Hair Stylist Job Description: Duties, Skills & Template

A great hair stylist is part artist, part service professional, and part trusted advisor. They help clients feel confident in the chair, keep a full book of regulars, and represent your salon brand every time they pick up their scissors.

If you’re hiring, you need a hair stylist job description that does more than list tasks. It should clarify what the role looks like day to day, what skills and licenses you expect, and how stylists will be evaluated. If you’re a stylist, a hair stylist job description for resume purposes can help you with your job search.

This guide walks through a complete copy-and-paste job description, plus key duties, skills, and variations for assistants, commission stylists, and more.

TL;DR: Hair stylist job descriptions

A written job description helps you focus on what you need from a hair stylist that joins your business. With a clear hair stylist job description, you can easily create a job posting for your next role. 

What to include in a hair stylist job description:  

• Key hair stylist responsibilities: Haircuts, styling, treatments and consultations, product knowledge and sales, sanitation and safety procedures, and admin tasks.
• Hair stylist requirements and qualifications: Licensing and certificates, previous stylist experience, and specialist training. 
• Physical and scheduling requirements: Standing, lifting, and bending ability, and minimum availability needed.
• Necessary skillsets: Technical, soft, and professional skills. 
• Compensation structure: Hourly, commission, booth rent, tips. 

What you can learn from this guide: 

• A detailed overview of all the duties, skills, and qualifications of a licensed hair stylist. 
• Example job descriptions for hair stylists, including distinctions between roles. 
• Four hair stylist job description templates. 

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Hair stylist job description template

So what is the job description of a hair stylist? You can use this template as your starting point when you’re ready to hire a stylist. Tweak the language, service list, and pay details so it reflects your salon’s vibe, clientele, and expectations:

Job title: Hair Stylist

Job summary

We’re looking for a professional, client-focused hair stylist to join our team at [Salon Name]. In this role, you’ll consult with clients, provide cutting, coloring, and styling services, recommend products, and help create a welcoming salon experience that keeps guests coming back.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct thorough consultations and recommend services and products based on client needs
• Perform haircuts, colors, blowouts, styling, treatments, and other add-on services according to salon standards
• Follow safety protocols to maintain a clean, sanitized workstation and tools 
• Build a personal client book and manage appointment timing
• Accurately process payments, including services, retail, and tips
• Collaborate with the salon team on promotions, events, and guest experience
• Participate in ongoing education and stay current on trends and techniques

Required skills and qualifications

• Completion of an accredited cosmetology program [or equivalent, per state requirements]
• Proficiency in basic cutting, coloring, and styling techniques
• Strong client consultation skills and professional communication
• Reliable, punctual, and comfortable working independently with a diverse clientele
• [Experience with specific services you offer]

Licensing requirements

• Valid, active cosmetology license in [State]
• Compliance with all state board regulations and continuing education requirements, where applicable
• [Other specialized requirements for your salon]

Schedule expectations

• Reliable availability for [your hours]
• Willingness to work peak hours
• Available for flexible hours during busy seasons

Physical requirements

• Able to stand for extended periods and move between stations
• Frequent reaching, bending, and use of hands for cutting, styling, and applying products
• Comfortable working with chemicals and hair products, using proper PPE when required
• Able to lift and move boxes of product or supplies up to [X] lbs / [X] kg

Compensation

• [Hourly rate or base] plus [commission on services/retail] and tips, depending on experience
• [If applicable, performance-based incentives, education support, or other benefits]

Hair stylist duties and responsibilities

A strong hair stylist job description should show what life behind the chair actually looks like, from consultations, to styling, to clean-up at the end of a shift.

Client services and consultations

Most of a stylist’s time is spent directly with clients:

• Hair cutting, coloring, and styling: Stylists perform a range of services, from basic trims and blowouts to full transformations, color services, texture treatments, and special-occasion styling.
• Understanding client needs: Before the first snip, they ask questions about length, maintenance, lifestyle, and inspiration photos to make sure they’re on the same page.
• Recommending services: Based on the consultation, they suggest the right mix of services (like adding a gloss, treatment, or fringe trim) to achieve the client’s goals without overpromising.

Salon operations and hygiene

Behind every great cut or color is a safe, spotless workstation and a well-run salon. This side of the job is what keeps clients comfortable and your license protected.

• Sanitation and safety: Stylists disinfect tools between clients, launder capes and towels, and follow infection-control practices required by state boards.
• Tool and workstation upkeep: They keep scissors, clippers, and styling tools in good working order, and make sure their station is tidy and stocked.
• Compliance with regulations: Stylists follow state and local rules on chemical handling, patch tests, storage, and sanitation logs, helping the salon pass inspections smoothly.

Customer service and retention

Hair stylist job duties involve more than just styling. The relationship with the client in the chair turns first-time visitors into regulars. Here’s what that looks like:

• Building client relationships: Stylists create a comfortable, professional atmosphere, remember preferences, and check in regularly about how styles are working between visits.
• Rebooking and referrals: They encourage clients to pre-book their next appointment and invite happy guests to refer friends and family.
• Professional communication: Stylists communicate clearly about pricing, timing, and what’s realistic for a particular hair type, which helps avoid surprises and builds long-term trust. 

Hair stylist job requirements and qualifications

Clear requirements do two things: they help strong candidates recognize that they’re a good fit, and they save you time by discouraging people who don’t meet your basic standards. Instead of a long wish list, focus on what’s truly required to do the job safely and well, and then call out a few preferred extras.

Required qualifications

At a minimum, most salons will expect:

• Cosmetology license: A current cosmetology or hair stylist license in your state, with no active disciplinary issues. This confirms the stylist has passed state board exams and understands core safety and sanitation rules.
• Accredited training: Completion of an accredited cosmetology or hair program that covers cutting, coloring, styling, sanitation, and state-board prep. If your state allows apprenticeship routes, you can mention that as an alternative.

You can also specify any non-negotiables tied to your clientele, like comfort working with all hair types or willingness to follow salon service standards rather than only personal preferences.

Preferred experience

Beyond the basics, you may want to highlight what will make a stylist successful in your specific salon.

• Salon experience: Prior work in a salon, barbershop, or similar setting, especially in a role where they managed a book, handled walk-ins, or worked with a team-based schedule.
• Specialized techniques: Experience with services that matter to your menu, such as balayage, foiling, vivid color, gray blending, curly cuts, men’s grooming, extensions, or texture services (like relaxers or perms).
• Comfort with technology: Familiarity with salon booking or POS systems, texting apps for client communication, or digital consultation tools can all be useful to mention.

If you offer on-the-job technical training, say so clearly. That way, newer stylists who meet your baseline requirements but don’t have every specialty yet still feel encouraged to apply.

Physical and schedule requirements

Stylists need to know what the day-to-day realities look like before they accept an offer:

• Physical demands: Extended periods of standing and walking; frequent bending, reaching, and use of hands and arms; and regular work with water, heat tools, and chemical services.
• Schedule expectations: Reliable availability for evenings, weekends, and key busy periods like holidays, prom season, or wedding season.
• Work pace: A comfort level with seeing multiple clients a day, working back-to-back appointments, and occasionally supporting teammates during rushes.

With digital scheduling apps, you can offer flexibility and transparency to your team. Being transparent here helps you attract stylists who are ready for the workload and reduces friction later.  

What skills does a hair stylist need?

Technical ability is what attracts your clients, but communication, reliability, and professionalism are what keep them coming back. When you’re opening a hair salon, you’ll need to think of how your stylists approach both the craft itself and how their interpersonal skills shape the client experience.

Technical skills

Technical skills are the foundation of the role, but they don’t have to be an expert at everything. Here are the basics they should know, though:

• Cutting and coloring techniques: Confidence with core cuts (bobs, layers, long cuts, clipper cuts) and color basics (single process, highlights, toners, glosses). For more advanced roles, you can name specific specialties like balayage, corrective color, or curly cutting.
• Finishing and styling: Ability to blow-dry smoothly, create basic curls or waves, and deliver simple upstyles or special-occasion looks according to your service menu.
• Product knowledge: Understanding which shampoos, conditioners, treatments, and styling products work for different hair types and styles, and being able to explain that in plain language so clients can replicate their look at home.

You don’t have to list every technique you offer, but you should name the core services you expect every stylist to perform on day one.

Soft skills

Soft skills are often what differentiate an okay stylist from a fully booked one:

• Communication: Good salon communication means listening closely, translating vague requests (“just clean it up”) into a clear plan, explaining maintenance and pricing up front, and checking in during the service to make sure the client feels heard.
• Time management: Starting and finishing services on time, managing back-to-back appointments, and adjusting on the fly when a service runs long or a client arrives late.
• Attention to detail: Catching small things (like uneven lengths, missed spots in color, or styling that doesn’t match the inspiration photo) and taking the extra minute to fix them.

These skills show up in reviews and rebooking rates just as much as technical talent.

Sales and professionalism

Stylists are also ambassadors for your salon’s brand and revenue:

• Retail recommendations: Suggesting products that genuinely support the client’s hair goals, with a focus on education rather than hard selling. This helps clients maintain results and supports salon retail sales.
• Client retention: Building trust so clients feel comfortable pre-booking, returning regularly, and referring friends. This includes proactive follow-up when appropriate (for example, checking in after a big color change).
• Professionalism and brand representation: Showing up reliably, following dress code and safety standards, handling complaints calmly, and contributing to a positive salon culture rather than drama.

Calling these out in your hair stylist job description makes it clear that you’re hiring for more than just technical skill. It will also help attract stylists who see themselves as partners in growing the business, not just filling a chair.

Hair stylist assistant job description

A hair stylist assistant supports licensed stylists, keeps the salon running smoothly, and builds the foundation for eventually moving up to a full stylist role.

A hair stylist assistant is a hands-on role that helps licensed stylists do their best work and keeps the salon running smoothly. Assistants handle most of the prep and reset work around each service, get exposure to client interactions, and build the skills they’ll need to grow into a full stylist role over time.

They typically:

• Shampoo and condition clients before services
• Help with color mixing, sectioning, blow-drying, and basic finishing under stylist supervision
• Tidy and reset stations between clients
• Sweep, launder towels and capes, and restock backbar and color supplies
• Assist with guest hospitality (offering beverages, helping at reception when needed)

Entry-level requirements usually include a current cosmetology student status or recent graduation, a willingness to learn, and strong work ethic. Many salons use the assistant role as a structured training path: assistants shadow senior stylists, attend in-salon education, and gradually take on more services until they are ready for their own chair.

Hair stylist job description templates by role

A strong salon business plan should include more than just one type or level of stylist on board. Use these short templates when you need to post for different stylist levels.

Entry-level hair stylist

We’re hiring an entry-level hair stylist at [Salon Name]. This role is ideal for new graduates or stylists in their first year behind the chair. You’ll provide basic cutting, styling, and color services, support senior stylists as needed, and build your client book with guidance from our team. A current cosmetology license and a strong interest in learning are required. Evening and weekend availability is a must.

Experienced hair stylist

[Salon Name] is seeking an experienced hair stylist with a strong track record of client retention and advanced technical skills. You’ll handle a full range of services, including custom color, cuts, and treatments, while mentoring junior team members and contributing to salon promotions. A valid cosmetology license, [X+] years of salon experience, and comfort with a busy schedule are required. Commission, bonuses, and education opportunities available.

Commission-based stylist

We’re looking for a commission-based stylist to join our growing team. In this role, your earnings are tied to your service and retail performance, with a competitive commission structure and access to walk-ins and marketing support. You’ll manage your book, provide high-quality services, and help drive repeat business. A current cosmetology license is necessary and prior salon experience is preferred.

Assistant stylist

[Salon Name] is hiring an assistant stylist to support our licensed stylists and learn our service standards from the ground up. You’ll handle shampooing, client prep, station cleanup, and basic blow-drying, while receiving ongoing education and mentorship. This is a great entry point for cosmetology students or recent grads working toward a full stylist position.

FAQs about hair stylist roles

What are the duties of a hairdresser?

The core duties of a hairdresser or hair stylist include consulting with clients, cutting and styling hair, performing color and treatment services, maintaining sanitation and safety standards, and supporting overall salon operations. Many stylists also recommend at-home products and encourage clients to rebook future appointments.

What are the responsibilities of a stylist?

Hair stylist responsibilities go beyond technical services. Stylists are also responsible for managing time, communicating clearly with clients, keeping their station and tools clean, following state regulations, and contributing to the salon’s reputation and revenue through strong client relationships.

How do you describe a hair stylist on a resume?

For a hair stylist job description for a resume, focus on measurable results and core skills. For example:

• “Provide cutting, coloring, and styling services for [X]+ clients per week while maintaining a [Y]% rebooking rate.”
• “Specialize in balayage and corrective color; collaborate with team on education and trend updates.”
• “Maintain strict sanitation standards, manage backbar usage, and support retail sales through personalized product recommendations.”

Tailor your bullets to the role you’re applying for and align them with the requirements listed in the job posting.

Hiring the right hair stylist for your team

A clear, detailed hair stylist job description makes it easier to attract stylists who are not only talented with scissors and color, but also strong communicators and reliable teammates. When you define duties, skills, schedule expectations, and compensation upfront, you set both your salon and your stylists up for a smoother working relationship.

Use these templates as a base and adapt them to fit your brand, services, and clientele. As you grow, Homebase can help you handle scheduling, time tracking, and payroll for your team, so the roles you hire for match the way your salon actually runs day to day.

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