Top Hair Stylist Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Hair Stylist interview by going through these most asked Hair Stylist interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: How do you handle stressful situations?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to see how the stylist deals with pressure. You can learn if they are likely to get flustered and make mistakes or if they remain calm and focused. You can also learn about their ability to work well under pressure from their answer.

    Sample Answer: I try to remain calm and think of a solution. I always try to do my best, so I don't let stress get in the way of my work.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to stay calm
    • - Ability to remain focused
    • - Ability to work well under pressure

  • Question: Can you tell me about your background?
  • Question Overview: This is a general question that you can use to learn about the candidate's education, work history and personality. You can ask about their schooling, how they got into hair styling and what they like to do in their spare time. You can also ask about their family and friends, which can give you an idea of how well they get along with others.

    Sample Answer: I graduated from a cosmetology school in my hometown and have been working at this salon for the last three years. I love doing hair because it's fun to make people feel good about themselves. I also love to read and spend time with my family.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Education
    • - Work history
    • - Personality

  • Question: What is your availability?
  • Question Overview: This is a basic question that helps you figure out how flexible the candidate is. You can also ask about their availability for training and whether they are willing to work weekends or evenings.

    Sample Answer: I'm available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. I'm willing to work some weekends and evenings, too.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability for training
    • - Flexibility
    • - Willingness to work nights and weekends

  • Question: What are examples of customer service?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to see how well the candidate understands customer service. It is also a good way to see if they are likely to be friendly and helpful with clients. This question can help you learn if the stylist is likely to be a good team player, too.

    Sample Answer: I always try to greet customers with a smile and make sure they are comfortable while they wait. I also try to be friendly and helpful when they ask questions about products or services.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Friendly
    • - Helpful
    • - Good listener
    • - Willingness to go above and beyond

  • Question: When are you available?
  • Question Overview: This is a straightforward question that lets you know when the stylist is available to work. You can also use it to see if they are willing to work weekends and evenings.

    Sample Answer: I'm available on weekdays after 5 p.m. and all day on the weekends.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Availability during busy times
    • - Willingness to work weekends and evenings

  • Question: How flexible are your working hours?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to learn about the stylist's work ethic and their ability to work with others. If they are willing to work extra hours when needed, they are more likely to be a team player. If they want to have a set schedule, you can learn if they are likely to be reliable or if they will need extra supervision.

    Sample Answer: I'm happy to work extra hours when needed, and I'm always on time.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Flexibility
    • - Ability to work with others
    • - Willingness to work extra hours

  • Question: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
  • Question Overview: This question is a test of the stylist's career goals and their ability to set and achieve goals. It also helps you figure out if the stylist is likely to stay with your business for a long time.

    Sample Answer: I'd like to be a color specialist, so I can help clients get exactly the look they want.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ambition
    • - Desire to work hard
    • - Desire to learn more about hair styling

  • Question: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a stylist?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to learn about the candidate's self-awareness. You can see if they are honest and humble or if they try to make themselves look better than they really are. You can also learn about their work ethic and how they handle criticism.

    Sample Answer: My strengths are my attention to detail and my ability to listen to customers. I'm working on improving my ability to work quickly and efficiently.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Honesty
    • - Ability to accept criticism
    • - Willingness to improve

  • Question: What are your strengths?
  • Question Overview: This question is a way to find out what the stylist thinks are their greatest skills. You can use this information to see if they are a good fit for your salon.

    Sample Answer: I'm really good at listening to my clients and figuring out what they want. I also love creating new styles and helping people feel confident about their hair.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Good communication skills
    • - Strong work ethic
    • - Creative

  • Question: Why do you want to work for us?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to find out if the stylist is interested in your salon's brand or if they are just looking for a job. It also helps you find out if the stylist is motivated by money or by the desire to work with customers.

    Sample Answer: I've heard great things about your salon, and I love the way you do business. I want to be part of a team that works hard and cares about its clients.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to work with your salon's brand
    • - Interest in working with customers
    • - Willingness to work hard

  • Question: How do you make a client feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to see how the stylist handles stress. A good stylist should be able to make a client feel comfortable even if they are in a situation that makes them uncomfortable. This question also gives you a chance to see how the stylist deals with a difficult customer.

    Sample Answer: I would try to make the client feel comfortable by asking them about their day or talking about something they enjoy. I'd also try to make them laugh and distract them from the situation.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to remain calm
    • - Tactful handling of difficult situations
    • - Ability to listen and empathize

  • Question: How long have you been in the hair business?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to figure out how long the stylist has been working and if they have enough experience to be a good fit for your business. You can also use this question to learn about their career path. If they have been working in the industry for a while, they may have a lot of valuable experience that can help your business.

    Sample Answer: I've been working as a stylist for over 10 years. I started out as an assistant and worked my way up to stylist.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Length of time in industry
    • - Career path
    • - Experience with different types of clients

  • Question: What can you do for the company?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to find out how the candidate views their role in the company. You can learn if they are motivated by money or if they are more interested in helping you succeed. This question is also a good way to see if the stylist is willing to go above and beyond for your business.

    Sample Answer: I would be happy to help you develop a new website and social media presence. I think it's important for customers to be able to find your business online.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to help the company succeed
    • - Willingness to work hard
    • - Willingness to take on extra responsibilities

  • Question: How confident are you with clipper cuts on a scale from 1 to 5?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to see how well the stylist can handle a variety of haircuts. Clipper cuts are a basic, quick way to cut hair, and you want to make sure your stylist is comfortable with them.

    Sample Answer: I'm a 4. I feel comfortable with clipper cuts, but I'm always looking for ways to improve my skills.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Confidence in ability to perform haircut
    • - Desire to learn more about clipper cuts

  • Question: How long have you been practicing?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to see how long the stylist has been practicing their craft. If they have been doing it for a long time, they are more likely to be skilled and knowledgeable. This question also gives you a chance to ask about their experience with any specific services you offer.

    Sample Answer: I've been practicing for 10 years now. I started out as a shampooer and worked my way up to stylist.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Length of time practicing
    • - Knowledge of services offered
    • - Experience with services offered

  • Question: How did you get into styling?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you an idea of how the stylist got started in the industry. You can see if they have a passion for hair and if they have been working toward their career for a long time. You can also learn about the stylist's personality and how they got to where they are now.

    Sample Answer: I've always loved styling hair, and I've been working toward becoming a stylist since I was a teenager. I took classes in high school and college, and I've worked as an apprentice for several years.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Discussion of a long-term career goal
    • - A desire to help people
    • - Passion for hair

  • Question: What can you contribute to our salon?
  • Question Overview: This question helps you figure out how well the candidate will fit in with your salon's atmosphere and culture. You can learn how they think about their work and whether they will be able to work with other stylists and staff members. You can also learn about their goals and whether they are motivated to help your business succeed.

    Sample Answer: I'd love to help your salon succeed. I'm a hard worker, and I love to learn new techniques. I'm also very friendly with customers, so I'd be a great addition to your staff.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to contribute to the salon
    • - Desire to help the salon succeed
    • - Desire to learn new skills

  • Question: What can you offer to this company?
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to learn about the candidate's goals. You can see if they are interested in a long-term career at your salon or if they are just looking for a place to work for a few years. It also gives you a chance to learn about their personality and whether they would fit in with your other employees.

    Sample Answer: I'm excited about working with you and your staff. I think I can offer my clients a lot of variety and help them feel great about their hair.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to work at your salon
    • - Personality that fits with your salon
    • - Willingness to learn

  • Question: Give an example of a time that you worked well with others.
  • Question Overview: This question is a good way to learn how the stylist interacts with others. You can see if they are able to work well with their coworkers and if they are willing to work as part of a team. You can also learn about their ability to work with clients and how they handle stressful situations.

    Sample Answer: I was working at a salon where we were short-staffed, and I was able to help out by doing manicures for clients. It was a lot of work, but I was glad I could help out.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to work well with others
    • - Willingness to help others
    • - Ability to handle stressful situations

  • Question: What is your opinion on updos?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to learn about the stylist's skill level. You can ask them to describe a few different updos and see if they are able to describe the process of creating them. You can also ask them to describe a specific updo and see if they can draw it out for you.

    Sample Answer: I love updos because they are so versatile. I can use them for formal events or just for everyday wear. I think the key is to make sure you have the right hair length and texture for an updo.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of how to create different updos
    • - Ability to explain the process
    • - Ability to draw out an updo