Must-Ask Interview Questions for Hairstylists & Barbers- 2023
Hiring barbers and hair stylists for your salon? While a practical test is the final barometer of a hairstylist’s skills, there are many aspects you must consider along with the styling skills. It is important to understand a barber or hairstylist’s attitude, patience level, curiosity, and passion for the work. In this article, we have shortlisted interview questions for hair stylists and barbers to help you in this process.
Question 1: What would you do if a customer shows you a photo of a difficult hairstyle that you haven’t done before?
Sample answer: “I’ll do some brainstorming and try to figure out the steps I’d required to do that hairstyle successfully. I won’t hesitate to ask my fellow hairstylists’ advice and quick help from the internet to make sure the steps I am planning to apply are correct.
Having said that, if I am still not confident about my efficacy in that particular hairstyle, I’d clearly communicate the same to the client and assign that customer to someone more experienced from the team. I would never mess up with a customer’s hairstyle and play with their emotions just for my pride, or earning more.
But I’d definitely do my best to learn that new hairstyle ASAP and practice it on the Mannequin hair to make sure I’m prepared for it next time.”
Reason: You must ask this interview question to the barber to understand how they can balance their confidence and rationality.
Question 2: How do you keep yourself updated with the latest trend in the hairstyling/haircutting industry?
Sample answer: I have subscribed to many hair influencers’, bloggers’, and master stylists’ YouTube channels and Instagram pages. I have cultivated a discipline of watching their videos and reels for at least 1 hour a day to learn about the latest trends. I also read a large number of fashion magazines to catch the new hairstyles and haircuts. I’m a big fan of Hype Hair Magazine, The Salon Magazine, InStyle, Vogue, Elle, and Vanity Fair for diagnosing popular styles. Apart from that, I take 4 classes per year for continuing education at my cosmetology school.
Reason: This is a common interview question for hairstylists and barbers but one of the most important ones. The hairstyling industry is rapidly changing with new styles, and haircuts getting popular and outdated at a super fast speed. That's why, a hairstyling professional who is serious about his/her must be sparing enough time to learn about new trends. This interview question will help you to judge the commitment level of a barber/hairstylist.
Question 3: How would you handle an unsatisfied and angry customer?
Sample answer: It happened to me when a customer wanted to have Balayage for short hair. She was very dissatisfied after seeing the result as she was expecting the look her friend with long hair had. I heard her patiently as I understand it was an emotionally draining experience for her. I empathetically told her the difference in the look between short hair and long hair balayage. I also showed her some online images to confirm what she got is perfect according to her hair length. I apologize and told her that I should have shown the short-hair balayage images before starting the dyeing so she knows what to expect. And even though, it wasn’t my mistake, I offered her a discount coupon for her next visit.
Reason: Another normal scenario at any salon. Some customers are too picky about their haircuts that they won't tolerate the slightest variation of what they expected. This interview question is crucial for barbers to understand their patience level. A short-tempered barber/hairstylist may harm your salon's reputation, attracting bad reviews online and losing customers.
Question 4: How do you react if a customer doesn’t tip you even after providing good hair services?
Sample answer: It can be disappointing at times and I’d put an effort into understanding if something went wrong. I’d ask customers the feedback on the service and how I can improve. Having said that, I’d never ask for a tip directly and put them in an embarrassing situation. People don’t tip for many reasons, for example, tight financial situations, or migrating from a different country where a tipping culture doesn’t exist. I make sure the customer is happy with my services, irrespective of their leaving the tips.
Question 5: How do you manage your schedule efficiently?
Sample Answer: I use scheduling software for my appointment management. I have embedded booking links on my social media pages so that clients can check my available time slots and self-schedule their appointments. This way, they don’t have to wait long. I also block 10 minutes after each appointment to make sure I have sufficient time for cleaning and rearranging the products and tools. I have worked on many salon management software so you don’t have to train me. If your salon doesn’t use one, I would strongly recommend Yottled, because it is 100% free and super easy to use. If I have empty slots, I help my fellow stylists with shampooing and cleaning. I also help the front desk staff by answering phone calls, collecting payments, and rearranging inventory in my free time.
Note to Hairstylist: If you haven’t used any scheduling software, sign up for Yottled (it’s free) and gain hands on experience. Managing a scheduling software is an important skill to have these days.
Question 6: why are you passionate about the beauty industry?
Sample Answer: From childhood, I have had a strong interest in various haircuts and styles. Whenever I meet someone, watch movies and shows, and read fashion magazines, hairstyles are the first thing that draws my attention. So, I started hairstyling as a hobby, but the way it energized and motivated me, I decided to make it a full-time profession. I really enjoy seeing how my work helps others to look more beautiful/handsome and boosts their confidence. When I see happy and appreciative faces after getting a fresh haircut, it gives me immense job satisfaction.
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