Operational Hair Salon Interview Questions & Answers:

1. Who inspires you?

I don't have a single one. I have many situations that stop me dead in my tracks. That inspires me.

2. How to handle question regarding your Performance at hair saloon?

Whether you are a hair stylist, nail technician or barber, the amount of business you bring in and retain will impact the salon's financial success. If you are currently employed at another salon, expect to answer questions about how many clients you have at your job, how you retain their business, and whether they will follow you to a new salon. If you are interviewing for your first job, expect to be asked what you offer than can ensure more business. For example, you might be asked about the number of services you can perform as well as your level of expertise. A stylist who can formulate hair color and do perms and hair extensions is more valuable than a barber who only cuts hair.

3. Tell me why do you think you decided to become a hair stylist?

I always was working with my hands. Hair became the big challenge and I stuck to it. Could have been a sculptor or carpenter as well.

4. How did you get your start in the industry?

When I did my first photo shoot in Paris with Lara. She had just turned 13.

5. Tell me How Would You Handle It If a Client Is Dissatisfied with Your Work?

When you work in a creative profession, it can be difficult when a client feels you've failed to give them what they wanted. Explain to the interviewer that because of your thorough consultation process, you do not anticipate having a dissatisfied customer. However, if a customer were to dislike their results, you would follow salon policy for managing the situation. If the interviewer asks what you would do if there were no policy in place, be diplomatic. Explain that you would offer to restyle the client's hair or offer additional services to make any changes the client requests. If you failed to give the customer what they wanted, say you'd offer a refund. If the customer had unrealistic expectations, explain you would do whatever you could to make them happy that day, but that you would not offer any money back on the services. Be careful to balance a response that makes the customer happy, and keeps the salon in the black.

6. What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship enables aspiring hairdressers to learn their trade in the workplace environment, whilst studying to gain theory and qualifications. Usually, apprenticeships are taken by people aged 16 or over, to allow them to earn money whilst gaining experience. An apprenticeship in hairdressing will normally involve candidates working in the salon every day, and then spending 1 or 2 days at college. However, there are some salons who teach both theory and practical skills. In these cases, candidates will only need to enroll in college if their Maths and English skills are not up to scratch.

Usually, it takes between 3 and 5 years to become fully qualified as a hairdresser in the UK. This can depend upon if you are taking further courses in salon management, or where you start with your training.

7. What inspires you?

My Life, My wife

8. How to handle question regarding Your Knowledge of the Salon?

Whether you interview with a Mom & Pop salon or a national chain, potential employers will want to know how much you know about the place you're applying to. For example, they might ask what you know about the history of the salon, its clientele and its specialties. To properly answer these questions, you should research the salon by looking at its website, advertisements and brochures, and by finding information on blogs and news articles.

9. Which iconic hairstyles do you love?

The five-point cut from Vidal Sassoon.

10. Explain Me Your Consultation Process?

As a hair stylist, you will have to discuss with your customer what kind of style they are looking for. You may have customers who will provide you with pictures of celebrities cut from a magazine, pictures of themselves from some other point in time or perhaps just a description of what they're looking for. Your job is to listen to the client and help them to choose a variation of the style that will work for their hair type, face shape and typical beauty routine. Explain to the interviewer what questions you would ask the client to get to this result, and how you will explain your suggestions. Be sure to talk about how you will deal with a client who disagrees with your assertion. You should give the client good advice, but be willing to ultimately give them the haircut they want, regardless of whether or not you agree with it.