So you’re thinking about becoming a hairstylist? Or maybe you’re already cutting hair but want to take your career to the next level? Here’s the thing, while mastering the technical stuff is obviously crucial, hairstylists who really thrive in this business all share certain personality traits.
These aren’t things you necessarily learn from a textbook, but they’re what separate the stylists who just get by from those who build amazing careers with devoted clients. Let us break down the top eight personality traits you should have in order to become a successful hairstylist.
1. You’ve Got to Really Listen (And We Mean REALLY Listen)
Often you’ll see stylists mess up because they didn’t actually hear what their client was asking for. Being a great communicator and having good listening skills isn’t just about being chatty, although that often helps too.
It’s about paying attention to what people are telling you, asking follow-up questions that matter and picking up on those little signals when someone’s nervous about trying something new.
Think about it: when someone sits in your chair, they’re often sharing more than just what they want their hair to look like. They might mention they’re starting a new job, going through a breakup or just feeling stuck in a rut.
A good hairstylist picks up on these cues and uses them to guide the conversation and the service.
If you ask stylists who specialize in men’s cuts, they’ll tell you that guys communicate differently than women, often more directly and sometimes with fewer words. The best stylists adjust their communication style accordingly.
During consultations you should try to create a space where people feel safe being honest about what they want and what scares them. That back-and-forth prevents those “this isn’t what I wanted” moments that can ruin your day (and theirs).
👉 Want to learn more about cutting men’s hair? Check out our barber program!
2. Creativity That Goes Beyond Following Trends
Most stylists can copy what they see on Instagram. Those who really stand out? They’ve got that artistic eye that lets them see possibilities others miss. They look at someone’s face shape, hair texture, lifestyle and somehow envision something that’s both trendy and uniquely flattering.
It always amazes us to see our students take a photo a client brought in and say “I love this idea, but let me show you how we can adapt it to work better with our hair type and face shape”. That’s pure creativity.
However, keep in mind that this artistic vision doesn’t happen overnight. The best stylists are constantly studying color theory, face shapes, new trends and techniques. They experiment in a safe way and push themselves to grow.
When you’re applying for jobs, this creative problem-solving ability is what makes salon owners take notice.
3. Patience (Because Some Days You’ll Really Need It)
Let us be real, sometimes this job requires the patience of a saint. You’ll work with hair that seems to have a mind of its own, clients who change their minds mid-cut and complex color corrections that take hours.
Then there are those sweet first-time clients who are terrified of change and need extra reassurance.
But patience isn’t just about difficult situations. It’s about understanding that becoming really good at this takes time. Some stylists get frustrated because they can’t execute advanced techniques right away. The ones who stick around understand that mastery is a journey.
Moreover, being adaptable goes hand-in-hand with patience. Sometimes, plans change, hair doesn’t always cooperate and in some cases, you might need to pivot mid-service. The hairstylists who manage to stay calm and find creative solutions are the ones clients trust and keep coming back to.
4. Customer Service That Makes People Feel Special
Here’s something you should understand early on. People don’t just come to you for a haircut. They come for the experience, the way you make them feel the hour or two where they get to focus on themselves.
Exceptional customer service means anticipating what someone needs before they ask, remembering details about what they ask, remembering details about their life and making everyone feel like you’re most important.
This kind of service builds the kind of loyalty that follows you throughout your career. We’ve seen stylists whose clients have followed them through three different salons not only because of the great service, but because of the relationship they’ve built.
Keep in mind that good customer service also means being upfront about pricing, following up if someone seems unsure about their results and handling complaints calmly and professionally. It’s not always easy, but it is crucial.
5. Professionalism That People Can Count On
Professionalism is a given, however, some people may struggle with this. For some, it might be difficult to show up on time, keep their workspace clean, dress appropriately or be fully honest about what they can and cannot do. However, these things matter.
Being unreliable can hurt your career. On the flip side, hairstylists who are consistently professional build reputations that open doors.
Being professional also means being honest with your clients in terms of their expectations. If someone’s hair can’t handle what they’re asking for, tell them. If achieving their dream color will take multiple sessions and cost more than they expected, lay it out clearly.
This honesty builds the kind of trust that keeps clients coming back for years.
6. The Physical Stamina This Job Demands
Now, let’s talk about something people don’t always consider. This line of work is considerably physically demanding. You’re on your feet for hours, your hands and wrists are constantly moving and you need steady hands for precise work.
The good news is that building up your stamina and taking care of your physical health can actually give you an edge. When you feel strong and energetic, you find it easier to focus better on your clients and work more efficiently.
Moreover, being able to work longer days without getting tired can significantly impact your earning potential. Good reflexes are also important. Developing that hand-eye coordination and dexterity takes practice, but it’s what allows you to work quickly without sacrificing quality.
7. Understanding the Business Side
Having some foundational business knowledge is also essential. Afterall, whether you work in a salon or as a freelancer, you’re navigating the beauty business. Understanding how that business works can make or break your career.
Knowing how to schedule efficiently, price your services appropriately, build client retention and market yourself are skills that reparate the stylists who struggle financially from those who thrive.
Time management is huge in this industry. Clients hate waiting, but they also hate feeling rushed. Learning to estimate how long services will take and managing your schedule accordingly is an art form that directly impacts your income and stress levels.
Some of the most successful stylists we know eventually opened their own salons or became educators because they understood both the creative and business sides of the industry.
8. Emotional Intelligence That Connects With People
This may be the most important trait of all, although it is a bit harder to define. The best stylists can read a room, adjust their energy to match what their client needs and create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable being vulnerable.
Sometimes clients need to chat and laugh. Sometimes they need quiet and relaxation. Sometimes they’re going through something difficult and need someone who just gets it. Stylists with high emotional intelligence can provide whatever energy the situation calls for.
We’ve seen this over and over: clients bond with stylists who make them feel understood and cared for. These relationships often extend beyond the salon and become some of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
How to Develop These Traits
If you’re wondering whether you can develop these characteristics, the answer is absolutely yes!
Good cosmetology programs don’t just teach you how to cut hair, but they also help you develop these softer skills through practice with real clients, feedback from instructors and sometimes even specific training in customer service and communication.
The learning doesn’t stop after graduation either. The most successful stylists we know are always working on themselves, seeking mentorship, attending workshops and paying attention to how they can improve their client interactions.
At Cosmetology & Spa Academy, we’ve learned that personality development is just as crucial as technical training. Our training programs are designed to help you grow both as a stylist and as a professional, giving you real-world experience alongside the hands-on skills you need.
👉 Ready to start developing these traits and building your a successful career in hairstyling? Contact us today to learn more about how our programs can set you up for success.
FAQs
What’s the most important trait for someone just starting out as a hairstylist?
In my experience, communication skills are absolutely fundamental. If you can’t effectively consult with clients and understand what they really want, you’re going to struggle no matter how technically skilled you are.
These skills prevent misunderstandings and help you build the trust that leads to repeat clients and referrals.
Do personality traits really affect how much money you can make as a hairstylist?
Without a doubt. Stylists who connect well with clients typically build larger, more loyal followings.
This translates to better tips, more frequent appointments, and opportunities for advancement that can significantly boost your income over time.
Can you actually learn these traits in cosmetology school?
Absolutely. Quality programs incorporate personality and soft skills development right alongside the technical training.
Through role-playing, working with real clients, and getting feedback from experienced instructors, you can definitely develop these professional characteristics.
Which traits help most when dealing with difficult clients?
Patience, emotional intelligence, and strong communication skills are your best friends in challenging situations.
They help you stay professional while finding solutions that work for everyone involved. Sometimes the most “difficult” clients just need someone who really listens to them.
