Salon Hairstylist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of beauty and style, the role of salon hairstylists is more critical than ever.

As fashion evolves, the demand for skilled artists who can sculpt, transform, and maintain our tresses grows.

But let’s break it down: What’s truly expected from a salon hairstylist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A salon owner seeking the ideal hairstylist,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of hairdressing,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Salon Hairstylist Duties and Responsibilities

Salon Hairstylists perform a wide range of hair styling, coloring, and maintenance services to enhance the appearance of their clients.

They also contribute to the overall customer experience in a salon setting.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Consulting with clients to understand their hair care and styling needs
• Providing services such as cutting, styling, coloring, shampooing, and blow drying
• Offering specialized treatments such as scalp treatments, deep conditioning, and hair strengthening
• Applying hair products, such as serum, cream and clay to style hair
• Using equipment such as scissors, brushes, blow dryers, and hot irons
• Keeping up with the latest hair trends and styling methods
• Advising clients on suitable hair care products and hairstyles
• Following health and safety guidelines to maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Managing booking appointments and handling payments
• Participating in continued education programs to stay updated with the industry trends
• Building and maintaining good client relationships to foster loyalty

 

Salon Hairstylist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Salon Hairstylist to provide exceptional hair styling and hair care services to our clients.

Responsibilities include consulting with clients on hairstyle choices, recommending professional hair care services and products, and staying updated on the latest hair trends and styling methods.

Our ideal candidate has a flair for creativity, strong interpersonal skills, and a keen eye for detail.

They should be familiar with various hairstyling techniques, hair care products, and tools.

 

Responsibilities

• Consult with clients to understand their requirements and preferences.
• Analyze clients’ hair and scalp condition and recommend appropriate treatments.
• Provide a wide range of hair care services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling.
• Sell hair care products and cosmetics.
• Adhere to health and safety standards.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, techniques, and products.
• Develop hairstyles for special occasions and personal styling for clients.
• Maintain cleanliness of salon and work station.
• Handle bookings and manage appointments.
• Provide excellent customer service to ensure client satisfaction.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a hairstylist.
• Proficient in hair straightening and curling methods, using hot irons and curlers.
• Hands-on experience with various coloring techniques.
• Knowledge of a wide range of haircuts, suitable for all hair types.
• Proficiency with hot irons, curlers and blow-dryers.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Physical stamina to stand for long hours.
• High school diploma; graduation from a cosmetology school is a plus.
• Valid license from a cosmetology association in your state.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities
• Discounts on salon products and services
• Free parking

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Salon Hairstylist
• Work Environment: This position requires working in a salon environment. The role involves standing for extended periods of time and maintaining a professional appearance.
• 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: $30,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• 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 showcasing your work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Salon Hairstylist Do?

Salon Hairstylists are licensed professionals who primarily work in beauty salons, spas or barber shops.

They may also operate as self-employed individuals or mobile hairstylists.

They work closely with clients, offering consultation on the best style, cut, and color based on the client’s facial shape, hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

The primary tasks of a salon hairstylist include washing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair.

They are skilled in using a variety of tools such as scissors, razors, and hot styling tools.

They also apply various chemical treatments for coloring, perming, or straightening.

Salon Hairstylists are also responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

This includes sterilizing tools, cleaning work stations, and adhering to health and safety regulations.

Apart from these, Salon Hairstylists may also provide services such as scalp treatments, deep conditioning treatments or hair extensions.

They often recommend products for hair care and styling for their clients to use at home.

Their ultimate goal is to ensure their clients are satisfied with their services, feel good about their appearance, and return for future appointments.

 

Salon Hairstylist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient salon hairstylist should possess the necessary skills and qualifications that align with the job role, such as:

• Technical ability to cut, color, and style hair, taking into consideration different hair types and conditions.
• Artistic creativity and vision to design hair styles that enhance clients’ appearance and satisfy their preferences.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish a rapport with clients, ensuring they feel comfortable and valued.
• Excellent communication skills to understand clients’ hair-related needs, discuss various styling options, and provide appropriate advice.
• Time management skills to handle multiple clients efficiently and meet appointment schedules.
• Customer service skills to create a positive salon experience, handle transactions, and manage appointments.
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and perform hair styling services.
• Knowledge of current trends and the ability to stay updated on latest hair styling techniques and products.
• Ability to maintain a clean and safe work area, adhering to health and safety regulations.

 

Salon Hairstylist Experience Requirements

Salon Hairstylists typically start their career path by attending a licensed cosmetology school where they gain foundational knowledge and practical skills in hairdressing.

Most hairstylists gain their initial experience as a student in cosmetology school.

Many schools offer hands-on experience through in-school salons where students can practice their skills on real clients.

This prepares them for entry-level hairstylist roles upon graduation.

For entry-level hairstylist roles, employers typically require at least 1 to 2 years of experience, which can be gained through internships or part-time work in a salon environment.

During this time, hairstylists learn to cut, color, and style hair, use a variety of hair tools and products, and understand and meet client needs.

Hairstylists with more than 3 years of experience often have honed their technical skills and have developed specializations, such as in hair color, hair extensions, or certain hair cutting techniques.

They may also have experience with more complex hair treatments and services.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have a solid client base and have developed excellent customer service skills.

They may have also gained some leadership experience, such as training new hairstylists or managing a salon, and be ready for a senior hairstylist or salon manager position.

 

Salon Hairstylist Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a salon hairstylist typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent followed by completion of a state-approved cosmetology program.

These programs provide theoretical and practical training in hair cutting, coloring, styling, and general hair care.

Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a certificate or a diploma.

Every state requires hairstylists to obtain a license to practice.

The licensing criteria may vary by state but generally include being at least 16 years old, completion of a state-approved cosmetology program, and passing a state licensing examination.

Although not mandatory, many hairstylists pursue advanced training or specialization in areas such as color theory, texture services, and precision haircutting to enhance their skills and employability.

Continuing education is important in this role, as it allows hairstylists to stay updated on the latest hair trends, styles, techniques, and products in the industry.

This could be achieved through workshops, trade shows, or additional certification programs.

 

Salon Hairstylist Salary Expectations

A Salon Hairstylist typically earns an average wage of $14.91 (USD) per hour.

The actual earnings can greatly vary depending on the level of experience, the location of the salon, and the type of clientele.

Additionally, tips can significantly increase the total income of a hairstylist.

 

Salon Hairstylist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a salon hairstylist need?

A salon hairstylist should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to accurately understand their clients’ needs and provide a satisfactory service.

They should be skilled in various hairstyling techniques and be knowledgeable about hair care products.

They must also have a good eye for aesthetics to create hairstyles that suit their clients’ features and preferences.

 

Do salon hairstylists need a degree?

Salon hairstylists don’t need a degree, but they must complete a state-approved cosmetology program and obtain a license to practice.

Some hairstylists may choose to pursue further education in specialized areas such as hair coloring or texture services.

 

What should you look for in a salon hairstylist resume?

A salon hairstylist’s resume should include their license and details of their cosmetology education.

Look for experience in a salon setting and familiarity with a wide range of hair services such as cutting, coloring, and styling.

Any additional skills such as makeup application or customer service experience can be a bonus.

 

What qualities make a good salon hairstylist?

A good salon hairstylist is creative, patient, and has excellent attention to detail.

They should have a friendly and professional demeanor, as they’ll be interacting with clients throughout the day.

Good hairstylists also keep up with the latest hair trends and techniques to provide the best service to their clients.

 

What are the daily duties of a salon hairstylist?

A salon hairstylist’s daily duties include consulting with clients about their desired look, cutting, coloring and styling hair, and offering hair care advice.

They may also perform administrative tasks such as booking appointments, maintaining client records, and cleaning their work area.

Further, they may recommend and sell hair care products to clients.

 

Is it difficult to hire salon hairstylists?

Hiring salon hairstylists can be challenging as it requires finding individuals who are not only skilled in hairstyling but also have strong interpersonal skills and a professional demeanor.

It’s important to offer competitive compensation, ongoing training opportunities, and a positive work environment to attract talented hairstylists.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve brushed away the stray hairs of misconception about what it really means to be a salon hairstylist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about snipping and styling hair.

It’s about shaping confidence and creating transformations, one strand at a time.

Armed with our trusty salon hairstylist job description template and true-to-life examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why put down the scissors just yet?

Go the extra mile with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate resource for crafting precise job listings or finessing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every strand of hair contributes to the overall masterpiece.

Let’s create those transformations. Together.

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