Stylist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of fashion and beauty, the role of stylists has become increasingly essential.

Trends change rapidly, and with each shift, the demand for creative minds who can curate, enhance, and redefine our style expressions heightens.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of styling,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Stylist Duties and Responsibilities

Stylists work in a variety of settings such as fashion, home decor, or hair salons, and their primary goal is to help clients achieve a certain look or style.

They are knowledgeable about current trends and have a keen eye for aesthetics.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Understanding clients’ needs and preferences by conducting thorough consultations
• Creating unique, personalized looks for clients based on their specifications and lifestyle
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the industry
• Offering guidance and advice on style choices and aesthetic considerations
• Sourcing, selecting, and coordinating clothes, accessories, or other necessary items for clients
• Providing feedback to clients regarding fit, style, and color, and suggesting alternatives when necessary
• Collaborating with other professionals such as photographers, designers, or hair and make-up artists when required
• Maintaining a professional portfolio showcasing their work and style
• Communicating effectively with clients to ensure satisfaction
• Conducting fittings and alterations when necessary

 

Stylist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a creative and talented stylist to deliver top-notch style services to our clients.

Your responsibilities will include understanding client preferences, shaping and cutting hair, providing hair treatments, and offering style advice.

You should also be able to recommend suitable hair products to clients.

Our ideal candidate is a certified professional with a deep passion for the fashion and beauty industry and possesses excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

Ultimately, the stylist’s role is to ensure that clients leave our establishment feeling confident, satisfied, and happy with their new look.

 

Responsibilities

• Consult with clients on stylistic options for their hair.
• Listen to client needs to better understand their preferences and expectations.
• Cut, style, and color hair and do scalp treatments.
• Apply hair treatment products, as needed.
• Utilize hair products and tools to create requested styles.
• Book appointments over the phone and maintain a client database.
• Adhere to salon safety and cleanliness standards.
• Stay updated on the latest hair trends and styling methods.
• Ensure clients are satisfied with their hairstyles.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a stylist or similar role in the beauty industry.
• Proficiency with hair straighteners, curlers, clippers, and scissors.
• Experience with hair coloring techniques.
• Knowledge of a wide range of haircuts, suitable for all hair lengths.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Physical stamina to stand for long hours.
• Flexibility to work in shifts.
• Valid license from a cosmetology school.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Discounted or free beauty products
• Continuous professional development and training

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Stylist
• Work Environment: Fast-paced and high-energy salon setting. Weekend and evening shifts are common.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Salon Manager or Lead Stylist.
• 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 or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time
• 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 and a portfolio showcasing your work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Stylist Do?

A Stylist, also known as a fashion stylist, works in the fashion industry, and their primary role is to plan and coordinate outfits or looks for individuals, advertising campaigns, brand photoshoots, music videos, concerts, television shows, and any other public appearances.

They select clothing, shoes, accessories, and sometimes even makeup and hairstyles, to create a desired aesthetic for a particular occasion or project.

This could involve shopping for new pieces, borrowing clothes from designer showrooms, or choosing items from a client’s personal wardrobe.

Stylists work closely with designers, photographers, editors, event coordinators, models, celebrities, and public figures, and their role is pivotal in creating a particular image or look.

They need to stay ahead of the latest fashion trends and should have a keen sense of style.

They need excellent communication and networking skills as they often work with various people across different industries.

Stylists can work in retail stores, helping customers choose outfits, or they can work independently or for a fashion consultancy.

They may also work as personal stylists for individuals, often celebrities, who need assistance in managing their public image.

Stylists often have to travel for photoshoots, fashion shows, and client consultations, and their working hours can be irregular, especially when working on a project.

 

Stylist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient stylist should possess qualifications and skills that align with the demands of the role, including:

• Artistic flair and creativity to design unique styles that fulfill and surpass client expectations.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships with clients, understanding their requirements, and providing excellent customer service.
• Technical knowledge of various hair and makeup products, understanding how to use and apply them according to individual client needs.
• Good time management skills to ensure services are provided promptly and efficiently without compromising quality.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to stand for extended periods and deliver precise styling.
• Ability to stay updated on the latest fashion trends and incorporate them into clients’ styles as per their preferences.
• Problem-solving skills to handle any client issues or complaints effectively and professionally.
• Business skills for tasks like booking appointments, managing transactions, and maintaining client records.
• Knowledge and adherence to health and safety regulations to ensure a clean and safe environment for clients.

 

Stylist Experience Requirements

Stylists typically undergo training at a state-accredited beauty or cosmetology school, where they amass substantial theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in fashion, hair, and beauty.

Many students choose to take internships or part-time roles in salons or fashion houses to gain practical experience while still in school.

Therefore, they often have enough experience to meet the demands of many entry-level stylist positions.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may have obtained it through roles such as Assistant Stylist, Fashion Retail Assistant, or Makeup Artist, where they have honed their styling skills.

Stylists with more than 3 years of experience usually have developed their artistic eye, technical skills, and knowledge in roles like Junior Stylist or Fashion Coordinator.

Those with over 5 years of experience may have gained some managerial or leadership skills and could be ready to take on roles such as Senior Stylist, Fashion Director, or Salon Manager.

Some high-end salons or fashion houses may require their stylists to have advanced relevant experience due to the complex and demanding nature of their tasks.

 

Stylist Education and Training Requirements

Stylists, also known as fashion stylists or personal stylists, are typically required to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Many aspiring stylists opt to pursue a bachelor’s degree in fashion, visual merchandising, or a related field, which provides them with a comprehensive understanding of fashion trends, design principles, and the practical aspects of styling.

Practical experience in the field is often more valuable than formal education.

Internships or entry-level positions in retail, fashion houses, or with professional stylists can provide hands-on experience.

Many stylists also choose to pursue short-term courses or certification programs in specific areas such as personal shopping, visual styling, or wardrobe styling to enhance their skills and marketability.

In addition to education and training, stylists must have a keen eye for fashion, excellent communication skills, and the ability to understand and interpret the styling needs of their clients.

They also need to stay updated with the latest fashion trends and industry changes.

While no specific license is required to work as a stylist, some states require stylists who provide hair and makeup services to have a cosmetology license.

As with many professions, stylists who are dedicated to their craft and are constantly learning and growing are the most successful in this field.

 

Stylist Salary Expectations

A Stylist can expect to earn an average salary of $30,981 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, level of expertise, geographical location, and the size and prestige of the employing company.

 

Stylist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a stylist need?

A stylist should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to understand clients’ preferences and needs.

A keen eye for fashion and trends along with a thorough knowledge of different materials and fabrics is crucial.

They should also possess strong creative and visual skills to create attractive styles, and have good hand-eye coordination for tasks such as draping, cutting and sewing.

 

Do stylists need a degree?

While a degree is not mandatory to become a stylist, having a degree in fashion design or a related field can be advantageous.

Formal training can equip stylists with a strong foundation in various fashion aspects, including color theory, fabric types, pattern making, and fashion history.

However, many stylists learn on the job or through internships.

 

What should you look for in a stylist resume?

A stylist’s resume should highlight their education, experience, and skills.

Look for a degree or course completion from a reputed fashion school.

A good stylist should have experience working with different clients and creating various styles.

Their portfolio can also give you a glimpse of their work and creativity.

Skills such as attention to detail, communication, creativity, and knowledge of fashion trends should also be evident.

 

What qualities make a good stylist?

A good stylist is creative and has a keen eye for detail.

They are up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and have the ability to adapt these trends to suit individual client’s needs.

Good stylists are also excellent communicators and listeners who can understand their client’s requirements and provide appropriate advice.

They also need to be patient, tactful, and have a good understanding of body shapes and color theory.

 

Is it difficult to hire stylists?

Hiring stylists can be challenging as it requires finding individuals who not only have a deep understanding and passion for fashion but also possess excellent interpersonal skills.

However, by offering competitive salaries, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for growth and creativity, employers can attract skilled stylists.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we unraveled the intricacies of what it truly means to be a stylist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about styling hair or clothing.

It’s about shaping individual expression and curating personal style, one client at a time.

With our go-to stylist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise listings or refining your portfolio to perfection.

Remember:

Every style decision contributes to a more vibrant picture.

Let’s shape that style. Together.

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