
Include job titles, salon names, locations, and dates. Keep formatting neat and consistent.
3. Focus on results, not just tasks
Hairdressing is personal, but also results-driven. Did your clients come back? Leave glowing reviews? Recommend friends? These things matter.
Here’s what strong results might look like on a hair professional's resume:
- “Named top stylist in 2023 by Salon XYZ based on client rebooking rates.”
- “Proven track record of maintaining 95% client retention over two years through quality service and rapport.”
- “Grew Instagram following to 4,500+ with hairstyle reels and before/after posts”
Avoid phrases like “responsible for cutting hair.” That’s obvious. Instead, show how you made people feel good, and made the business grow.
4. Add relevant certifications
Hairdressing qualifications matter, especially if you’ve done extra training in specific styles, products, or safety practices. Add these under a “Certifications” section or near your summary.
ExampleCompleted: August 2021
Covers: Advanced cutting, colour correction, hair extensions, client consultations
Other great examples:
- Brazilian Blowout Certified Stylist
- Toni & Guy Advanced Colour Course
- Barbicide Sanitation Certificate
- Bridal Updos and Styling Workshop
- Certified hair colorist
- Professional Beauty Association Certified
Even if you’re self-taught in some areas, list short courses, workshops, or salon training sessions. They show dedication and growth.
5. Add a great skills section
Don’t list every beauty term you know. Choose skills that show you’re a well-rounded, reliable hairdresser. Split them into soft and hard skills for clarity.
Technical (hard) skills:
- Hair color (balayage, ombré, highlights)
- Cutting techniques (layering, fades, bobs, pixie cuts)
- Styling (bridal, editorial, blowouts, curls)
- Hair treatments (keratin, Olaplex, scalp care)
- Product knowledge (Redken, Aveda, Wella)
- Hair extensions
- Client consultations
Soft skills:
- Communication
- Creativity
- Customer service
- Time management
- Patience
- Attention to detail
Pick the ones that match the hair stylist job ad. If a hair salon is looking for colourists or wedding stylists, and that’s what you love doing; make it obvious. Use your hairstylist resume to show you’re the right fit.
6. Keep the format clean and simple
Salons get lots of applications. So make yours easy to scan. Stick with a clean layout and simple font; think Arial or Calibri. Use bold headings and bullet points to organise it.
Here’s a solid structure:
- Name and contact info
- Resume summary
- Work experience
- Certifications
- Key skills
- Education (if relevant)
If you’re just starting out, keep your hairstylist resume to one page. If you’ve been working for over 10 years and have a lot to show, two pages is fine, but keep every detail useful.
Proofread carefully. Spelling errors, especially in client-facing roles, can be a red flag. Read it out loud or get a second pair of eyes to check it.
7. Tailor your resume to each salon
Don’t send the same resume everywhere. Customise it to match each hair stylist job description. If a hair salon focuses on sustainable beauty, luxury services, or edgy fashion cuts; mention those things in your summary and experience.
Use keywords from the ad or job description so your hair stylist resume passes applicant tracking systems (ATS) and speaks directly to the hiring manager.
A tailored resume and hair stylist cover letter feels more personal, and that’s what hairdressing is all about.
Good Hair Dresser or Stylist Resume Examples
But you don't need to use certified professional resume writers. Here are two hair stylist resume templates: one experienced, one entry-level.
Resume Example 1: Senior Hairdresser Resume
Samantha Rhodes
London, UK
samantha.rhodes@example.com
+44 7911 123456
Summary
Award-winning senior hair stylist and certified hair colorist with 8+ years of experience in high-end salons and fashion events. Expert in colouring techniques, precision cutting, and personalised client consultations. Strong reputation for loyal clientele, creative styling, and leading junior team training.
Experience
Master Hair Stylist
Chroma Salon – London, UK
Apr 2019 – Present
- Grew loyal client base by 50% through outstanding service and style recommendations
- Led balayage and colour correction services with a 98% satisfaction rate
- Styled runway looks for London Fashion Week in 2023
- Mentored two junior stylists and ran in-salon training workshops
Hair Stylist
Blush & Blow – London, UK
Mar 2016 – Mar 2019
- Performed a full range of cutting, hair color, and styling services
- Boosted retail product sales by 30% with tailored recommendations
- Managed up to 15 appointments daily in fast-paced salon setting
Certifications
- NVQ Level 3 in Hairdressing – 2017
- Redken Advanced Colour Certification – 2020
- Barbicide Health & Safety – 2023
Key Skills
Balayage, client consultations, colour correction, updos, creative styling, leadership, product upselling, time management
Resume Example 2: Entry-Level Hair Stylist Resume
Jordan Miles
Manchester, UK
jordan.miles@example.com
+44 7700 987654
Summary
Friendly and motivated junior hairdresser with a passion for hair styling and client care. Recently certified in professional hairdressing and eager to grow in a team-focused salon. Known for quick learning, reliability, and a strong eye for modern trends.
Experience
Apprentice Hairdresser
Glow Hair Studio – Manchester, UK
Sep 2023 – Apr 2024
- Supported stylists during colour and hair care services, delivering exceptional customer service
- Managed shampooing, blow-drying, and salon cleaning duties
- Provided warm, friendly service, focused on client retention
- Observed bridal styling sessions and helped prep tools/products with other beauty industry professionals.
Certifications
- NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing – 2024
- Olaplex Product & Treatment Training – 2024
Key Skills
Blow drying, shampooing, basic cuts, client care, teamwork, time management, trend awareness
Final Thoughts
Writing a great hair dresser or hair stylist resume isn’t about listing every style you know. It’s about showing the value you bring; to clients, to the salon, and to the overall experience.
Be specific, clear, and confident. Highlight your skills, training, results, and the way you connect with people. Whether you're just starting or building on years of experience, your resume should reflect your creativity and care. Use hair stylist resume examples to help guide you in the process of writing a strong job application.
