How to conduct trade tests for potential stylists

A trade test is the final and most important stage of the hiring process for any salon or barbershop. It is a practical demonstration where a candidate performs a service—usually a haircut, blow-dry, or colour application—on a live model to prove their technical skills, speed, and ability to interact with clients before you offer them a job.

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1. Decide on the Test Requirements

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Before the candidate arrives, be clear about what you want to see. A standard trade test usually includes:

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• A Haircut: Usually a style that matches your salon’s typical clientele (e.g., a precision bob, a skin fade, or long layers).\n
• A Finish: A professional blow-dry or styling to see the final "polished" result.\n
• A Colour Application (Optional): If the role is for a colourist, you may want to see a root tint or a half-head of foils.\n

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2. Source a Model

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You need to decide if you will provide the model or if the candidate should bring their own. There are pros and cons to both:

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• Candidate brings a model: They are usually more relaxed, but you won't know if the hair was "easy" to work with.\n
• You provide the model: This allows you to choose a "difficult" hair type or a specific style you want to test, but it puts more pressure on the candidate.\n

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Note: Always ensure the model has had a patch test at least 48 hours in advance if any chemicals or dyes are being used.

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3. Observe the Consultation

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The test begins the moment the candidate greets the model. Technical skill is only half the job; you need to see how they communicate. Listen for how they assess the model's hair type, lifestyle, and desired outcome. A great stylist should offer suggestions and manage expectations professionally.

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4. Evaluate the Technical Process

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While the candidate is working, don't just wait for the end result. Watch their "chairside manner" and their technical habits. Use the table below as a checklist for your evaluation:

\n\n\n \n \n Category\n What to look for\n \n \n \n \n Sectioning\n Is their work neat, organised, and methodical?\n \n \n Tool Handling\n Do they use scissors, clippers, or brushes with confidence and safety?\n \n Cleanliness\n Do they keep their station tidy and respect the salon's equipment?\n \n \n Timing\n Do they complete the service within a commercially viable timeframe?\n \n \n\n\n

5. The Final Result and Feedback

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Once the service is finished, check the work thoroughly. For a haircut, cross-check the balance and look for any "steps" or unevenness. For colour, check the coverage and evenness of the tone. Ask the model how they felt during the process—did the stylist pull their hair or were they comfortable?

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\n Pro Tip: Always have a senior stylist or yourself perform a "finish" check. If the candidate hasn't met the standard, you or another staff member should be prepared to step in and fix the style so the model leaves the salon happy.\n

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6. Safety and Insurance

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Before the test starts, confirm that your business insurance covers "treatment risk" for guest stylists or interviewees. Ensure the candidate follows standard health and safety protocols, such as using clean gowns and sanitising tools between uses.