Crafting a CV that accurately reflects your creative skills and practical experience can be a perplexing challenge for many hair stylists. By utilising our guide, you'll discover tailored advice that enhances your CV's appeal, ensuring your unique flair and professional achievements take centre stage to potential employers.
Structure, write, and edit your hair stylist CV to land the role of your dreams with our exclusive guide on how to:
- Create an attention-grabbing header that integrates keywords and includes all vital information;
- Add strong action verbs and skills in your experience section, and get inspired by real-world professionals;
- List your education and relevant certification to fill in the gaps in your career history;
- Integrate both hard and soft skills all through your CV.
Discover more industry-specific guides to help you apply for any role in the links below:
Resume examples for hair stylist
Explore additional hair stylist cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Junior Hair Stylist
- Concise and structured presentation - The CV uses a clear and structured format that presents information in an easy-to-read manner. Each section is well-organized, providing a concise overview of James Lewis’s qualifications and experiences in the hair styling industry. This organizational clarity does not overwhelm the reader, making it straightforward to navigate through his professional background.
- Demonstrated career growth in the salon industry - The progression from a Hairdressing Intern to a Junior Hair Stylist reflects James’s upward career trajectory within the hairdressing field. This growth showcases his commitment to developing his skills and expertise, as evidenced by the added responsibilities and impact in roles at different salon settings.
- Strong emphasis on technical skills and industry accomplishments - The CV highlights unique industry-specific elements such as advanced hair coloring techniques and engagement with clients to understand their style preferences. James’s achievements, such as increasing client retention and monthly revenue, demonstrate his ability to apply his technical skills to drive business outcomes and enhance customer satisfaction within salon operations.
Senior Hair Stylist
- Structured Career Growth - Ethan Palmer’s CV articulates a clear and progressive career trajectory, advancing from an Assistant Stylist at Supercuts to a Senior Hairstylist at Toni & Guy. This path highlights a steady acquisition of skills and responsibilities, including team leadership, customer service excellence, and specialized styling techniques, showcasing a professional evolution well-aligned with his industry.
- Impressive Achievements and Impact - The CV doesn't just list accomplishments but quantifies them in an impactful way. Metrics such as a 95% customer satisfaction score and a 20% improvement in client retention rates illustrate Ethan’s ability to deliver substantial business value. These figures underscore his contribution to both client experience and the salon's financial success.
- Comprehensive Skill Set for Stylist Role - Ethan’s documented skills and past experiences are meticulously relevant, featuring industry-specialized techniques like balayage and colour correction. Adding to this, expertise in client consultation, team leadership, and freehand lightening techniques ensure a rounded skill set that prepares him for continued success in high-end salon environments.
Hair Stylist Assistant
- Structured Presentation and Clarity - The CV is methodically arranged, offering a clear and concise overview of Alfie's professional journey. Each section logically follows from personal information and skills through detailed past experiences, allowing for swift, intuitive navigation for potential employers.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Alfie's career evolution is evident through increasingly responsible roles in well-regarded organizations such as TONI&GUY and Boots UK. The transitions illustrate his consistent upward movement in the beauty industry, highlighting his dedication and capacity for growth.
- Dynamic Industry-Specific Skills - Alfie leverages unique industry-specific methodologies, such as advanced product upselling techniques and event organization, demonstrating a technical depth suitable for dynamic salon environments. His expertise contributes to significant business enhancements, like increased client retention and revenue growth.
Trainee Hair Stylist
- Well-structured experience progression - The CV illustrates a clear career trajectory, starting as a Junior Stylist and advancing to a Senior Stylist. Each position builds upon the previous role, demonstrating a consistent capacity for professional growth and leadership in the hairdressing industry.
- Emphasis on measurable achievements - Achievements are presented with specific metrics, such as increasing client satisfaction by 20% and improving sales by 25%, demonstrating the candidate's effectiveness in delivering quantifiable improvements to salon operations.
- Diverse skill set tailored to the industry - The skills section is comprehensive and directly relevant, showcasing expertise in weaving techniques, braiding, customer service, and team leadership. These skills are reinforced throughout the work experience, illustrating a deep understanding and technical proficiency in hair styling and salon management.
By Role
Hair Stylist for Film and Television
- Strong Career Progression and Commitment - Matilda's CV clearly demonstrates a significant trajectory in her career, moving from a Junior Stylist to a Senior Stylist over a span of five years. This shows not only her dedication to the industry but also her capability and readiness to take on leadership roles, as evidenced by her role in mentoring junior staff and redesigning client experiences.
- Integration of Advanced Techniques and Tools - The CV outlines Matilda's engagement with industry-specific advanced techniques, such as Wella’s colour systems and MoroccanOil products. Her proactive role in implementing these tools aligns with her contributions to enhancing salon revenue and client satisfaction, highlighting technical depth as a stylist.
- Holistic Skill Set and Soft Skills - Beyond technical expertise, Matilda displays soft skills like team leadership and customer service excellence. Her ability to retain clients and train junior stylists underlines her leadership qualities, while her involvement in social media marketing reflects her adaptability and comprehensive skill set essential for salon management roles.
Hair Stylist Educator
- Progressive Career Development - Oscar Evans' career trajectory showcases a clear growth path from a Hair Stylist to a Senior Hair Stylist and then onto a Hairdressing Educator. This progression illustrates a strong commitment to the hairdressing industry, with constant skill enhancement and an increasing level of responsibility in mentoring and leading teams.
- Innovative Contributions in Hairdressing Education - The CV highlights unique elements such as the introduction of new curriculums and methodologies which significantly increased student satisfaction scores by 50%. This focus on innovation in hair education underlines Evans' ability to stay ahead of trends and adapt teaching styles to improve learning outcomes and student confidence in the industry's latest techniques.
- Impactful Achievements with Quantifiable Results - The CV emphasizes achievements through concrete metrics, such as a 35% increase in customer satisfaction at Toni & Guy and a 25% boost in service uptake through creative initiatives. These accomplishments not only demonstrate Oscar's leadership but also his ability to drive tangible improvements that align with business goals.
Hair Stylist for Fashion Shows
- Concise and Structured Presentation - The CV presents a clear and succinct summary of Matilda's skills and achievements, using bullet points for readability. Each section is well-organized with relevant information that aligns with the role of a hair stylist, ensuring that the key skills and accomplishments are easily accessible at a glance.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Matilda's career path showcases a clear progression from a Hair Stylist to a Lead Hair Stylist role, underlined by enhanced responsibilities and leadership opportunities. Her upward mobility within the salon industry indicates a dedication to professional growth and expertise in her field.
- Emphasis on Innovative Styling Techniques - The CV highlights Matilda's proficiency in advanced cutting and colouring techniques, along with her ability to implement personalized consultations. Her focus on contemporary styling solutions and client satisfaction demonstrates a strong technical depth tailored specifically for the hair styling sector.
Celebrity Hair Stylist
- Structured Career Progression and Versatility - The CV demonstrates a clear trajectory of career growth, moving from a junior position to senior roles across renowned UK salons. This progression highlights the candidate's development not only as a stylist but also as a leader who has taken on increasing responsibilities. Each career step reflects enhanced expertise in hair styling, as well as in the management and mentorship of teams, showcasing adaptability and resilience in a competitive industry.
- Detailed Presentation of Industry-Specific Competence - The document outlines a deep technical mastery of tools and methodologies relevant to hair styling, particularly through continuous collaboration with brands like L'Oreal and engagement in high-caliber competitions such as the L'Oreal Colour Trophy finals. These experiences convey the candidate's commitment to excellence and staying abreast of innovative hair techniques and trends, which is crucial for a creative stylist.
- Leadership and Client-Centric Achievements - Notable achievements in the CV, such as increasing client satisfaction and retention rates, highlight the candidate's focus on client relationships and service excellence. By leading initiatives like referral programs and skill improvement workshops, the candidate achieves substantial results that contribute to the overall growth and reputation of the salons they have worked in, driving both revenue and client engagement.
Hair Stylist Manager
- Career Advancement and Leadership Growth - Amelia Murphy's CV highlights a clear progression from a Hair Stylist Assistant to a Senior Hair Stylist within a prominent company, demonstrating her growing expertise and leadership skills over the years. This upward trajectory showcases her ability to take on more responsibilities and lead teams effectively, which is crucial in a dynamic salon environment.
- Effective Client Relationship Management and Satisfaction - The CV emphasizes Amelia’s commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction, noting a 30% increase through personalized consultations and a 95% personal customer satisfaction rating. Her ability to build strong client relationships and maintain detailed client histories underscores her dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, driving repeat visits and loyalty.
- Adaptability with Advanced Skill Sets and Techniques - Amelia has demonstrated adaptability by incorporating new blow-dry techniques and successfully reducing client wait times without sacrificing quality. Her completion of advanced courses, such as at the Toni&Guy Academy, further attests to her commitment to learning cutting-edge methods and maintaining a competitive edge in the beauty industry.
Freelance Hair Stylist
- Content presentation highlights skill interconnection - The CV utilizes a clean and coherent format that seamlessly integrates varying skills such as makeup artistry, customer service, and creative styling, demonstrating how these elements work together to bolster the candidate's professional profile.
- Career trajectory emphasizes growth and leadership - Samuel Campbell's advancement from a Junior Makeup Artist to a Senior Makeup Artist showcases a clear career progression marked by increased responsibilities, such as leading a team and enhancing service delivery strategies, reflecting significant professional growth.
- Unique industry-specific elements in makeup and styling - The CV distinguishes itself by detailing specialized methodologies, such as developing tailored makeup looks and implementing a tool rotation system, which underscores a deep technical understanding and innovative approach within the beauty industry.
Hair Stylist for Advertising Agencies
- Structured career progression emphasizing leadership - Arthur Davies's CV clearly outlines a well-defined career trajectory from a Salon Assistant Manager to a Senior Hair Stylist. This progression highlights his ability to take on increased responsibilities and leadership roles, showcasing his growth within the competitive hairdressing field. Each position builds on prior experiences, reinforcing his role as a seasoned professional.
- Integration of creative flair with business acumen - The CV effectively combines technical hairdressing skills with strategic business achievements. Notably, his success in pioneering social media campaigns and developing loyalty programs illustrates a unique blend of artistic talent and marketing savvy. This demonstrates his capability not only to execute creative hair designs but also to enhance brand visibility and client retention.
- Comprehensive portfolio of soft skills and leadership - Arthur's ability to train junior stylists, manage client relations, and lead social media efforts underscores his adeptness in both soft skills and leadership. The CV details his contributions to team dynamics and customer satisfaction, proving his proficiency in creating positive, productive work environments while maintaining exceptional client service.
Mobile Hair Stylist
- Strategic Career Progression - Noah's journey from a Junior Stylist to a Senior Hair Stylist at a renowned brand like Toni & Guy demonstrates a focused and strategic career advancement. This progression is marked by substantial achievements such as enhancing client retention and spearheading creative campaigns. His move into a self-employed role further signifies an entrepreneurial spirit and a readiness to capitalise on accumulated expertise.
- Blend of Creativity and Technical Proficiency - The CV underscores Noah's dual strength in creativity and technical skills. Whether orchestrating creative hair campaigns or employing advanced cutting techniques, his initiatives have not only bolstered client satisfaction but also enhanced the salon's profile. Training junior stylists and developing innovative styling methods showcase his commitment to cutting-edge industry practices.
- Robust Client Relations and Business Impact - The achievements section, particularly on client satisfaction and business growth, highlights Noah's strong customer-centric approach. By increasing client bookings and spearheading initiatives that boost product sales, Noah demonstrates a clear alignment between his personal contributions and tangible business outcomes—key attributes for success in a self-employed hairdressing role.
Hair Stylist for Photoshoots
- Professional Growth and Leadership - Freya Richardson's career trajectory is impressive, moving from a Junior Hair Stylist to a Senior Hair Stylist within a short period. Her leadership skills are evident as she currently leads a team of stylists at Michaeljohn Hair Salon, where she has successfully led creative projects like photoshoots that have significantly boosted the salon's social media presence.
- Innovative and Impactful Techniques - Freya's CV showcases her expertise in using innovative hair colouring techniques, which notably increased repeat appointments by 35% over two years. Her ability to implement cutting-edge trends and methodologies demonstrates a strong technical depth in hair styling, essential for standing out in the competitive beauty industry.
- Client-Centric Approach and Achievements - The CV highlights Freya's focus on client satisfaction, with achievements such as redesigning the client consultation process, leading to a 20% increase in client retention. Her proven track record of maintaining high client satisfaction rates and achieving certifications, like the Wella Master Colour Expert, underlines the business relevance and impact of her contributions to previous salons.
Hair Stylist Consultant
- Strategic Professional Development - The CV presents a clear career growth trajectory, moving from a Junior Stylist to a Lead Hairdresser and then a Hair Stylist at prominent salons. William's continuous pursuit of advanced workshops and certifications highlights his commitment to professional development and mastery of innovative techniques in hair styling.
- Impactful Leadership and Team Building - Throughout his career, William showcases strong leadership capabilities, evidenced by his successful management of a team of stylists and his role in training junior staff in advanced methods. These experiences demonstrate his ability to enhance team productivity and foster a culture of skill enhancement and collaboration, which are crucial for growth in the creative industry.
- Innovative Approach to Client Relations - The CV emphasizes William's capacity to drive business results through client-focused strategies. By tailoring services to individual preferences and spearheading customer loyalty initiatives, William significantly increased customer satisfaction and retention. His emphasis on leveraging customer feedback to enhance service quality exemplifies a strong customer-centric approach, critical for success in the beauty industry.
Cruise Ship Hair Stylist
- Well-structured progression showcasing growth - Arthur Davies' CV effectively delineates a clear career trajectory, illustrating growth from a Junior Hair Stylist at Headmasters to a Senior Hair Stylist at Toni & Guy. This structured history highlights a natural progression in roles, responsibilities, and locations, underscoring his competence and ambition in the hair styling industry.
- Integrates advanced skills and innovative techniques - The CV outlines Arthur’s adeptness with industry-specific tools and cutting-edge methodologies, such as advanced hair colouring techniques certified by Vidal Sassoon Academy. This not only highlights his technical prowess but also his commitment to continual learning and excellence in his craft.
- Highlights leadership and mentoring abilities - Arthur's leadership capabilities shine through his experience in mentoring junior stylists and leading a team to achieve a high customer satisfaction rate. These points demonstrate his soft skills in fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment, significantly enhancing the salon's service quality and overall success.
Hair Stylist for Weddings and Events
- Strong Career Progression and Specialization - Oscar's CV effectively outlines a clear career trajectory that showcases growth and specialisation. From a Junior Stylist to a Senior Vintage Hair Stylist, each role denotes a step forward, marked by increased responsibility and expertise, particularly in vintage hair styling.
- Showcasing Leadership and Team Development - His experience segment emphasizes leadership qualities, such as leading creative workshops that boosted team engagement and pioneering a training program reducing staff turnover. These points illustrate his capability to not only grow professionally but also uplift others, reflecting strong soft skills.
- Unique Creative Techniques and Industry Recognition - The CV highlights Oscar’s development of a bespoke vintage wave technique, which received media attention in regional fashion magazines. This demonstrates not just technical depth but also a recognition in the industry that underscores his reputation as an innovative stylist.
Hair Stylist Sales Representative
- Structured and Concise Presentation - The CV is exceptionally well-organized, with each section clearly defined and systematically arranged, from summary to experience, education, and skills. It concisely communicates key points, making it easy for the reader to quickly identify George Johnson's qualifications and achievements.
- Progressive Career Growth - George Johnson's career trajectory showcases significant growth from a Junior Hair Stylist at Toni&Guy to a Senior Hair Stylist at Headmasters. This progression reflects both promotions and increasing responsibility, demonstrating a strong upward mobility within the hair styling industry.
- Innovative and Industry-Specific Expertise - The CV highlights George's development of a new balayage technique, representing a unique contribution to the industry. This, combined with other elements like advanced colouring techniques and eco-friendly practices, underlines his technical depth and innovation within the hair styling profession.
Hair Stylist for Modelling Agencies
- Clear and Structured Presentation - The CV is organized with clear headings and sections, making it easy to navigate through Isaac Scott's professional journey. Each section is concise and to the point, enabling quick assessment of skills, experience, and achievements that are relevant to the stylist role.
- Progressive Career Development - The career trajectory detailed in the CV shows a clear upward progression from a Junior Stylist to a Senior Stylist role. This demonstrates continuous professional growth, increased responsibilities, and consistent skill enhancement within the hairdressing industry.
- Emphasis on Innovative Eco-Friendly Practices - A unique aspect highlighted in the CV is the initiation and implementation of eco-friendly salon practices. This not only sets Isaac apart as a forward-thinking stylist but also underscores his commitment to sustainability, aligning with contemporary industry values and consumer preferences.
Hair Stylist for Music Videos
- Emphasizes strategic initiatives with concrete outcomes - The CV is notable for detailing strategic initiatives such as the implementation of a client feedback system and a referral program, both of which yielded significant results, like boosting customer satisfaction scores from 85% to 95% and expanding the client base by 25%. These achievements not only highlight Scarlett Murphy’s effective decision-making and strategic mindset but also underscore her capacity to enhance business growth and customer loyalty.
- Illustrates a significant upward career trajectory - The CV effectively illustrates Scarlett Murphy's career progression from a Hairdresser at Toni & Guy to a Senior Stylist at Rush Hair. Each role highlights increasingly complex responsibilities and leadership positions, such as training junior stylists and mentoring the team, which showcase her growth and adaptability in the dynamic salon industry.
- Incorporates specialized industry methodologies and education - Notable in the CV is the emphasis on advanced technical skills in hair artistry, like specialized colour techniques and personalized client consultations. This technical depth is mirrored by formal education in Hair and Beauty Management and advanced courses from reputable institutions like L'Oréal Professional Academy, reinforcing her expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development.
Hair Stylist for Theatre
- Clear and Structured Presentation - Charlotte’s CV is well-organized, providing a concise and easily navigable document. Sections are clearly delineated, each delivering key information succinctly. This layout not only enhances readability but also ensures that her professional experience, achievements, and educational background are immediately accessible to the reader, facilitating an efficient evaluation process.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - The career path Charlotte has pursued shows a clear upward progression from a Retail Assistant to a Beauty Consultant, indicating strong career development within the luxury retail sector. Her steady advancement within reputable companies highlights her reliability and effectiveness, enhancing her suitability for brand ambassador roles.
- Significant Achievements with Business Impact - Charlotte has a strong record of translating her industry skills into tangible business outcomes. Notably, she implemented strategies that resulted in a 20% sales increase and a 15% rise in customer engagement. These metrics demonstrate her ability to drive growth and add substantial value to her employers, making her a valuable asset in sales and customer experience roles.
How complex should the format of your hair stylist CV be?
Perhaps, you decided to use a fancy font and plenty of colours to ensure your hair stylist CV stands out amongst the pile of other candidate profiles. Alas - this may confuse recruiters. By keeping your format simple and organising your information coherently, you'll ultimately make a better impression. What matters most is your experience, while your CV format should act as complementary thing by:
- Presenting the information in a reverse chronological order with the most recent of your jobs first. This is done so that your career history stays organised and is aligned to the role;
- Making it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by including your contact details in the CV header. Regarding the design of your CV header, include plenty of white space and icons to draw attention to your information. If you're applying for roles in the UK, don't include a photo, as this is considered a bad practice;
- Organising your most important CV sections with consistent colours, plenty of white space, and appropriate margins (2.54 cm). Remember that your CV design should always aim at legibility and to spotlight your key information;
- Writing no more than two pages of your relevant experience. For candidates who are just starting out in the field, we recommend to have an one-page CV.
One more thing about your CV format - you may be worried if your double column CV is Applicant Tracker System (ATS) complaint. In our recent study, we discovered that both single and double-column CVs are ATS-friendly . Most ATSes out there can also read all serif and sans serif fonts. We suggest you go with modern, yet simple, fonts (e.g. Rubik, Lato, Raleway) instead of the classic Times New Roman. You'll want your application to stand out, and many candidates still go for the classics. Finally, you'll have to export your CV. If you're wondering if you should select Doc or PDF, we always advise going with PDF. Your CV in PDF will stay intact and opens easily on every OS, including Mac OS.
PRO TIP
Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a hair stylist CV
- Professional Summary highlights your passion for hair styling, expertise in hair care and ability to provide exceptional customer service.
- Relevant Hair Styling Experience showcases your hands-on experience with hair cutting, colouring and styling.
- Qualifications in Hairdressing lists your formal training, certificates and any relevant educational background.
- Skills and Techniques section demonstrates your proficiency in various hair styling tools and methods.
- Client Satisfaction and Portfolio provides evidence of your work through before/after images and client testimonials.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your qualifications and certifications in hair styling and cosmetology, as well as any additional specialised training you've undertaken, to establish your credibility and proficiency in the industry.
- Detail your hands-on experience in various hair styling techniques and services such as cutting, colouring, extensions, and treatments to showcase your versatility and skill set to potential employers.
- Include a portfolio link or images that exemplify your work, as visual proof of your style and craftsmanship can be particularly compelling in the beauty industry.
- Mention any customer service skills and the ability to build rapport with clients, as personal interaction and satisfaction are key components of success in hair styling.
- Emphasise any awards or recognition you've received in hair styling competitions or events, which can serve as a testament to your creativity and expertise in the field.
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What information should you include in your hair stylist CV header?
The CV header is potentially the section that recruiters would refer to the most, as it should include your:
- Contact details - your professional (non-work) email address and phone number;
- Professional photograph - if you're applying hinting at the value you bring as a professional.
Many professionals often struggle with writing their hair stylist CV headline. That's why in the next section of this guide, we've curated examples of how you can optimise this space to pass any form of assessment.
Examples of good CV headlines for hair stylist:
- Creative Hair Stylist | Balayage Expert | NVQ Level 3 | 5+ Yrs Experience
- Senior Stylist & Colourist | Bridal Hair Specialist | Wella Certified | 8 Yrs Proficient
- Precision Cutting Technician | Men's Grooming | Vidal Sassoon Trained | 10+ Years Crafting Styles
- Junior Stylist Enthusiast | Up-to-Date with Trending Cuts | Toni&Guy Diploma | 2 Yrs Hands-On
- Expert Colour Technician | Award-Winning Highlights | L'Oréal Professionnel Badge | 6 Years Innovation
- Seasoned Hair Artisan | Advanced Texturing | Great Lengths Extensions Pro | 15 Years Industry Leader
Catching recruiters' attention with your hair stylist CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your hair stylist CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a hair stylist job:
- With over eight years of experience shaping and enhancing client hairstyles at a prestigious London salon, I possess expert-level knowledge in colouring techniques, graduated cuts, and styling trends, culminating in winning 'Stylist of the Year' at the British Hairdressing Awards.
- Bringing a decade of hairstyling proficiency, I have crafted distinctive looks for a loyal clientele at a high-end Edinburgh establishment. Mastery in hair extensions, chemical straightening, and creative updos resulted in a 30% increase in client retention rate.
- As an award-winning graphic designer with 5 years of experience, I seek to apply my creative talents and robust client engagement skills to the art of hairdressing, drawing upon a strong aesthetic sensibility to deliver unique and personalized hair solutions to diverse clients.
- Transitioning from a successful career as a make-up artist for film and television, my extensive background in beauty and client satisfaction equips me with a unique perspective to excel in hairdressing, particularly in creating looks that complement on-screen characters and personalities.
- As an enthusiastic individual with a passion for hair artistry, I am eager to learn and grow under the guidance of seasoned stylists, with a commitment to mastering cutting-edge techniques and delivering outstanding service to every client I have the privilege to work with.
- Recently certified from a top hairdressing academy, I am keen to apply the skills learned, such as precision cutting and modern styling, in a dynamic salon setting where I can contribute to team success while continuing to refine my craft and expand my hairstyling repertoire.
Best practices for writing your hair stylist CV experience section
If your profile matches the job requirements, the CV experience is the section which recruiters will spend the most time studying. Within your experience bullets, include not merely your career history, but, rather, your skills and outcomes from each individual role. Your best experience section should promote your profile by:
- including specific details and hard numbers as proof of your past success;
- listing your experience in the functional-based or hybrid format (by focusing on the skills), if you happen to have less professional, relevant expertise;
- showcasing your growth by organising your roles, starting with the latest and (hopefully) most senior one;
- staring off each experience bullet with a verb, following up with skills that match the job description, and the outcomes of your responsibility.
Add keywords from the job advert in your experience section, like the professional CV examples:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Demonstrated proficiency in a range of cutting techniques, including layering, texturising, and razor cutting, for diverse hair types and lengths. Achieved high client satisfaction resulting in repeat appointments and positive referrals.
- Skilfully executed colour applications, highlights, ombre, and balayage customised for each client's personal style and hair condition. Completed colour correction services to address home dye mishaps or previous salon errors.
- Stayed abreast of industry trends and continually updated skillset through professional development courses in advanced styling and colouring techniques. Introduced new services to the salon's offerings, generating increased customer interest and revenue.
- Managed a clientele list efficiently, scheduling appointments and sending out reminders to reduce no-show rates. Built a personal brand by delivering consistent, high-quality results and exceptional customer service.
- Provided educational advice to clients on proper hair care, including recommendations for home care routines and styling tips. Authored informative content on hair maintenance and styling for the salon's blog, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty.
- Collaborated with team members during fashion shows and photoshoots, contributing to styling decisions and achieving the desired creative vision. Received recognition for outstanding creative contributions and teamwork in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments.
- Maintained a sanitary work station according to health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe and clean experience for every client. Regularly sanitised tools and equipment while executing proper waste disposal, upholding the salon’s reputation for hygiene.
- Effectively handled customer relations, addressing concerns and feedback with professionalism and offering suitable resolutions to ensure satisfaction. Built a loyal customer base through empathetic communication and personalised service, significantly reducing client churn.
- Utilised salon software for inventory management, ensuring that all necessary hair products and tools were in stock and readily available. Demonstrated attention to detail in maintaining clear and accurate client records, enhancing tailored service and repeat business.
Work Experience
Senior Hair Stylist
Supercuts
02/2017-05/2020
- Performed an average of 10 haircuts and 5 hair colouring treatments per day, resulting in a 20% client retention increase.
- Launched an initiative to utilise organic haircare products which boosted sales by 30% due to growing customer health consciousness.
- Collaborated with a beauty product company for an in-salon showcase that led to a partnership and enhanced our service offerings.
Work Experience
Creative Hair Stylist
Toni & Guy
11/2014-04/2018
- Pioneered a new hair straightening technique unique to Toni & Guy that increased customer appointments by 15%.
- Provided personalised consultation to over 1,200 clients, directly enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Managed a team of junior stylists and apprentices, overseeing their progress and ensuring service quality standards.
Work Experience
Master Hairdresser
Rush Hair & Beauty
06/2009-12/2013
- Specifically requested as stylist by over 40% of the client base for the innovative styling techniques and excellent customer service provided.
- Conducted monthly training sessions for junior stylists, which elevated salon service quality and consistency.
- Contributed to a 25% increase in salon revenue through upselling high-end hair care products and additional services.
Work Experience
Lead Stylist
Headmasters
07/2013-01/2017
- Expertly managed salon inventory, reducing waste by 20% while ensuring all necessary styling supplies were always available.
- Cultivated a portfolio of bridal hair styling, contributing to a 50% rise in bridal package sales within the first year.
- Established a social media presence for the salon, increasing online bookings by 35%.
Work Experience
Hairdressing Manager
The Hair Shop
05/2012-12/2016
- Spearheaded the integration of advanced digital booking systems that improved appointment scheduling efficiency by 40%.
- Proactively engaged in local community events, securing a 20% surge in new client referrals.
- Developed and marketed a signature hair care line that became the top-selling product range, attributing to 25% of total product sales.
Work Experience
Celebrity Hair Stylist
Regis Salons
03/2019-Ongoing
- Implemented an advanced colour-matching system which improved client satisfaction with colour services by 95%.
- Drove the adoption of an environmentally-sustainable waste disposal system that reduced salon waste by 30%.
- Provided elite services to celebrities and influencers, elevating the salon's profile and attracting high-end clientele.
Work Experience
Artistic Hairdresser
Sassoon Salon
01/2015-03/2022
- Crafted a staff development program that improved staff retention rates by 25% over 3 years.
- Collaborated with local photographers and fashion designers to create editorial features, which expanded the salon's brand reach.
- Designed a client feedback system that led to a more client-focused service approach and a 30% increase in positive online reviews.
Work Experience
Hair Salon Director
Aveda
08/2010-07/2015
- Revitalised an underperforming salon branch, tripling customer footfall through targeted marketing and exceptional service delivery.
- Initiated a loyalty rewards program that contributed to a 40% increase in repeat business.
- Facilitated the transition to an appointment-only model, improving daily operations and decreasing client wait times by 50%.
How to ensure your hair stylist CV stands out when you have no experience
This part of our step-by-step guide will help you substitute your experience section by helping you spotlight your skill set. First off, your ability to land your first job will depend on the time you take to assess precisely how you match the job requirements. Whether that's via your relevant education and courses, skill set, or any potential extracurricular activities. Next:
- Systematise your CV so that it spotlights your most relevant experience (whether that's your education or volunteer work) towards the top;
- Focus recruiters' attention to your transferrable skill set and in particular how your personality would be the perfect fit for the role;
- Consider how your current background has helped you build your technological understanding - whether you've created projects in your free time or as part of your uni degree;
- Ensure you've expanded on your teamwork capabilities with any relevant internships, part-time roles, or projects you've participated in the past.
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PRO TIP
If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your hair stylist CV:
HARD SKILLS
Hair cutting techniques
Colouring and highlighting
Hair styling and up-dos
Texturizing services
Chemical treatments
Extension application
Product knowledge
Blow-drying and heat styling
Sanitation and hygiene
Customer consultation
SOFT SKILLS
Creativity
Communication skills
Time management
Attention to detail
Customer service
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Teamwork
Sales skills
Continuous learning
PRO TIP
Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
Your university degree and certificates: an integral part of your hair stylist CV
Let's take you back to your uni days and decide what information will be relevant for your hair stylist CV. Once more, when discussing your higher education, select only information that is pertinent to the job (e.g. degrees and projects in the same industry, etc.). Ultimately, you should:
- List only your higher education degrees, alongside start and graduation dates, and the university name;
- Include that you obtained a first degree for diplomas that are relevant to the role, and you believe will impress recruiters;
- Showcase relevant coursework, projects, or publications, if you happen to have less experience or will need to fill in gaps in your professional history.
PRO TIP
Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
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Key takeaways
Write your professional hair stylist CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:
- Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
- Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
- Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
- Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
- Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.
