42 Hair Stylist Interview Questions and Answers

42 Common Interview Questions and Answers for Hair Stylist

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I am a friendly and driven hairstylist with an Associate’s degree in cosmetology. I am specially trained in cutting and trimming hair and making hairstyles in accordance with clients’ requirements. Because I have worked in this capacity for over 8 years, so I am exceptionally talented in what I do.

2. Why did you choose this profession?

I am a fashion-savvy individual. That said, new trends and styles in the fashion industry have always fascinated me. I pursued a degree in Cosmetology keeping my passion in view, and I enjoy every single moment of my day at work.

3. Why did you apply to our salon specifically?

I have been in awe of your services for a pretty long time. As soon as the opportunity came up, I decided to try my luck.

4. In your opinion, what drives results in this job?

I feel that hard work and good communication between stylist and clients is what actually drives results in this job.

5. Tell me a little about your work experience.

I have worked as a hairstylist for a long time, and have been quite successful in what I do. Specific job duties include consulting with clients to determine their requirements and suggesting hairstyles and cuts that will suit them. Also, my work involves shampooing, cutting, coloring, and highlighting hair. Apart from this, I perform scalp and hair treatments and sell salon products to clients.

6. What are some of the main skills that you possess?

I have extensive knowledge of different haircuts and hairstyles. In addition, I am well-versed in cutting, trimming, and shaping hair pieces such as wigs and hair extensions. Also, I possess the ability to keep updated about the latest trends, in order to stay ahead of the competition.

7. Which interpersonal skills are required to succeed as a hairstylist?

Customer service, communication, and the ability to stay updated with the latest trends in the fashion industry are vital skills to succeed as a hairstylist.

8. As a hairstylist, what do you offer that can ensure more business?

I am trained in providing standard salon services. My expertise in hair cutting, shampooing, blow-drying, coloring, and styling has attracted many new clients.

9. How do you define good customer service?

A salon runs on the loyalty and satisfaction of its client base. Therefore, it is the primary duty of every individual working within a salon to ensure repeat business by providing exceptional customer service.

10. How do you handle a large influx of clients?

I can effectively handle 2 clients at the same time. When there are more, I usually work on a “first come first serve” basis.

11. What is your signature hairstyle?

I do not believe in having a signature hairstyle. Having one means that I will try and fit one for all. I believe in styling hair in accordance with client specified lengths and face structures.

12. How would you handle it if a client was dissatisfied with your work?

Dissatisfaction is quite common when one is working as a hairdresser. I would simply ask them to explain what the issue is, and then try to resolve it as best as I can – at my risk and cost.

13. How many clients do you get in a day at your present place of work?

I usually work with an average of 10-15 clients per day.

14. Apart from hairdressing, what other salon services are you competent in?

I can provide a full range of salon services, including manicure and pedicure, facials, massages, waxing, threading, and bleaching.

15. Do you consider yourself a team player?

Absolutely! I feel that without being a team player, one cannot succeed in most work environments.

16. How do you feel about working independently?

While I love to work with people, I think that it is important to work independently at times, so that you can find out your own strengths.

17. What do you like best about your current job?

I love the fact that management provides great opportunities for continuous growth and development.

18. Why do you want to leave your present job?

I am moving a little further away from my present workplace, and it will become quite difficult for me to commute that far every single day.

19. How do you feel about working on your feet all day?

Working on one’s feet all day can become tiring, but it is all part of the work. I do not mind one bit, and take frequent breaks to ensure that I do not get exhausted.

20. What do you like least about your current job?

My present place of work is pretty great. However, I wouldn’t mind if they had an electronic scheduling and follow-up system so that appointments are easier to manage.

21. What is your greatest strength?

I can perform more than one task at a time, without compromising the quality of service. I feel that this is something that everyone cannot do as well as I can.

22. What is your greatest weakness?

Sometimes, I take on too much workload and struggle to meet client-set deadlines.

23. What are you doing to overcome your greatest weakness?

I have already begun limiting the amount of work that I take. Recently, I have been taking on only what I can do effectively.

24. Have you ever missed a deadline?

Not yet. I have always finished my work on time. I realize that clients have their own schedules and they need to abide by them. I respect that.

25. What was the worst job you have ever had?

I have been quite lucky to have obtained work that can never be considered bad.

26. What is the best job that you have ever had?

I am already working in the best environment at the moment. And hope that my next commission will be as wonderful, if not more.

27. What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about learning new things. I thrive most when I am successful.

28. Who was the best boss that you ever had?

My first job at a salon was quite memorable because I had a wonderful boss. She taught me all that I know about this work. She helped me immensely when I was struggling to learn some aspects of hairdressing. And she was kind when I fell ill and could not work for 3 weeks.

29. And who was the worst boss that you ever had?

I haven’t had a bad boss as yet. I feel that if one does one’s work properly, bosses always appreciate your work.

30. How good are your marketing skills?

My marketing skills are great. Since I am an excellent communicator, it is easy for me to market my services and the products that I use.

31. What do you know about the retail end of working as a hairstylist?

Every salon has a range of retail products that it endorses to its clientele. As part of my work as a hairstylist, I have often recommended hair products that the salon sells and have increased revenue by a considerable percentage by doing so.

32. What is the difference between Re-bonding, Extenso, and Keratin treatments?

Keratin, re-bonding, and Extenso, all are hair straightening techniques. While keratin uses natural proteins, re-bonding and Extenso are chemical treatments. Re-bonding gives a dead straight look while Extenso generates a relatively high volume look.

33. Name some treatments for frizzy hair?

Straightening treatments, Re-bonding, organic smoothing, deep oil therapy, and Brazilian anti-frizz treatments.

34. What kind of hair treatments are you familiar with?

I am well versed in deep oil, hot wax, synthetic and herbal hair conditioning, and all straightening, perming, and strengthening treatments.

35. Can you upsell?

I can upsell for sure. I have been involved in selling salon retail products for over 5 years now.

36. Do you have any problems working weekends?

Not at all. I feel that most salons are very busy during weekends, and that is when we should leverage it to increase business.

37. Do you have any thoughts on building clientele?

As a matter of fact, I do. I feel that many of us do not pay much attention to the power of social media when it comes to marketing salon services. Also, consistently good work should be shown off, so that people feel the need to check your services out.

38. If you had to stay longer than your work hours because a client’s work is not completed, what would you do?

I believe in finishing my work before calling it a day. I would finish my work even if it means staying longer than usual.

39. What questions would you ask when providing a client with hair services?

I would inquire into any medical conditions or allergies that the client may have. I would also want to know what they need in terms of hair length, style, cut, and color.

40. What would your coworkers say about you?

I am sure they will have good things to say about me, including that I am easy to get along with, and that I can do my work with great perfection.

41. What are your 5-year career plans?

I would eventually like to manage the whole salon.

42. Do you have any questions for me?

I would love to know how you maintain your salon’s service standards. Also, I would like to know how you train your employees, and if the training programs are ongoing or not.