Cosmetology resume examples & templates

As a cosmetologist, you transform clients' appearances through hairstyling, makeup application, skincare, and nail care. In an industry where style matters, your next role hinges on a resume that is styled for success.

Entry-level

Mid-career

Senior-level

Use this template

Use this template

Use this template

From hair styling and coloring techniques to skincare, nail art, and facial treatments, your resume should highlight your versatility and expertise in the beauty industry.

Is your resume looking as sharp as your clients? Read on and let’s make sure it’s showing off your best features. 

Resume guide for a cosmetology resume

Resume.io is a top resource for job seekers across all industries, offering over 500 tailored resume samples and customizable templates. 

This guide provides a sample cosmetology resume to help you create one that stands out to hiring managers in the beauty industry.

We cover the key elements for writing a cosmetology resume including:

• Writing a standout cosmetology resume
• Choosing the right format for your resume
• Including essential contact details
• Creating a compelling resume summary
• Showcasing your cosmetology experience
• Highlighting relevant training and skills
• Selecting the best layout and design for your resume
• An overview of the job market and salary trends in cosmetology

How to write a cosmetology resume

When crafting your cosmetology resume, there are essential sections to include. Focus on these key components to make your resume shine:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

A cosmetology resume should highlight your skills in beauty treatments and client care. Showcase your expertise in various services while demonstrating your ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

As you highlight your most impressive career achievements, tailor your resume to each specific job and employer. Review the job description carefully to align your qualifications with what the employer is looking for.

Here are key points to focus on when creating your cosmetology resume:

• Highlight your unique skills, certifications, or experiences that set you apart from other candidates.
• Include measurable accomplishments, such as increasing client retention or achieving high satisfaction ratings.
• Customize your resume to fit the needs of the salon or spa you're applying to.
• Ensure your resume is optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by including relevant keywords like “hair cutting,” “styling,” or “nail care.” Start with a simple, clear layout to ensure ATS can easily parse your information.

Choosing the right resume format for cosmetology

For most candidates in cosmetology, the reverse chronological format is often the best choice. This layout highlights your most recent work experience first, making it easy for hiring managers to see your career progression and the services you’ve provided in previous roles. 

While the functional format, which focuses on skills over job history, may work well if you’re new to the industry or have gained expertise outside of formal job titles, it’s not as commonly used in the beauty sector. This format showcases your abilities but may not be as effective in demonstrating your experience in a clear, chronological order.

Given the expectations of employers in cosmetology, the reverse chronological format is usually the best option for showcasing your skills and experience. 

Include your contact information

The last thing you want is for a potential employer to love your work but be unable to reach you. This happens more often than you'd think. To make sure you don't miss your shot at a new role, include your contact details on your resume.

Here’s what to include:

• Full name and job title. List your full name and the specific cosmetology position you’re seeking.
• Email address. Use a straightforward email like [email protected].
• Phone number. Provide a reliable number where you can easily be reached.
• Location. Include only your city and state. If you're open to moving, note “Willing to Relocate.”
• LinkedIn profile. If it’s up-to-date and relevant, include a link to your LinkedIn.

What to avoid:

• Birth date. Skip it to reduce the chance of age bias.
• Personal details. Don’t list things like marital status, Social Security number, or passport info.

Create a strong resume summary

The resume summary offers a snapshot of your expertise. A well-crafted summary will show that you are a skilled cosmetologist with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. 

This is ultimately your chance to highlight your most impressive achievements and the qualities that make you stand out. If you hold any relevant certifications or licenses, this is a great place to mention them as well.

Often referred to as the profile or personal statement, this section allows you to infuse a bit of your personality into your application. You can set yourself apart from other applicants by presenting yourself as professional, approachable, and personable—qualities that are desirable in the beauty industry, where client interaction is key.

To write an exceptional summary, focus on your most valuable traits and communicate them concisely. This is where you can mention achievements that distinguish you from others. For example, if you've been recognized for your expertise in hair coloring, skincare, or customer satisfaction, now is the time to showcase those highlights. If you’ve helped improve client retention or developed a loyal client base, include that as well.

Use strong action verbs to demonstrate your experience and skills and avoid overused phrases like "hardworking" or "detail-oriented." Instead, provide specific examples of how you've applied those qualities in real-world situations to enhance your work and client satisfaction.   

You can find an example cosmetology resume summary below:

Outline your cosmetology experience: Create a solid base for beauty.

Your work history is a key element of your resume. List each role in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. For each entry, include the employer’s name, your job title, dates of employment, and location. Focus on positions that directly align with the cosmetology field, emphasizing the skills and responsibilities that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.

For each role, use up to five bullet points to highlight your key contributions, focusing on what you brought to the table. Avoid generic job descriptions; instead, use dynamic action verbs and provide context that demonstrates how your work benefited the employer.

Tailor your resume to match the job description of the position you're applying for, ensuring you include the qualifications and responsibilities most important to the hiring team.

Quantifying your achievements can add weight to your resume. For example, include the number of clients you served or how much you increased customer satisfaction through personalized services. Specific metrics show your ability to drive results and maintain high standards in your work.

Instead of vague statements like:

• Performed haircuts and color services for clients.
• Provided skincare and makeup consultations.
• Ensured customer satisfaction with services.

Focus on the value you brought with examples like:

• Increased repeat clients by 35% through personalized hair care consultations and expert styling.
• Delivered makeup applications for events, resulting in 98% client satisfaction and positive feedback.
• Boosted customer retention by 25% by offering tailored skincare advice and creating individualized treatment plans.

How to write a cosmetology resume with no experience

If you’re new to the cosmetology field, don’t worry—you can still demonstrate your relevant skills and passion for beauty services.

Here are a few ways to impress hiring managers, even if you don’t have direct experience as a cosmetologist:

• Highlight transferable skills such as customer service, attention to detail, and multitasking. Emphasize your ability to work with diverse clients and provide excellent results.
• Include any relevant internships, volunteer work, or personal beauty projects where you’ve provided services like hairstyling, makeup application, or skincare treatments.
• Showcase essential soft skills like creativity, communication, and problem-solving, which are key in delivering personalized beauty experiences and building client trust.

Include the relevant key skills to qualify for cosmetology roles

The skills section is a key component of your cosmetology resume. Aim to feature a mix of hard and soft skills tailored to the role.

Hard skills might include hair-cutting and coloring techniques, makeup application, or proficiency in skincare treatments. Refer to the job description to identify any technical skills the employer prioritizes.

Soft skills such as excellent communication, client service, and organizational abilities are essential in cosmetology roles. Highlight your ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and deliver a personalized experience.

Don’t limit these skills to the dedicated section. Infuse them throughout your resume by providing examples of how you’ve applied them in past roles to create a stronger impression.

Here’s what the skills box looks like in our cosmetology resume template. 

Detail your education & relevant cosmetology certifications

Cosmetology is a hands-on field, so your education section doesn’t need to be extensive. List your high school only if it’s your highest level of education. Since a state cosmetology license is essential and widely recognized in the industry, be sure to include any cosmetology school diplomas, certifications, or licenses.

List them in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Don’t forget to mention relevant training or professional development courses you’ve completed, such as specialty workshops in hairstyling, skincare, or makeup techniques.

If you’ve earned additional certifications, such as in lash extensions or advanced color theory, highlight those as well. These qualifications demonstrate your commitment to mastering your craft and staying updated in the field.

Pick the right resume layout and design for your cosmetology resume

Just as your clients want to look flawless, your resume should also present a polished appearance. When clients or employers review your cosmetology resume, they assess its presentation as much as the content. An attractive layout, clean design, and well-chosen formatting reflect your professionalism and attention to detail.

Select an easy-to-read font style and size. Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Calibri work well for resumes because of their simplicity and clarity. Balance text with white space to make the document visually appealing and easy to navigate. Feel free to add a splash of color to incorporate your creativity.

If designing a resume feels overwhelming, consider using a pre-made template tailored to your industry. A professional template with clean lines and organized sections can help your resume stand out while maintaining a polished look.

Cosmetology text-only resume example

Cosmetology job market and outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is expected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, outpacing the average growth rate across all occupations.

Each year, an estimated 89,100 job openings are anticipated for these roles, largely driven by workforce turnover as employees transition to new careers or leave the labor force, including for retirement.

What type of salary you can expect in cosmetology

Salary for cosmetologists depends heavily on the specialty and industry. The median base salary for a hairdresser is $27,504, according to Salary.com.

Key takeaways for a cosmetology resume

A standout cosmetology resume should highlight your beauty expertise, from hairstyling to skincare. Focus on measurable achievements like client retention rates and satisfaction scores. Tailor your resume to each job description, including keywords for ATS optimization. A reverse chronological format works best to showcase your experience and career growth. Use polished design with clear fonts and a splash of creativity to reflect your professionalism. 

Give your resume a makeover. Land your next cosmetology role using our resume builder, but why stop there? 

With resume.io’s 18 powerful tools, you can search for jobs, track your journey, prepare for interviews, and negotiate salaries—all with our all-inclusive career toolkit at your fingertips.