Hair Stylist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of fashion and beauty, the role of hair stylists is crucial and ever-evolving.

As trends come and go, the demand for skilled hands that can create, enhance, and transform our personal styles grows.

But what does it truly mean to be a hair stylist?

Whether you are:

A job seeker looking to understand the core of this profession,
A salon owner drafting the ideal candidate profile,
Or simply fascinated by the artistic world of hair styling,

You’ve come to the right place.

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

Let’s delve right into it.

Contents show

Hair Stylist Duties and Responsibilities

Hair Stylists perform a variety of tasks related to hair care, styling, and beauty enhancements.

They are skilled in creating looks that suit their clients’ needs and personal style.

As Hair Stylists, their duties and responsibilities include:

Consulting with clients to determine their hair styling and hair care needs
Shampooing, cutting, coloring and highlighting hair according to clients’ specifications
Styling hair using tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, straighteners, and other hair tools
Providing hair treatments including deep conditioning, rebonding, and keratin treatments
Recommending suitable hair products for clients’ hair types and hair care routines
Keeping records of hair color and treatment history of clients
Maintaining a clean and safe work environment by following salon’s standards of cleanliness and sanitation
Keeping up to date with latest hair trends and styling methods
Scheduling appointments and managing client expectations
Handling cash transactions and ensuring client satisfaction

Hair Stylist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a creative Hair Stylist to increase the clientele of our salon by providing high-quality hair styling services.

The Hair Stylist’s responsibilities include consulting with clients on stylistic options for their hair, listening to client needs to determine their preferences and applying products such as mousse and serum to clients’ hair.

Our ideal candidates have experience with various coloring techniques, have excellent communication skills and are able to provide a personalized service to our clients.

Ultimately, the role of the Hair Stylist is to ensure our clients’ hair looks stylish and healthy, while making them feel pampered and relaxed.

Responsibilities

Welcoming clients and consulting with them on their desired hairstyles
Cutting, trimming, and shaving hair using professional equipment
Applying a wide range of hair coloring techniques, like highlights, ombre and balayage
Creating hairstyles for formal events and everyday looks, including braids, ponytails and buns
Applying hair treatment products, as required by clients
Forming an updated and accurate client record with services provided and products used
Managing bookings and welcoming clients into the store
Keeping updated on hairstyle trends and styling methods

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Hair Stylist, Hairdresser, Colorist or similar role
Proficiency with hot irons, curlers and blow-dryers
Experience with hair coloring techniques
Excellent interpersonal skills
Good physical stamina
Creative mindset and a good eye for design
Hair Styling license from a cosmetology program

Benefits

Competitive commission
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Hair Stylist
Work Environment: Hair Salon with a comfortable and creative atmosphere. Some weekend and evening hours may be required.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Salon Manager.
Salary: Base pay plus tips. Exact salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our salon. 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 and a portfolio of your work to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Hair Stylist Do?

Hair Stylists are licensed professionals who specialize in the styling and treatment of hair.

They work in salons, spas, or sometimes independently, providing services to both male and female clientele.

They wash, cut, color, and style hair according to clients’ preferences or current fashion trends.

They use a range of tools such as scissors, brushes, blow dryers, and styling irons to achieve the desired look.

Hair Stylists may also provide other services such as deep conditioning, scalp treatments, and hair extensions.

They are skilled in the use of a variety of hair products that help in styling and maintaining the health of the hair.

Apart from physical hair treatments, Hair Stylists often offer advice and consultation to clients on hair care, recommend hair styling products and suggest suitable hairstyles for clients’ face shapes and lifestyles.

They are also responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment, sanitizing tools and equipment, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in hair styling.

Hair Stylist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient hair stylist will possess a unique blend of technical skills, creativity and interpersonal skills.

Here are some of the important qualifications and skills a hair stylist should have:

Creative abilities to devise and implement a variety of hairstyles based on the client’s hair type, face shape, lifestyle and personal preferences.
Technical skills to accurately perform hair treatments, cuts, colorings, and styles using a variety of tools and products.
Strong knowledge about hair health and an ability to recommend suitable hair care products and treatments to clients.
Excellent interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with clients, fostering client loyalty and repeat business.
Effective communication skills to understand client requirements, provide consultations and advice, and explain the process and maintenance of the hair style.
Exceptional customer service skills to provide a welcoming and satisfying experience for clients, including managing appointments, providing timely service, and handling transactions professionally.
Physical stamina and coordination to stand for extended periods of time, work with hands and tools accurately, and ensure client safety and comfort.
Problem-solving skills to handle any issues related to the service provided and to manage dissatisfied customers with patience and professionalism.

Hair Stylist Experience Requirements

Hair stylists typically go through a state-licensed cosmetology or hairdressing school, where they acquire theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in hairstyling, hair treatment, coloring, cutting and more.

During their training, many future stylists gain experience working in a salon or spa environment as part of their coursework or through internships.

This practical exposure prepares them for the requirements of entry-level hair stylist jobs.

Newly-graduated hair stylists usually start out as junior stylists, where they may handle simpler tasks such as shampooing, blow drying, and basic haircuts.

This provides them the opportunity to observe and learn from more experienced stylists.

After a year or two in the industry, hair stylists typically gain more responsibility, managing their own clients and performing more complex services such as hair coloring, advanced cuts and styles.

Hair stylists with 3 to 5 years of experience are often well-versed in customer service, consultation, and advanced hairstyling techniques.

They may also have experience with various hair types and conditions, and are capable of recommending suitable products and treatments to clients.

Those with more than 5 years of experience might have leadership and mentoring experience, making them ideal candidates for senior stylist or salon manager positions.

In these roles, they may oversee the work of other stylists, train new employees, manage inventory, and ensure the overall smooth operation of the salon.

Hair Stylist Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Hair Stylist requires completion of a cosmetology program from a state-approved cosmetology or beauty school.

This program typically covers different aspects of hair styling, including cutting, coloring, and texturizing hair, as well as makeup application, skin care, and sometimes even nail care.

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally a prerequisite to enrolling in a cosmetology program.

The duration of these programs can vary from several months to a year or more, depending on the specific curriculum and the state’s requirements.

Upon completion of the cosmetology program, individuals must obtain a state license to legally work as a Hair Stylist.

Licensing requirements generally include passing written and practical exams.

In addition to these initial requirements, some hair stylists opt to complete advanced courses or specific product training to enhance their skills and broaden their service offerings.

Additionally, as trends and techniques in the beauty industry are constantly changing, ongoing education and training are essential to stay up-to-date and competitive in this field.

Being a Hair Stylist also requires excellent interpersonal skills, as they often build relationships with their clients and need to communicate effectively to understand their hair care needs and preferences.

Overall, a successful Hair Stylist combines technical skills, creativity, and a commitment to continuous learning and client satisfaction.

Hair Stylist Salary Expectations

A Hair Stylist can expect to earn an average wage of $14.91 (USD) per hour.

However, the total income can significantly vary depending on the individual’s level of experience, specialization, the location of the salon, and the clientele they serve.

Some highly experienced stylists in upscale locations can earn significantly more.

Hair Stylist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a hair stylist need?

A hair stylist should have strong technical skills in hair cutting, coloring, and styling.

They should also have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to understand their clients’ needs and provide them with the best service.

Creativity is another key skill, as hair stylists are often expected to create unique looks that meet their clients’ preferences.

They should also have good physical stamina as they are often on their feet for long periods.

Do hair stylists need a license?

Yes, hair stylists need a license to practice.

Licensing requirements vary by state but generally require completion of a cosmetology program and passing a state licensure exam.

Some states may also require a certain number of hours of continuing education each year to maintain licensure.

What should you look for in a hair stylist’s resume?

When reviewing a hair stylist’s resume, look for their education and licensure information first.

They should have completed a state-approved cosmetology program and hold a current license.

Experience is also important, especially in a specialized area like color or texture treatments.

Look for any additional certifications or special skills, such as hair extensions or keratin treatments.

What qualities make a good hair stylist?

A good hair stylist is creative, detail-oriented, and has excellent interpersonal skills.

They should have a passion for fashion and beauty trends, and the ability to translate those trends into styles that suit their clients.

Patience and good listening skills are also important, as they often need to spend time consulting with clients to understand their needs and expectations.

Is it difficult to hire hair stylists?

Hiring hair stylists can be challenging due to the high level of skill and experience required for the job.

It may also be difficult to find stylists who are a good fit for your salon’s specific clientele and culture.

Offering competitive pay, ongoing education opportunities, and a positive work environment can help attract high-quality candidates.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricate details of what it truly means to be a hair stylist.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about cutting and coloring hair.

It’s about sculpting styles, one strand at a time, and shaping the future of fashion and beauty.

With our comprehensive hair stylist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop at readiness?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next tool for creating detailed job listings or perfecting your resume to precision.

Bear in mind:

Every strand of hair is a part of the grand masterpiece.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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