The right questions don’t just help you hire a stylist—they help you hire the right stylist.
12 Essential Interview Questions for Hiring a Hairstylist
Hiring the right hairstylist can make or break the success of your salon. Your team is not only responsible for delivering beautiful results but also for creating a welcoming, professional environment that keeps clients coming back. Asking thoughtful interview questions helps you go beyond a résumé to understand a stylist’s personality, technical skills, and professionalism.
1. Tell me about your journey—what inspired you to become a stylist?
This question gives candidates the chance to share their passion and story. You’ll learn what motivates them and whether they view hair styling as a career or just a job.
2. How do you approach client consultations?
Communication is key in the salon industry. A strong candidate should describe how they listen, recommend styles, and set realistic expectations for clients.
3. What is your favorite service to provide, and why? Also, what services do you struggle with or prefer not to do?
Their answer reveals their strengths and enthusiasm. If their specialties align with your salon’s most requested services, it could be a perfect fit. If they struggle with top-requested services, you’ll need to decide whether you’re committed to helping them learn those skills.
4. How do you handle difficult clients or situations?
Every salon experiences challenges. You want to hear about patience, professionalism, and problem-solving skills rather than defensiveness.
5. What trends, techniques, and education are you most excited about right now?
The best stylists are always learning. This question shows whether they’re passionate about staying current with education, techniques, and trends.
6. Describe a time you went above and beyond for a client.
This question highlights their customer service mindset. A stylist who values client experience will often share a meaningful example.
7. How do you work with other stylists and team members?
Salon culture depends on teamwork. Listen for candidates who value collaboration, respect, and helping others succeed.
8. What does “success” look like to you as a stylist?
Some stylists focus on building strong client relationships, while others focus on hitting financial goals. Both are valuable—you just want to make sure their vision aligns with your salon.
9. How do you approach retail sales and recommending products?
Retail is an important revenue stream. A confident stylist should explain how they educate clients on products without being pushy.
10. Why do you want to work at our salon?
This question helps you understand whether they researched your salon and genuinely connect with your brand, culture, and mission.
11. What are the top traits you like about your best friend?
If we become like the people we spend the most time with, this question gives you insight into the values they admire. Do they highlight honesty, fun, kindness, or hard work? Their answer can give you clues about the type of energy they’ll bring into your salon.
12. What would you like to get out of this salon and career that you didn’t get at your last place of employment?
This question uncovers what they’re looking for next—whether it’s growth opportunities, education, a positive culture, or financial stability. It also gives you the chance to see if your salon can meet those expectations.
Final Thoughts
The interview process is your chance to see whether a stylist is not only technically skilled but also the right personality fit for your salon culture. The goal isn’t just to fill a chair—it’s to bring someone into your salon family who will grow, thrive, and make your clients feel amazing.
SalonTraining Philosophy
At SalonTraining, we believe the interview should go both ways. The service provider should also be interviewing you. Why? Because people leave when they’re unhappy or don’t see room for growth. Are you on board with helping them grow—or are you so busy filling the chair that there’s no room for that? Finding out what they need, in conjunction with what you are looking for, creates a stronger foundation for a lasting working relationship.
Bonus Tip
Educator Geno Stampora suggests casually dropping a pen or small object during the interview. If the candidate bends down to pick it up, it’s a sign they may have a servant’s heart—a quality that can make all the difference in building strong client relationships and a supportive team environment.
The right questions don’t just help you hire a stylist—they help you hire the right stylist.