Hairdresser CV

How to Write a Cutting-edge Hairdresser CV with Examples and Tips

Starting a career in hairdressing is an exciting and ever-evolving path within the beauty industry. To stay competitive in this dynamic field, it's essential to create a modern CV that reflects current industry trends and highlights your skills effectively.

Whether you're a school leaver, an apprentice just starting out in a salon or an experienced stylist on a film set aiming for a senior role, we're here to help. We'll guide you in creating a professional, applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly CV that meets industry standards. From selecting the perfect CV template to showcasing your skills and experience, we’ll ensure your application stands out.

In this article, we cover:

• Must-have hairdressing skills for your CV

• Hairdresser CV samples

• How to align your work experience with the job description

• CV example for hairdressing apprenticeship.

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Hairdresser CV example

Download this free Hairdresser CV sample for the UK in PDF.

Explore related CV examples to help you create a tailored CV:

• Beauty therapist CV

• Makeup artist CV

• Customer service CV

• Model CV.

What to include in a hairdresser CV?

To create a professional hairdressing CV, you'll need to include essential information and incorporate the following recommended sections:

1. Contact details: Include your full name, address and contact information stating your professional email and phone number.

2. Personal profile: Create a summary highlighting your years of experience, passion, and unique skills in hairdressing. It should show your dedication to staying at the forefront of modern hairstyling trends.

3. Education: List your educational background, including relevant courses and certificates. Additionally, highlight workshops or ongoing training relevant to the field.

4. Work experience: Outline your work history, emphasising previous customer-centric roles, achievements, and hairdresser responsibilities. It should illustrate practical examples of completing procedures and engaging with clients.

5. Skills: Showcase critical technical and interpersonal skills essential for styling techniques, trends, and salon-specific tools, especially if you have experience in creative aspects like styling or colour.

6. Additional sections: Consider including references, awards or hobbies and interests. Also, consider attaching links to your online hairstylist portfolio examples showcasing your work and social media profiles.

Must-have CV sections

To kickstart the CV writing process, include these essential sections:

• Personal profile

• Skills

• Work experience

• Education.

How to create a compelling personal profile for a hairdresser CV

Your personal statement on a hairdressing CV is an opportunity to captivate potential employers and present a brief overview of your career goals, passions and personality.

CV personal profile tips

• Summarise your professional history, qualifications, and career goals in 4-6 lines.

• Highlight your expertise, such as precision cutting, colouring techniques, bridal styling, or hair treatments.

• Align your profile with the specific job description, emphasising the skills your employer seeks.

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Hairdresser CV personal profile examples

How to style your hairdresser CV with key skills

The CV skills section requires a strategic blend of technical expertise and people skills, which are essential in the hair and beauty industry. Balance is essential, and you must combine both soft and hard skills.

If you're applying for a hairdressing apprenticeship or trainee role with little to no practical experience, a skills-based CV is your best option. This format allows you to highlight your transferable skills and relevant qualifications, showcasing your potential to employers.

How to include practical work experience on your hairdresser CV

Your work experience section is the cornerstone of your CV, showcasing your skills and the impact you’ve made in the hairdressing industry. Highlight your expertise with strong action verbs and incorporate relevant CV keywords from the job description to ensure your application stands out.

What should each work experience entry include?

• Job title of current or previous role

• Organisation name and location

• Dates of employment (month/year)

• A concise paragraph detailing your duties

• Followed by 2–3 bullet points that highlight your key achievements or measurable impact.

Examples of work experience

Junior Hairdresser | Glamour Hair Studio, London | 2018 - Present

Transform clients' visions into reality through creative cutting, colouring, and styling techniques. Consult with clients to understand their preferences and offer expert advice. Collaborate with colleagues to ensure seamless salon operations. Stay updated on industry trends and techniques, attending workshops to refine skills.

• Improved client satisfaction by 30% through personal consultations.

• Trained junior stylists, enhancing the team's expertise in modern hair trends.

Salon Manager & Senior Stylist | Style Haven Salon, Manchester | 2014 - Present

Lead a team of stylists in delivering top-tier services, from haircuts to intricate updos. Oversee daily operations, including appointments, inventory, and customer interactions. Mentor junior stylists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

• Streamlined salon operations, resulting in a 20% increase in client bookings.

• Introduced new haircare products, boosting retail sales by 25%.

Assistant Hair Stylist | Tresses & Trends Salon, Birmingham | Summer 2022

Assisted senior stylists with client consultations, shampooing, and blow-drying. Maintained cleanliness and organisation within the salon. Participated in team training sessions to enhance hairdressing techniques.

• Demonstrated quick learning, adapting to salon procedures within a week.

• Received commendation for dedication and enthusiasm from senior stylists.

Barber | Gents Grooming Studio, Leeds | 2017 - Present

Provide exceptional grooming services, including haircuts, beard trims, and hot towel shaves. Engage clients in personalised consultations to deliver tailored styles. Maintain a welcoming and professional environment.

• Achieved a loyal client base through consistently delivering precise cuts.

• Introduced "Beard Care Saturdays," increasing customer engagement by 40%.

Relevant qualifications and education for a hairdresser CV

To thrive in the dynamic hair and beauty industry, continuous professional development is key. In your CV education section, highlight relevant qualifications and training to showcase your dedication to advancing your skills.

The UK has many school leaver opportunities to kickstart a career in hairstyling.

• Aspiring professionals can start training in this industry at 16 years old.

• Typically, employers only request secondary-tier qualifications for entry-level roles.

How to format educational qualifications for a physiotherapist CV

Complete a Hairdressing professional (level 2) apprenticeship to gain on-the-job training and practical experience with an employer. Training typically lasts 12-24 months, and funding options are available.

How to add additional courses and certificates to your hairdresser CV

Showcase your dedication to continuous learning and innovation by featuring workshops, volunteer work, and courses and certificates on your CV.

Additional courses include:

• Precision Cutting Masterclass, Vidal Sassoon Academy, 2025

• Bridal & Occasion Hair Styling Workshop, Wella Professionals, 2025

• Creative Barbering & Fade Techniques, Toni & Guy Education, 2024

• Health & Safety in the Salon, City & Guilds, 2024

• First Aid at Work, St John Ambulance, 2023

How to add references on a hairdresser CV

Enhance the credibility of your hair and beauty CV with references. Like highlights add dimension to a hairstyle, references can bring depth to your application and reaffirm your expertise, reliability, and character, providing a solid foundation for your candidacy.

How to write a hairdresser CV with little to no experience

If you're new to hairdressing, consider using a student CV, skills-based CV, or simple CV template. These formats are ideal for effectively highlighting your achievements and projects.

• Start with a personal statement reflecting your transferable skills, passion for hairstyling, and desire to learn.

• Highlight relevant coursework or mention any internships, part-time and volunteer work. 

For more information, check out these tips on how to write a CV with little to no experience.

Hairdresser CV example with no experience

Download this free hairdresser CV example for non-experienced professionals in PDF.

Hairdresser CV essentials

• Tailor your CV to align with your career goals and job description.

• Emphasise relevant skills, work experience, and achievements. Even without experience, showcase employability through apprenticeships, courses or volunteering.

• Include qualifications and any additional certifications that enhance your value.

• Ensure a well-structured, ATS-friendly design for the best impression.

• Explore platforms like Instagram or TikTok to showcase professional work, engage with clients online and do networking.

Next steps?

Explore our diverse professional CV and cover letter templates for hair and beauty roles, easily tailored to entry-level applicants to senior-level stylists. With our AI CV Builder, you can effortlessly personalise your CV through our user-friendly platform tailored to your career goals. For additional tips, explore our blog on how to improve your CV to land your dream role, expert advice if you are considering a career change, or how to dress to a job interview.

FAQ

What are the career pathways for hairdressers?

Hairdressers can pursue diverse paths, from junior roles and apprentices to stylists or senior managerial roles. Opportunities include session styling, specialisation in areas like trichology, and freelancing. Some may explore marketing, influencing or sales management. The industry's dynamism allows for growth and entrepreneurship, catering to individual career preferences and experience levels.

What is a typical UK CV format for a hairdresser?

The most typical and recommended UK format is chronological. This format emphasises work history, presenting professional experience and education in reverse chronological order. Potential employers can quickly assess your career progression and suitability for the role.

How to become a self-employed hairdresser?

You should gain the necessary certifications and have previous experience. Then, register as self-employed with HMRC and set up a professional workspace or rent a chair at a salon.

Consider building a portfolio showcasing your skills. Network with potential clients and market your services. For more information, read this article on hairdresser registration and licensing in the UK.

How much can I earn as a hairdresser?

Hairdressers' earnings vary depending on experience, location, and skill set. According to Glassdoor, the average salary in the UK for a hairdresser is around £21,000 per year, typically ranging from £16,000 to £28,000 before tips. Senior stylists and specialists are positioned for higher incomes, with their earning potential significantly enhanced by commission and a strong client base.

What is a good personal statement for a hairdresser CV?

This section on your CV introduces your expertise and aspirations. Highlight your passion for hairdressing and beauty, and mention critical skills like cutting, styling, and client consultation. Emphasise your dedication to staying updated with industry trends and techniques. Showcase your commitment to exceptional customer service.