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.
- 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:
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.
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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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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%.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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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:
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
Creativity
Communication skills
Time management
Attention to detail
Customer service
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Teamwork
Sales skills
Continuous learning
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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.
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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.
