Top 12 Hairstylist Skills to Put on Your Resume
A resume for a hairstylist should shine just as brightly as the hairstyles they create, showcasing a blend of technical prowess and creative flair. Highlighting the top hairstylist skills on your resume is crucial for standing out in a competitive industry, demonstrating both your proficiency in hair artistry and your ability to provide exceptional client service.
Hairstylist Skills
- Hair Cutting
- Coloring Techniques
- Balayage Expertise
- Blow-Drying
- Upstyling
- Keratin Treatments
- Hair Extensions
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- Product Knowledge
- Scalp Care
- Digital Booking (e.g., Square Appointments)
1. Hair Cutting
Hair cutting is the process of trimming or shaping hair using tools like scissors, razors, or clippers, performed by a hairstylist to achieve a desired style or length.
Why It's Important
Hair cutting is important for maintaining the health and shape of the hair, enhancing personal style and appearance, and promoting hair growth by removing split ends. For a hairstylist, it's a fundamental skill for creating customized looks that suit clients' preferences and facial features, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.
How to Improve Hair Cutting Skills
Improving hair cutting skills requires practice, ongoing education, and attention to detail. Follow these concise tips:
Practice Regularly: Hands-on experience is key. Practice on mannequins or volunteer models to refine your techniques.
Stay Updated: Follow industry trends and techniques through platforms like Behind the Chair for the latest hair cutting styles and tutorials.
Use Quality Tools: Invest in high-quality scissors and maintenance tools. Hattori Hanzo Shears offers professional-grade options.
Attend Workshops: Participate in workshops and hair shows for live demonstrations and networking. Hair Expo is an example where you can learn from experts.
Seek Feedback: Ask for constructive feedback from peers and mentors to identify areas of improvement.
Understand Hair Types: Familiarize yourself with different hair types and cutting techniques suitable for each. MiladyPro offers resources and courses on various hair types and cutting methods.
Focus on Customer Service: Listen to your clients’ needs and preferences to ensure satisfaction. Good communication skills are essential.
By continuously honing your skills, keeping up with industry standards, and using the right tools, you can significantly improve your hair cutting abilities.
How to Display Hair Cutting Skills on Your Resume
2. Coloring Techniques
Coloring techniques in hairstyling refer to the various methods and processes used by hairstylists to change or enhance the color of a client's hair. These techniques can include highlighting, lowlighting, balayage, ombre, sombre, and all-over color applications, among others. Each technique offers a different look, from subtle natural shades to bold, dramatic changes, allowing for personalized hair color transformations.
Why It's Important
Coloring techniques are crucial for a hairstylist as they enhance creativity, enable personalized client services, and expand the range of hair transformations, thereby increasing client satisfaction and stylist versatility.
How to Improve Coloring Techniques Skills
Improving coloring techniques as a hairstylist involves expanding your knowledge base, practicing new methods, and staying updated with trends. Here are concise steps to enhance your skills:
Education: Enroll in advanced coloring courses offered by reputable beauty academies or online platforms like Milady or Udemy. These often cover techniques from balayage to color correction.
Practice: Regularly practice new coloring techniques on mannequin heads or volunteer models to refine your skills. Purchase quality mannequins from Pivot Point.
Stay Updated: Follow industry leaders and influencers on social media platforms like Instagram for the latest trends and techniques.
Product Knowledge: Understand the chemistry behind coloring products. Brands like Wella Professionals offer detailed insights into their products.
Feedback: Seek feedback from experienced hairstylists or mentors to improve your technique. Join forums on Behindthechair.com for community advice and critiques.
Portfolio: Document your work through photos or videos to analyze your progress and showcase your skills on platforms like Instagram.
By focusing on education, practice, and staying connected with the hairstyling community, you can markedly improve your coloring techniques.
How to Display Coloring Techniques Skills on Your Resume
3. Balayage Expertise
Balayage expertise refers to a hairstylist's advanced skill in performing balayage, a hair coloring technique where dye is hand-painted onto hair to create a natural-looking, graduated effect with softer, less noticeable regrowth lines.
Why It's Important
Balayage expertise is crucial for a hairstylist because it allows them to create customized, natural-looking highlights that blend seamlessly into the client's hair, enhancing their overall appearance. This skill also helps in meeting diverse client preferences and staying competitive in the evolving hairstyling industry.
How to Improve Balayage Expertise Skills
To improve your Balayage expertise as a hairstylist, focus on these concise steps:
Education: Enroll in advanced balayage courses offered by reputable institutions like L'Oréal Professionnel to understand the latest techniques and trends.
Practice: Gain hands-on experience by practicing on hair mannequins, which you can find on sites like Amazon. Start with simpler techniques and gradually move to more complex patterns.
Follow Experts: Stay updated with balayage trends by following industry leaders on Instagram and YouTube, where they often share valuable tips and tutorials.
Experiment with Products: Experiment with different lighteners and developers to find the ones that work best for you. Brands like Wella often have products specifically designed for balayage.
Attend Workshops: Participate in workshops and hair shows, which are often advertised on platforms like Eventbrite, to see live demonstrations and network with other professionals.
Remember, mastering balayage is a continuous learning process that combines education, practice, and creativity.
How to Display Balayage Expertise Skills on Your Resume
4. Blow-Drying
Blow-drying is a styling technique used by hairstylists involving the use of a handheld dryer to apply hot air to damp hair, shaping and setting the hair into a desired style as it dries.
Why It's Important
Blow-drying is important for a hairstylist as it helps to shape and set the hairstyle, adds volume and smoothness, and prepares the hair for further styling or cutting, ensuring a polished and finished look.
How to Improve Blow-Drying Skills
Improving blow-drying techniques for hairstylists involves mastering the coordination of tools, understanding hair types, and applying the right products. Here are concise steps with relevant resources:
Select the Right Tools: Use a high-quality, ionic blow dryer and appropriate nozzle attachments for control. Choose round brushes with materials that suit your client's hair type (boar bristles for fine hair, nylon for thicker hair). Good Housekeeping provides recommendations on top-rated hair dryers.
Prep the Hair: Apply a heat protectant to damp hair. This minimizes damage and enhances shine. Healthline offers a list of effective products.
Section the Hair: Divide the hair into manageable sections using clips. This ensures even drying and styling. Byrdie explains the importance of sectioning in detail.
Technique: Hold the dryer at a 45-degree angle from the hair, using the nozzle to direct the airflow down the hair shaft from roots to ends. This technique reduces frizz and adds shine. Move the dryer constantly to avoid overheating sections. Marie Claire offers expert blow-drying tips.
Use the Right Heat Setting: Adjust the temperature based on the hair's thickness and condition. Fine hair requires a lower heat setting than thick or coarse hair. Cosmopolitan discusses how to choose the correct heat setting.
Cool Shot to Set: Finish with a blast of cool air to close the hair cuticle and set the style, ensuring longevity and shine. Glamour highlights this as a pro tip.
Continuous Education: Stay updated with the latest techniques and products by attending workshops and watching tutorials from reputable sources. Websites like BehindTheChair.com offer a wealth of educational resources for hairstylists.
By adhering to these steps and constantly seeking to improve their skills and knowledge, hairstylists can enhance their blow-drying techniques, ensuring clients leave with beautifully styled, healthy-looking hair.
How to Display Blow-Drying Skills on Your Resume
5. Upstyling
Upstyling refers to the process of creating elaborate and elevated hairstyles, such as updos, intricate braids, and formal hair arrangements, often for special occasions or events.
Why It's Important
Upstyling is important for a hairstylist because it enhances creativity, adds versatility to their skill set, adapts to clients' special occasion needs, and showcases their ability to transform appearances, ultimately increasing client satisfaction and expanding business opportunities.
How to Improve Upstyling Skills
Improving upstyling skills as a hairstylist involves continuous practice, education, and staying updated with the latest trends. Here's a very short and concise guide:
- Practice Regularly: Hands-on experience is key. Practice on mannequins or willing friends to refine techniques and speed.
- Educational Workshops: Attend professional workshops and seminars to learn new techniques and trends from industry experts.
- Online Tutorials: Utilize YouTube and Instagram for free tutorials from reputable stylists.
- Networking: Join professional forums or social media groups like Hairbrained to share tips and get feedback.
- Tool Mastery: Ensure you're proficient with all your styling tools. Invest in high-quality tools and keep them well-maintained.
- Understanding Hair Types: Tailor your upstyling techniques to different hair types and lengths for the best outcomes.
- Creativity & Inspiration: Draw inspiration from fashion magazines, Pinterest, and red carpet events to stay ahead of trends.
- Feedback and Reflection: Seek feedback from clients and peers to identify areas for improvement. Reflect on each experience to grow your skill set.
By following these steps and continuously challenging yourself, you'll see significant improvements in your upstyling capabilities.
How to Display Upstyling Skills on Your Resume
6. Keratin Treatments
Keratin treatments are salon hair-smoothing procedures that temporarily coat the hair strands with a liquid keratin and preservative solution, which is then sealed in with heat. They aim to eliminate frizz, enhance shine, and make hair more manageable.
Why It's Important
Keratin treatments are important for hairstylists because they provide clients with smoother, frizz-free hair, making it easier to style and maintain, while also enhancing the hair's strength and shine.
How to Improve Keratin Treatments Skills
Improving keratin treatments involves enhancing both the application process and the hair's receptiveness to the treatment. For hairstylists, focusing on technique, product selection, and post-treatment care is key.
Assessment: Begin with a thorough hair assessment to choose the appropriate keratin formula. Consider the client's hair type, condition, and desired outcome.
Preparation: Ensure the hair is properly cleaned using a clarifying shampoo to remove any residues that might block the treatment's absorption. Clarifying Shampoo Guide.
Application Precision: Apply the keratin treatment meticulously, avoiding the scalp and ensuring even distribution. Use small sections to guarantee thorough coverage. Keratin Application Tips.
Proper Sealing: Use a flat iron at the recommended temperature to seal in the treatment effectively. The temperature might vary depending on the product and hair type. Flat Iron Guide.
Post-Treatment Care: Advise clients on sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to prolong the treatment's effects. Additionally, recommend minimizing washing frequency and avoiding chlorine and saltwater. Sulfate-Free Shampoo Benefits.
Continuous Education: Stay updated with the latest keratin treatment products and techniques. Attend workshops and webinars, and read industry publications. Modern Salon Education.
Client Education: Educate your clients on how to maintain their keratin-treated hair at home, emphasizing the importance of the right products and practices to extend the life of their treatment.
By focusing on these areas, hairstylists can significantly improve the results of keratin treatments, ensuring client satisfaction and the long-term health of the hair.
How to Display Keratin Treatments Skills on Your Resume
7. Hair Extensions
Hair extensions are artificial or natural hair integrations used by hairstylists to add length, volume, or color to a client's natural hair.
Why It's Important
Hair extensions are important for a hairstylist because they allow for immediate length and volume enhancement, enabling a wider range of styling possibilities and the ability to meet client desires for fuller or longer-looking hair without waiting for natural growth.
How to Improve Hair Extensions Skills
Improving hair extensions involves focusing on quality selection, proper installation, maintenance, and client education. Here's a short guide for hairstylists:
Quality Selection: Opt for high-quality, human hair extensions. They look more natural and are easier to style. Great Lengths and Bellami Hair are reputable suppliers.
Proper Installation: Ensure you are trained in various installation techniques (tape-ins, sew-ins, clip-ins, micro-link) to offer options that best suit your client's hair type and lifestyle. Continuous education is key, consider courses from Hair Extension Master Class.
Maintenance: Teach clients how to care for their extensions at home, including gentle washing, proper drying, and the use of suitable hair care products. Recommending a maintenance visit schedule can help prevent matting and prolong the life of the extensions. RemySoft offers extension-friendly hair care products.
Client Education: Educate clients on realistic expectations, the importance of regular maintenance, and how to prevent damage to their natural hair. Providing written care instructions can be very helpful.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve the hair extension experience for your clients.
How to Display Hair Extensions Skills on Your Resume
8. Customer Service
Customer service for a hairstylist involves providing attentive and personalized care to clients, ensuring their satisfaction with the hair styling services offered, and addressing any concerns or requests they have during their appointment.
Why It's Important
Customer service is crucial for a hairstylist because it builds trust, ensures client satisfaction, encourages repeat business, and fosters positive word-of-mouth, essential for attracting new clients in a highly personalized and competitive industry.
How to Improve Customer Service Skills
Improving customer service as a hairstylist involves actively listening to your clients' needs, staying updated on the latest trends, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Here are some focused strategies:
Active Listening: Ensure you thoroughly understand each client's requests and preferences. MindTools offers great tips on enhancing your listening skills.
Continuing Education: Stay current with hair trends, techniques, and products. Online platforms like Udemy have various courses on hairstyling.
Personalized Experience: Make each client feel special by tailoring the service to their individual needs. Forbes discusses the importance of personalization in customer service.
Efficient Booking System: Implement an easy-to-use appointment booking system. Tools like Square Appointments can streamline this process.
Follow-Up: Send a thank-you message or a feedback request after appointments. SurveyMonkey is a useful platform for creating quick feedback forms.
By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your customer service, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty among your clients.
How to Display Customer Service Skills on Your Resume
9. Time Management
Time management for a hairstylist involves efficiently organizing and scheduling appointments, tasks, and breaks to maximize productivity and client satisfaction while minimizing downtime and stress.
Why It's Important
Time management is crucial for a hairstylist because it ensures efficient scheduling, allowing for maximum client satisfaction and retention, minimizes wait times, enhances productivity, and optimizes revenue generation by accommodating more appointments.
How to Improve Time Management Skills
Improving time management as a hairstylist involves prioritizing tasks, setting realistic schedules, and utilizing tools to streamline appointments and client management. Here are concise tips:
Prioritize Tasks: Start your day by listing tasks in order of importance and urgency. Focus on what needs immediate attention versus what can wait.
Set Realistic Schedules: Allocate specific time slots for each client, considering the complexity of the requested service. Use Google Calendar to visually organize your day.
Use Appointment Scheduling Software: Implement tools like Square Appointments to manage bookings, send reminders, and minimize no-shows.
Limit Interruptions: Designate specific times to check emails or return calls, rather than allowing these tasks to disrupt your workflow.
Delegate When Possible: If you work within a team, delegate tasks like cleaning or inventory management to support staff.
Continuously Evaluate and Adjust: Regularly review your schedule and practices to identify areas for improvement.
By effectively managing your time, you can enhance productivity, reduce stress, and provide better service to your clients.
How to Display Time Management Skills on Your Resume
10. Product Knowledge
Product knowledge, for a hairstylist, refers to a comprehensive understanding of the hair care and styling products they use, including their ingredients, benefits, application techniques, and how they interact with different hair types, to effectively meet the needs and expectations of clients.
Why It's Important
Product knowledge is crucial for a hairstylist as it enables them to recommend the right products that suit their clients' hair types and styling needs, ensuring optimal care and achieving desired results. It also helps in building trust and credibility with clients.
How to Improve Product Knowledge Skills
Improving product knowledge as a hairstylist involves staying updated with the latest trends, ingredients, and technologies in hair care and styling products. Here are concise steps and resources:
Attend Workshops and Seminars: Participate in industry workshops and seminars. Brands like L'Oréal Professionnel often host educational events.
Utilize Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy and Skillshare offer courses on hair care products and styling techniques.
Read Industry Publications: Stay informed with magazines and online publications such as Modern Salon for the latest product reviews and hair care trends.
Follow Brands on Social Media: Brands like Redken share product information and tutorials on their social media channels.
Practice and Experiment: Nothing beats hands-on experience. Use different products on various hair types and see the results firsthand.
By engaging in continuous learning and hands-on experience, you can significantly improve your product knowledge as a hairstylist.
How to Display Product Knowledge Skills on Your Resume
11. Scalp Care
Scalp care involves maintaining the health of the scalp through cleansing, moisturizing, and treating specific conditions like dandruff or dryness to promote optimal hair growth and health.
Why It's Important
Scalp care is crucial for hairstylists as it lays the foundation for healthy hair growth, prevents issues like dandruff and scalp infections, and ensures the longevity and vibrancy of hair treatments and colors, ultimately leading to satisfied clients with beautiful, healthy hair.
How to Improve Scalp Care Skills
Improving scalp care is crucial for maintaining healthy hair and overall scalp health. Here are concise recommendations tailored for hairstylists:
Educate on Proper Washing: Guide clients on using gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and the importance of not over-washing, which can strip the scalp of natural oils. Suggest washing every other day or less frequently based on hair type.
Hydration and Nourishment: Recommend hydrating and nourishing scalp treatments with ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, or coconut oil. Encourage clients to incorporate these into their routine, especially if they have a dry or flaky scalp.
Gentle Massage: Advise on the benefits of regular, gentle scalp massages to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth. This can be done during shampooing or when applying oils.
Balanced Diet: Stress the importance of a balanced diet rich in vitamins (A, C, D, E), omega-3 fatty acids, and protein for a healthy scalp and hair.
Avoid Heat Styling: Caution against excessive heat styling. Recommend using heat protectant products and advising clients to embrace their natural hair texture when possible to reduce scalp and hair stress.
Regular Trimming: Encourage regular haircuts to prevent split ends and hair breakage, which can also affect the scalp's health.
For more detailed information and professional-grade products, hairstylists can explore:
- American Academy of Dermatology for scalp care insights.
- Professional Beauty Association for industry standards and continuing education.
Remember, personalization is key. Assess each client's scalp condition and lifestyle to tailor your recommendations effectively.
How to Display Scalp Care Skills on Your Resume
12. Digital Booking (e.g., Square Appointments)
Digital Booking, such as Square Appointments, enables hairstylists to manage appointments online, allowing clients to book, reschedule, or cancel their hair service appointments directly through a digital platform, streamlining the scheduling process for both the stylist and the client.
Why It's Important
Digital booking systems, like Square Appointments, streamline appointment scheduling, reduce no-shows through automated reminders, optimize time management, and enhance client satisfaction by providing an easy, 24/7 booking option for hairstylists.
How to Improve Digital Booking (e.g., Square Appointments) Skills
To enhance your digital booking experience with platforms like Square Appointments for hairstyling services, consider the following concise strategies:
User-Friendly Interface: Ensure your booking page is easy to navigate. Highlight key services and availability upfront.
Comprehensive Service Descriptions: Provide detailed descriptions and photos for each service, helping clients make informed decisions. Square Support offers guidance on customizing your services list.
Mobile Optimization: Ensure your booking site is mobile-friendly, as many clients book on-the-go. Square Appointments is designed with mobile in mind, which is crucial for user accessibility.
Reminder and Follow-Up System: Implement automated reminders and follow-ups via SMS or email to reduce no-shows and encourage rebooking. Square Appointments includes features for automated reminders.
Online Reviews Integration: Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews directly through your booking platform or link to your Google My Business or Yelp page for credibility.
Flexible Payment Options: Offer multiple payment methods including credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay for deposits or prepayments to secure bookings. Square Appointments supports various payment methods.
Personalization: Use client information to personalize the booking experience, suggesting services based on past appointments or preferences.
Easy Rescheduling and Cancellations: Provide clear options for clients to reschedule or cancel appointments, ideally with a self-service option within the booking platform.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance the client booking experience, leading to higher satisfaction and increased loyalty.
How to Display Digital Booking (e.g., Square Appointments) Skills on Your Resume
