An interview question that asks the hair stylist to consider this scenario helps you learn about their customer service skills. You can see if they have tact and empathy or if they would reply too bluntly. This question helps you find out if the stylist would prioritize their aesthetic over the customer’s desires. It also lets you learn a little about the candidate’s ability to create a variety of hairstyles. What to look for in an answer:

• Desire to make the customer happy
• Ability to promote a variety of hairstyles
• Strong customer service skills

Good hair stylists need to have some sort of cosmetology schooling that has enabled them to pass local licensing examinations, and you can use this question to figure out exactly how the candidate learned their skills. This question is useful because it lets you ask whether the stylist has taken courses for more specific areas of styling, such as coloring or creating updos, that may come in handy at your business. What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge about legal requirements for stylists
• Proper education and credentials
• Additional education that enhances the stylist’s skills

Asking this sort of question is a test to see how well-educated the candidate is. Treating bleach-damaged hair is always tricky, but a good stylist should have some suggestions for adding moisture to hair and know how to cut hair to minimize the damage. Their answer can tell you how well they sell products and extra treatments to customers who come in looking for just a basic haircut. What to look for in an answer:

• Accurate knowledge about treating hair problems
• Ability to hide damage with haircuts
• Willingness to promote products that can strengthen damaged hair

You need to talk to the stylist about hair trends at their interview because customers expect stylists to know all about the newest trendy looks. Ask if the candidate regularly goes to hair shows or takes new classes. Those who take the time to research new trends is a good prospect because this lets you know they are actively involved in furthering their career and keeping customers happy. What to look for in an answer:

• Discussion of magazines and blogs the stylist follows
• Enthusiasm about helping clients look stylish
• Attendance at industry conventions and conferences

Using this question helps you figure out if a candidate is a good team player or if they are likely to get into disputes with their coworkers. It also helps you assess the hair stylist’s general outlook and personality since you can see if they would try to improve their own work or get discouraged. This question can be a test of how well the stylist handles customer service, too. What to look for in an answer:

• Willingness to accept mistake and learn
• A desire to support co-workers
• Care for customers, not blame

Hair stylists are responsible for using pictures and client details to envision and create their desired look. This question helps interviewers determine a candidate's ability to handle negative reactions and find solutions.

A candidate's answer should emphasize:

• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to stay positive
• Commitment to client happiness

Here is one example of a quality candidate answer: