Cruise Ship Hair Stylist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of cruise ship hospitality, the need for skilled hair stylists has never been greater.

As luxury travel soars to new heights, the demand for creative minds who can sculpt, maintain, and transform our guests’ hairstyles increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a cruise ship hair stylist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the specifics of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the inner workings of a cruise ship hair stylist role,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable cruise ship hair stylist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Cruise Ship Hair Stylist Duties and Responsibilities

Cruise Ship Hair Stylists provide a wide range of hair care services to passengers on a cruise ship.

These services can include hair cutting, coloring, styling and also advising on hair care.

As a part of the cruise ship’s salon team, their duties and responsibilities include:

• Consulting with clients to understand their hair care and styling needs
• Providing hair care services such as cutting, coloring, styling, and conditioning
• Advising clients on suitable haircuts, hairstyles, and color based on their personal characteristics and preferences
• Applying chemical solutions and heat treatments safely and efficiently
• Performing scalp treatments and hair and scalp analysis
• Ensuring workstations are clean, sanitized, and meet health and safety regulations
• Selling hair care products and providing advice on their use
• Handling client appointments and managing their schedules
• Coordinating with other salon staff to provide excellent customer service and ensure a pleasant salon experience

 

Cruise Ship Hair Stylist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented and experienced Hair Stylist to join our dynamic team on board a cruise ship.

The successful candidate will have a creative flair and the ability to provide excellent customer service.

As a Cruise Ship Hair Stylist, you will be responsible for delivering a variety of high-quality hair services including cutting, styling, coloring and washing.

You will also be expected to maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Our ideal candidate has a proven track record in a salon environment, with a thorough knowledge of different hair types and current industry trends.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform a broad range of hair styling services, from cutting hair to performing scalp treatments.
• Typical duties include shampooing, cutting and styling hair, though they may also provide hair treatments, including deep conditioning, permanents and hair coloring.
• Maintain cleanliness of salon and work station; sanitize tools as required.
• Stay updated on hairstyle trends and styling methods.
• Ensure clients feel at ease by answering their questions and maintaining a pleasant salon environment.
• Check clients’ hair and detect signs of hair and scalp disease.
• Recommend suitable hair products to clients.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Hair Stylist in a salon environment.
• Proficiency with hair straighteners, curlers and scissors.
• Understanding of hair care products and their benefits.
• Knowledge of a wide range of haircuts, suitable for all hair lengths and types.
• Ability to provide quality customer service.
• Diploma from a cosmetology school.

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Free meals and accommodation on board
• Travel the world while working
• Medical and dental insurance
• Opportunity for career progression

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cruise Ship Hair Stylist
• Work Environment: Salon setting aboard a cruise ship. Must be comfortable with being at sea for extended periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Salon Manager or Spa Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum per annum
• Location: Varied. Cruise itineraries change regularly.
• Employment Type: Contract, typically 6 months on, 2 months off.
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a portfolio showcasing your work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cruise Ship Hair Stylist Do?

A Cruise Ship Hair Stylist works on board a cruise ship in the salon or spa department.

They primarily cater to the hairstyling needs of the ship’s passengers and, occasionally, crew members.

They provide a variety of hair care services including cutting, coloring, styling, and blow-drying.

They may also offer treatments such as hair conditioning, scalp treatments, and hair strengthening procedures.

In addition to these services, Cruise Ship Hair Stylists are often trained to perform other beauty services such as manicures, pedicures, and facial treatments, providing a comprehensive beauty care experience for the clients.

As a part of their job, they consult with clients to understand their preferences and offer advice on hairstyles, hair care, and treatments based on the individual’s hair type and condition.

Cruise Ship Hair Stylists also need to maintain a clean and safe work environment, adhering to health and safety standards.

They are also responsible for managing appointments, selling hair care products, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Since they interact with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, they need to have good communication skills and be able to understand and respect the varied beauty and hair care needs of different cultures.

 

Cruise Ship Hair Stylist Qualifications and Skills

A competent Cruise Ship Hair Stylist should possess a unique blend of technical skills, customer service proficiency, and creative flair.

These include:

• Technical skills and knowledge of various hair types and hair services including cuts, coloring, styling, and treatments, to cater to a diverse range of customer needs.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills to build rapport with clients, understand their needs, and ensure they have a positive salon experience.
• Creativity and artistic flair to develop unique and personalized hairstyles that enhance clients’ appearance and meet their individual preferences.
• Strong communication skills to effectively listen to clients’ requests and provide clear explanations about various hair services, treatments, and products.
• Physical stamina to stand for long hours and dexterity to perform precision hair styling and treatments.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment that requires multitasking and flexibility, as is typical on a cruise ship.
• Knowledge of safety and sanitation regulations to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy salon environment.
• Experience in retail sales can be beneficial for promoting and selling hair care products.
• While not always a requirement, fluency in multiple languages can be an asset when dealing with international clients on a cruise ship.

 

Cruise Ship Hair Stylist Experience Requirements

Cruise Ship Hair Stylists typically undergo training at a state-licensed cosmetology school where they acquire substantial theoretical and practical knowledge.

They often start their careers in local salons or spas, gaining hands-on experience in hair styling, cutting, and coloring.

Entry-level candidates for Cruise Ship Hair Stylist roles may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles in salons, spas, or other beauty industry settings.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience usually have a strong foundational skills set and are highly proficient in providing various hair services, from basic haircuts to complex hairdos for special events.

They are also often skilled in providing other beauty services, such as manicures, pedicures, and facials, which are common in a cruise ship salon environment.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some managerial experience and are usually in a position to oversee salon operations, supervise junior stylists, and lead training programs.

They may also have experience in customer service and sales, since upselling salon products and services is a key part of the role on a cruise ship.

In addition to these, having a certain level of experience working in a multicultural environment can be a strong advantage, as cruise ship clientele is typically diverse.

It is also beneficial for candidates to have a good understanding of health and safety regulations and hygiene standards.

 

Cruise Ship Hair Stylist Education and Training Requirements

Cruise Ship Hair Stylists are typically required to have a high school diploma or equivalent education.

The most critical requirement for this role is to have completed a state-approved cosmetology program, which provides comprehensive training in hair styling, cutting, coloring, and other related services.

Upon successful completion of the cosmetology program, they must pass a state licensing examination to become a certified hair stylist.

The examination generally consists of written and practical tests.

In addition to the required education and certification, most cruise ships require hair stylists to have some experience working in a salon or spa.

Additional training in customer service is often beneficial, as Cruise Ship Hair Stylists interact directly with clients and aim to provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Moreover, since the stylist role is onboard a cruise ship, some companies might require additional training related to safety procedures and protocols.

Continued education to stay updated with the latest hairstyling trends and techniques is also recommended, as this can help a stylist to maintain a competitive edge and satisfy a wide range of client expectations.

Specialized training or certification in other beauty services such as manicures, pedicures, or skin care could be a plus as it allows the stylist to provide a broader range of services to the cruise ship passengers.

 

Cruise Ship Hair Stylist Salary Expectations

A Cruise Ship Hair Stylist can expect to earn an average salary of approximately $30,000 (USD) per year.

This income may vary depending on the cruise line, location, and the hair stylist’s level of experience and expertise.

Additional income may also be earned through tips.

 

Cruise Ship Hair Stylist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Cruise Ship Hair Stylist need?

A Cruise Ship Hair Stylist needs to have excellent hairdressing skills along with a broad knowledge of current trends and styles.

They should possess good communication and interpersonal skills to understand their clients’ needs and be able to create the desired looks.

Good time management skills are also vital as they may have to attend to multiple clients in a short span of time.

 

What qualifications are required to become a Cruise Ship Hair Stylist?

A Cruise Ship Hair Stylist needs to have a valid cosmetology license.

This typically requires completion of a state-approved cosmetology program, followed by a licensing exam.

Some cruise lines may require additional certifications or experience in specific hair techniques such as coloring, extensions, or hair treatments.

 

What should you look for in a Cruise Ship Hair Stylist’s resume?

In a Cruise Ship Hair Stylist’s resume, first and foremost, verify their cosmetology license and any additional certifications.

Experience working in a salon or spa setting is crucial.

Since this job involves working on a cruise ship, any previous experience in a similar role or in a hospitality environment can be a bonus.

Customer service skills and fluency in multiple languages can also be beneficial for interacting with diverse clientele on the ship.

 

What qualities make a good Cruise Ship Hair Stylist?

A good Cruise Ship Hair Stylist should have a passion for hairdressing and be able to perform under pressure.

They should be patient, friendly, and have excellent customer service skills to cater to the diverse clientele on the ship.

As they will be living and working in a close-knit ship community, they need to be respectful, adaptable, and capable of living in shared accommodations.

 

What are the challenges of being a Cruise Ship Hair Stylist?

Being a Cruise Ship Hair Stylist can be challenging due to the confined living and working environment, which can often lead to long hours.

They need to manage their time effectively to attend to a high volume of clients.

They also need to be prepared to live away from home for extended periods of time and manage their personal well-being.

However, these challenges are often offset by the unique opportunities to travel and meet people from all over the world.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it!

Today, we’ve shed some light on what it truly means to be a cruise ship hair stylist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about cutting and styling hair.

It’s about creating beauty, one strand at a time, all while cruising on the high seas.

With our trusted cruise ship hair stylist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to set sail on a new career journey.

But why stop there?

Take your career further with our job description generator. It’s your next port of call for crafting precision-based job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every strand of hair you style contributes to the larger vision.

Let’s create that vision. Together.

How to Become a Cruise Ship Hair Stylist (Complete Guide)

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