Salon Hair Stylist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fashion-forward world of beauty, the focus on salon hair stylists has never been more vibrant.

Trends evolve, and with every shift, the demand for skilled hands that can create, adapt, and maintain our hair aesthetics grows.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A salon manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of hair styling,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Salon Hair Stylist Duties and Responsibilities

Salon Hair Stylists are primarily responsible for enhancing clients’ appearance and self-confidence through professional hair styling services.

They perform a range of tasks related to hair care, styling, and treatments.

These are their main duties and responsibilities:

• Consulting with clients to determine their hair styling and hair treatment needs
• Providing a range of hair services, including haircuts, blow-drying, straightening, curling, dyeing, bleaching, and styling
• Applying hair treatment products, as needed
• Staying updated with the latest beauty trends and techniques to provide the best services to clients
• Maintaining a clean and safe work environment, including sanitizing tools and workstations
• Scheduling client appointments and managing bookings efficiently
• Advising clients on appropriate hair care products and providing recommendations for purchase
• Handling client payments and keeping accurate financial records
• Ordering salon supplies and maintaining inventory

 

Salon Hair Stylist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a creative and dedicated salon hair stylist to interpret clients’ needs and desires, create striking hairstyles, and ensure all clients leave our salon feeling confident and satisfied.

A salon hair stylist’s responsibilities include consulting with clients, cutting, coloring, styling hair, and recommending hair care routines.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about the hair industry, stays updated on the latest trends and techniques, and has excellent customer service skills.

Ultimately, the role of the salon hair stylist is to ensure every client’s beauty goals are realized, and they leave our salon feeling happier and more confident than when they entered.

 

Responsibilities

• Consult with clients to understand their preferences and provide advice on suitable hairstyles and color options
• Wash, rinse and dry clients’ hair using appropriate shampoos and conditioners
• Cut, trim, and shape hair and hairpieces based on clients’ instructions, hair type, and facial features
• Color, highlight or lowlight hair to customer satisfaction
• Stay updated on latest trends, techniques, and hair care products
• Maintain cleanliness of salon and work station
• Recommend suitable hair care products as needed
• Process payments from clients
• Build a personal relationship with clients to ensure return visits
• Adhere to health and safety standards

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a hair stylist or colorist
• Proficiency in hair straightening and curling methods, using hot irons and curlers
• Knowledge of a wide range of haircuts, suitable for all hair lengths (e.g. braids, ponytails and buns)
• Experience in hair treatments, including deep conditioning, Brazilian blowouts, and keratin treatments
• Up-to-date with industry trends
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Physical stamina to stand for long hours
• Licensed to practice profession

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development and creativity
• Product discounts

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Salon Hair Stylist
• Work Environment: Fast-paced salon setting. Weekend and evening shifts may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Salon Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $25,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time or part-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 cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Salon Hair Stylist Do?

Salon Hair Stylists are professional individuals who specialize in the styling, cutting, and general upkeep of their clients’ hair.

They consult with their clients on hair care needs, recommending appropriate styling products and treatments.

They wash, cut, and style hair according to clients’ preferences, and may use a variety of tools, including scissors, trimmers, blow-dryers, and curling irons.

Salon Hair Stylists often color, highlight, or perm hair, using chemical solutions and professional hair coloring techniques.

They also offer services like deep conditioning, hair strengthening treatments and even hair extensions, depending on their clients’ needs and desires.

Some Salon Hair Stylists also provide consultation on hair styles for special occasions such as weddings or proms.

They need to stay updated with the latest hair trends and styling methods.

In a salon setting, they also work to maintain cleanliness and hygiene of their work stations.

Salon Hair Stylists can offer hair care advice and teach clients how to style their hair at home to maintain their salon look.

They are responsible for ensuring their clients’ satisfaction with their services.

 

Salon Hair Stylist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient salon hair stylist should possess a range of both technical and interpersonal skills.

These include:

• Technical knowledge and proficiency in a variety of hair styling techniques, including cutting, coloring, and texturizing hair.
• Artistic creativity and vision to design and execute hairstyles that enhance clients’ features and meet their expectations.
• Excellent customer service skills to ensure a pleasant and professional salon experience for all clients. This includes scheduling appointments, addressing client concerns, and promoting hair care products or services.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with clients, listen to their needs, and build strong relationships, encouraging repeat business.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to stand for extended periods of time and perform fine motor tasks.
• Attention to detail in order to ensure precision in haircuts, color applications, and other services.
• Knowledge of safety and hygiene standards and the ability to adhere to these standards to maintain a clean and safe salon environment.
• Continual learning to stay updated on the latest hair trends, techniques, and products in the beauty industry.

 

Salon Hair Stylist Experience Requirements

Salon Hair Stylists are typically required to have a degree or certification from a cosmetology school, where they gain substantial theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in hair styling and care.

Many stylists start their careers as apprentices in salons, where they continue to develop their skills under the supervision of seasoned stylists.

Typically, an entry-level hairstylist may have 1 to 2 years of experience in such apprentice roles.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience have usually honed their skills in various hairstyling techniques and are proficient in handling a variety of hair types and client requests.

They may also have experience in related roles such as colorist or hair treatment specialist.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership or management experience, having supervised junior stylists or managed a salon.

These seasoned stylists are often ready to take on senior stylist positions or even open their own salons.

 

Salon Hair Stylist Education and Training Requirements

Salon Hair Stylists are usually required to have a high school diploma or equivalent education before they can enroll in a state-approved cosmetology program.

These programs, which are usually offered by vocational schools or community colleges, provide Hair Stylists with the essential practical and theoretical knowledge they need to carry out their work.

The curriculum often includes hair cutting, coloring, styling, and scalp treatments among others.

Upon completion of their cosmetology program, Hair Stylists are required to obtain a license to operate in their state.

The licensing process typically involves passing a practical and written exam to demonstrate proficiency in the skills learned during the program.

Many Hair Stylists opt to continue their education even after obtaining their license.

Pursuing specialized courses in advanced hair techniques, color theory, and texture services can help them stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in the industry.

In addition to their formal education, Salon Hair Stylists are expected to have good customer service skills, creativity, and an understanding of fashion and beauty trends.

Some salons may also require Hair Stylists to have sales skills to promote and sell hair care products.

 

Salon Hair Stylist Salary Expectations

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

The actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as the stylist’s level of experience, the location of the salon, and the stylist’s individual skills and specializations.

 

Salon Hair Stylist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Salon Hair Stylist need?

A Salon Hair Stylist needs to possess excellent technical skills in cutting, coloring, and styling hair.

Additionally, they should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to understand their clients’ needs and provide excellent customer service.

Good attention to detail, creativity, and an understanding of fashion trends are also essential skills for this role.

 

Do Salon Hair Stylists need a license?

Yes, Salon Hair Stylists need to be licensed to work in most regions.

This usually involves completing a program at a state-approved cosmetology school and then passing a state licensing examination.

Some states may also require a certain amount of on-the-job training.

 

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

When reviewing a Salon Hair Stylist’s resume, make sure they have a valid cosmetology license.

Look for a history of work in salons or other relevant environments, with a focus on their experience with different hair types and styling techniques.

References from previous employers or clients can also be beneficial.

Any additional training, such as color or product certification, is a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Salon Hair Stylist?

A good Salon Hair Stylist is creative and has a strong understanding of fashion trends and aesthetics.

They should also be very personable and be able to build strong relationships with their clients.

Patience, ability to stand for long periods, and excellent hand-eye coordination are also key qualities for this role.

 

Is it difficult to hire Salon Hair Stylists?

Hiring a Salon Hair Stylist can be challenging as it requires finding someone with the right mix of technical skills, creativity, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Furthermore, the stylist must fit with your salon’s culture and meet the needs of your clientele.

Offering competitive compensation and opportunities for ongoing education can help attract top talent.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

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

Guess what?

It’s not just about cutting hair.

It’s about crafting unique styles and shaping personal transformations, one snip at a time.

With our go-to salon hair stylist job description template and real-life examples, you’re perfectly equipped to make your move.

But why stop there?

Take the next step with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precise job listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every snip, cut, and style contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s create those transformations. Together.

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