7 Steps to Writing a Standout Cosmetology Cover Letter

by Hiration

In the cosmetology industry, where creativity meets customer service, first impressions matter.

That’s why a compelling cover letter is essential—it’s your chance to introduce yourself and connect your skills to the employer’s needs in a personal and engaging way.

In fact, 56% of employers prefer receiving a cover letter alongside a resume, even when it’s optional.

Let’s explore 7 steps to help you craft a stellar cover letter for cosmetology roles that can set you apart from the crowd of applicants.

1. Start with a Personal Greeting

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to capture attention is by using a personalized greeting.

Addressing the hiring manager by name shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.

It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about your professionalism and attention to detail.

Here's How to Find the Right Name

  • Check the job posting for contact details.
  • Visit the salon’s website or LinkedIn profile.
  • Call the salon directly and politely inquire about the hiring manager’s name.

Example Greeting:
“Dear Ms. Johnson,”
or
“Dear [Salon Name] Team,” if a specific name isn’t available.

Pro Tip: Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” These make your cover letter feel impersonal and less engaging.
Also Read: What are some great examples of cover letters?

2. Craft a Strong Opening Paragraph

Your opening paragraph is your first impression, so make it count!

Begin by stating the position you’re applying for and briefly explain why you’re excited about the opportunity.

Show enthusiasm for the salon’s brand or values and establish a connection right away.

Example:
“I was thrilled to see the opening for a hairstylist at [Salon Name]. As a licensed cosmetologist with over five years of experience in precision cutting and balayage techniques, I am passionate about helping clients look and feel their best. I deeply admire [Salon Name]’s commitment to sustainability and high-quality service.”

By mentioning specific skills and aligning them with the salon’s goals, you immediately position yourself as a strong candidate.

Also Read: How to start a cover letter?

3. Highlight Relevant Skills & Achievements

The body of your cover letter should focus on showcasing your expertise and accomplishments.

In cosmetology, technical skills like haircutting, coloring, or makeup artistry are essential, but don’t overlook soft skills like client communication, multitasking, and teamwork.

How to Highlight Skills

  1. Quantify Your Achievements: Include numbers to provide context. For example, “Increased client retention by 25% over two years.”
  2. Show Versatility: Mention experience across different areas, such as bridal makeup, hair styling, or skincare.
  3. Focus on Results: Highlight how your skills benefit clients and the business.

Example Paragraph:
“At [Previous Salon Name], I managed a busy schedule of up to 15 clients per day while maintaining a 98% satisfaction rate. My expertise in advanced color correction and trend-focused styling helped boost repeat bookings by 30%. Additionally, I trained two junior stylists, enhancing overall team performance.”

Fun Fact!

4. Align Your Values with the Salon’s Mission

Employers are not only looking for skilled cosmetologists—they want team members who share their vision and values.

Research the salon’s mission and culture, then connect your values and work ethic to theirs.

How to Do It Right

  1. Look for key phrases on their website (e.g., “eco-friendly practices,” “luxury services”).
  2. Mention specific initiatives or qualities you admire.

Example:
“Your commitment to using sustainable, cruelty-free products resonates with my own dedication to ethical beauty practices. I take pride in offering clients eco-conscious solutions without compromising on quality.”

By aligning yourself with the salon’s ethos, you demonstrate that you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for this job.

Also Read: How to address a cover letter without a name?

5. Add a Polished Call-to-Action

A strong closing paragraph ties everything together and invites the hiring manager to take the next step. Be confident but not pushy, and express your excitement about discussing the position further.

Example:
“I am eager to bring my creativity and expertise to the talented team at [Salon Name]. I would love the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your vision. Please feel free to contact me at [your email] or [your phone number]. I look forward to hearing from you!”

Pro Tip: End with a professional sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Regards,” followed by your full name.
Also Read: How to end a cover letter?

6. Keep It Concise and Well-Formatted

A cover letter is a professional document, and its presentation matters as much as its content. Hiring managers often skim applications, so your letter needs to be visually appealing and easy to read.

Aim for one page with short, focused paragraphs and clear formatting.

Formatting Best Practices

  1. Font and Size: Use clean fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, sized between 11 and 12 points, to ensure readability.
  2. Margins: Set 1-inch margins all around for a balanced look.
  3. White Space: Leave enough white space between sections and paragraphs to avoid overwhelming the reader.
  4. Structure: Divide your cover letter into clear sections: greeting, introduction, skills/experience, alignment with employer’s goals, and a call-to-action.
Also Read: What are some great cover letter designs?

7. Proofread and Customize for Each Job

Even the most polished cover letter can fall flat if it’s riddled with typos or generic content.

Proofreading ensures your letter is error-free, while customization demonstrates genuine interest in the role and the salon.

Also, research each salon’s unique qualities and incorporate them into your letter. Mention specific services, awards, or values they emphasize. For example:

  • If a salon specializes in bridal styling, highlight your experience with wedding clients.
  • If they pride themselves on innovative techniques, share examples of times you stayed ahead of trends.

Example of Customization:
“[Salon Name]’s reputation for cutting-edge hair color techniques and vibrant client culture is exactly the environment where I thrive. My training in balayage and ombré, combined with my ability to connect with diverse clientele, makes me confident in my ability to contribute to your team.”

Pro Tip: Never reuse a cover letter word-for-word. Small tweaks—like referencing the salon’s mission or including relevant skills—can make a big difference.
Also Read: How to write a short cover letter?

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can craft a personalized, professional letter that highlights your skills, passion, and alignment with the salon’s vision.

To make the process even easier, use Hiration's AI-powered Cover Letter builder and generate polished, tailored cover letters in minutes.

Our ChatGPT powered platform ensures that your cover letter highlights your strengths and aligns with the salon’s needs. You can also try our AI resume optimizer and interview simulator alongside the instant LinkedIn profile reviewer to take care of everything else.    

Cosmetology is all about making people feel confident—and Hiration is here to help you do the same in your career journey.