Hair Stylist job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Hair Stylist?
A Hair Stylist is a professional trained in cutting, coloring, styling, and treating hair. A hairstylist is someone who specializes in the treatment of hair and styling of hair.
They work with clients to create hairstyles that enhance their appearance while considering the client’s preferences, hair type, and face shape.
Hair Stylists are skilled in techniques such as hair cutting, blow-drying, chemical treatments like perms or relaxers, and various coloring methods.
They also provide advice on hair care, recommend products, and may offer additional services such as scalp treatments.
Hair Stylists typically work in salons, spas, or may operate independently as freelancers.
When interviewing hairstylists, keep an eye out for those who pay attention to detail and have a friendly demeanor. Avoid candidates who lack communication skills and don’t hold a license.
The top Hair Stylist skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
Are you a talented Hair Stylist with a passion for creating stylish and personalized looks? We are looking for a skilled professional to provide high-quality haircuts, color treatments, and styling services while ensuring an exceptional client experience. This role requires creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to understand clients’ needs and recommend suitable styles.
As a Hair Stylist, you will work in a dynamic environment, keeping up with the latest trends and techniques to deliver modern and classic styles. You will also provide hair care advice, maintain a clean and organized workspace, and build lasting relationships with clients. If you are dedicated to helping people look and feel their best, we invite you to join our team.
Duties and responsibilities
- Cutting, coloring, and style hair according to client specifications.
- Scheduling and taking appointments, handle client bookings.
- Perform hair coloring, highlighting, and other chemical treatments such as perms and relaxers.
- Consult with clients to understand their hair care needs and preferences.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the salon workstation and tools.
- Staying up-to-date on trends and new techniques.
- Keeping updated on styling methods and hairstyle trends.
- Describing and recommending hair products to clients.
- Provide hair treatments, including deep conditioning and scalp treatments.
- Advise clients on hair care routines and recommend appropriate hair products.
- Stay updated on the latest hair trends, techniques, and products.
- Ensure proper sanitation of all tools and equipment according to health and safety standards.
- Address client concerns and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
Requirements
- High school or GED diploma.
- Valid state cosmetology license.
- Proven experience as a Hair Stylist or colorist.
- Strong knowledge of hair cutting, coloring, and styling techniques.
- Ability to work with a variety of hair types and textures.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Knowledge of current hair trends and techniques.
- Proficiency with hair care tools and equipment.
- Attention to detail and creativity.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage time efficiently.
- Willingness to stay updated through continuing education or additional certifications.
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
The educational requirements for a Hair Stylist typically include completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by enrolling in a state-approved cosmetology school.
Cosmetology programs provide training in hair cutting, coloring, styling, and chemical treatments, as well as sanitation and customer service skills.
Upon completing the required hours of instruction, aspiring Hair Stylists must pass a state licensing exam, which usually includes both written and practical components.
To maintain their license, Hair Stylists may be required to take continuing education courses, ensuring they stay updated on industry trends and state regulations.
Cosmetology License
Validates the holder's training and competency in cosmetology practices.
State Board of CosmetologySample interview questions for a Hair Stylist.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- What inspired you to become a Hair Stylist?
- How do you stay motivated and creative in your work?
- Can you describe a time when you made a significant impact on a client’s confidence?
- How do you handle difficult or dissatisfied clients?
- How do you ensure you maintain professionalism in a team setting?
- Can you describe your approach to maintaining positive client relationships?
- How do you prioritize multiple client appointments during a busy day?
- How do you manage inventory for hair products and tools?
- Have you ever taken on a leadership role in a salon, and how did you handle it?
- What hair coloring techniques are you most proficient in?
- How do you stay updated on the latest hairstyling trends and techniques?
- Can you walk me through the process you follow when performing a haircut?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $10 at the 10th percentile to $29 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Esthetician
An Esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who specializes in providing beauty treatments that improve the health and appearance of the skin.
$45,374 medianHair Specialist
Frequently asked questions.
What qualifications should I require from a Hair Stylist candidate?
When hiring a Hair Stylist, you should require candidates to have a valid state cosmetology license, as this confirms they have completed the necessary education and passed the state board exams.
Additionally, look for candidates with experience in a salon environment and proficiency in key hair techniques like cutting, coloring, and styling.
Specialized certifications in areas like advanced coloring techniques or extensions can be an added advantage. Practical experience and a portfolio of their work can help demonstrate their skill level.
How important is creativity in a Hair Stylist role?
Creativity is essential for a Hair Stylist because clients often look to them for expert advice on current trends and personalized styles.
A creative stylist can adapt to different hair textures, face shapes, and personal preferences to create unique looks that suit each client.
Employers benefit from creative stylists who bring fresh ideas to the salon, attract new clients, and keep existing clients returning for updated styles.
Creativity also helps Hair Stylists solve challenges, such as correcting color or adapting a cut to suit the client's hair type.
How can I assess a Hair Stylist's technical skills during the hiring process?
To assess a Hair Stylist’s technical skills, you can ask them to demonstrate key techniques such as a haircut, blow-dry, or coloring application during a trial or practical assessment.
This will allow you to observe their technical ability, speed, and attention to detail. Reviewing their portfolio of past work is another effective way to evaluate their skill level and experience with different styles.
Additionally, asking them specific questions about techniques, tools, and hair care products during the interview can help gauge their knowledge.
How can a Hair Stylist contribute to the growth of my salon?
A skilled Hair Stylist can contribute to the growth of your salon by delivering excellent customer service and consistently high-quality results, which lead to increased client satisfaction and loyalty.
Stylists who stay updated on the latest trends and techniques help the salon remain competitive, attracting clients seeking modern and innovative styles.
Additionally, Hair Stylists who actively build relationships with clients and promote the salon’s services or products can help boost revenue.
Their ability to collaborate with other team members also contributes to a positive and professional salon environment.
Other job description templates.
Same format, same free, same median pay data. Browse the full library if the role you are hiring for is not here.
Esthetician
An Esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who specializes in providing beauty treatments that improve the health and appearance of the skin.
$45,374 median