17 Hair Braider Interview Questions and Answers

A hair braider is a professional who specializes in the art of braiding hair. Hair braiders can work in a variety of settings, including salons, spas, and barber shops. Some hair braiders may even work out of their homes.

If you’re interested in becoming a hair braider, you’ll need to complete a training program and obtain a license. Once you’ve done that, you can start applying for jobs. But before you can get hired, you’ll need to ace a hair braider interview.

During a hair braider interview, you’ll be asked a variety of questions about your experience, training, and skills. You may also be asked questions about your availability, work schedule, and compensation expectations.

To help you prepare for your hair braider interview, we’ve compiled a list of the most common hair braider interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the latest hair braiding techniques?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are up-to-date on the latest trends in hair braiding. They want someone who can use their skills and knowledge to create beautiful hairstyles for clients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few of your favorite techniques or styles that you have mastered.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my craft. I recently took a class on microbraids, which is a style where you braid small sections of hair together. It’s a great way to add dimension to a client’s natural hair without having to dye it. Another technique I love is box braids because they’re so versatile. You can wear them as an updo or let them hang loose.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a successful hair braider?

Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills and abilities needed for their salon. They want someone who is passionate about braiding hair, has a strong work ethic and can communicate well with clients. When answering this question, think of some qualities that are important to you in your career. Share these traits along with why they’re important to you.

Example: “I believe that one of the most important qualities for a successful hair braider is patience. Braiding hair takes time, so I always make sure to take my time when working on a client’s style. Another quality I find important is creativity. Each person’s hair is unique, so I like to be able to create new styles based on what my client wants. Finally, I think it’s important to be organized. I keep all of my supplies organized in my kit so I don’t lose anything.”

How would you handle a dissatisfied customer?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and customer service. It’s important to be honest in your answer, but also show that you’re willing to learn from mistakes and improve your customer service skills.

Example: “I once had a client who was unhappy with her hair braiding because she said it didn’t last as long as she wanted it to. I explained that the style of her hair made it difficult for me to braid in a way that would hold up well. She wasn’t satisfied with my response, so I offered to redo the style at no charge. After learning more about her hair type, I was able to create a style that lasted longer than any other I’d done before.”

What is your experience working with hair textures and types?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with different hair types and textures. This can help them determine if you have the skills necessary to work with their clientele. In your answer, try to list as many different hair types and textures that you’ve worked with in the past. If you don’t have much experience braiding hair of different textures, consider talking about how comfortable you are learning new things.

Example: “In my previous role, I worked with all kinds of hair textures and types. I learned a lot about what works best for each texture and type while practicing my craft. I am always open to learning new techniques and styles when it comes to working with different hair types.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to overcome a challenge while working with hair.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you respond to challenges and whether you have any experience working with hair braiding. You can answer this question by describing a time when you overcame a challenge while working with hair braiding, such as overcoming an issue with your client’s hair or learning a new technique.

Example: “When I first started my career as a hair braider, I had a difficult time finding clients because I didn’t know where to advertise. Eventually, I found that social media was the best place for me to find clients, so I created a Facebook page for my business and began advertising there. This helped me gain more clients and learn about other marketing strategies.”

If a client came to you with a specific style in mind, how would you ensure that you achieve the look they want?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you interact with clients and whether you have experience working with challenging styles. Use your answer to highlight your customer service skills, communication abilities and problem-solving skills.

Example: “I would first ask the client what they like about their current style and what they don’t like about it. I would then use this information to create a new look that incorporates some of the things they like while also addressing any issues they may have with their hair. For example, if a client wanted an intricate braid but didn’t want to spend a lot of time styling her hair every day, I would suggest a low-maintenance style that she could wear for work or on the weekends.”

What would you do if you noticed that a client’s hair was damaged after you finished braiding their hair?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle customer complaints and whether or not you have a good attitude. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to take responsibility for any mistakes you make and that you want to ensure customers leave happy.

Example: “If I noticed that a client’s hair was damaged after I finished braiding their hair, I would immediately apologize and offer to fix it at no charge. If they were satisfied with my solution, then we would move on from there. However, if they wanted me to redo the entire style, I would do so without complaint. I believe that taking care of unhappy clients is an important part of being successful in this industry.”

How well can you see and work with your hands when you’re creating intricate braids?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your vision and dexterity. It’s important that you are able to see clearly when working with intricate braids, so be honest about any corrective lenses or glasses you wear. You should also mention if you have steady hands and how long it takes you to complete a braid.

Example: “I wear contacts while I work, but my eyesight isn’t perfect. However, I am very precise in my work and can create an intricate braid within five minutes of practice. My hands are steady, which helps me avoid mistakes as well.”

Do you have experience working with children?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience working with children and how well you can handle them. If you do not have any experience, you can talk about your ability to work with kids and what makes you comfortable around them.

Example: “I have worked with many children in my previous salon jobs. I love working with kids because they are so excited to get their hair done. I always make sure that the child is comfortable and happy while I am braiding their hair. I also try to keep the process fun by talking to them and making jokes.”

When is it appropriate to start charging a client and when should you wait until the end of the service?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and how you charge clients. You may want to mention a specific situation where you charged a client at the beginning or end of a service, depending on what was most appropriate for that client.

Example: “I usually wait until I’m finished braiding all of the hair before charging the client because it’s important to make sure they’re happy with the entire style before paying. However, if I know ahead of time that I’ll be working on a complicated style that will take longer than usual, I might ask the client about their budget so I can let them know when I start whether I think I’ll be able to finish in the amount of time we discussed.”

We want to be known for having professional and friendly staff. What would you do to build a positive relationship with a client during a service?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships. It’s important for stylists to be friendly with their clients, as it can help them feel more comfortable in the salon and return for future services. When answering this question, think about a time you helped a client feel welcome or positive about their experience at a salon.

Example: “I would make sure to greet my client when they arrived and introduce myself before beginning any service. I find that making eye contact and smiling helps me connect with my client and makes them feel more comfortable. If they have questions about what I’m doing or how long the service will take, I try to answer them clearly so they understand.”

Describe your process for sanitizing your tools and workspace between appointments.

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your attention to detail and commitment to following health and safety regulations. In your answer, describe the steps you take to ensure that you’re working in a safe environment for yourself and your clients.

Example: “I always make sure to sanitize my tools and workstation between appointments. I use an antibacterial spray on all surfaces of my station before starting each appointment. Then, after finishing with one client, I clean my station again using a disinfectant wipe. This helps me avoid cross-contamination between clients.”

What makes you stand out from other hair braiders?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and experience. They want to know what makes you unique as a hair braider. When answering, think of two or three things that make you stand out from other hair braiders. These can be related to your education, work experience or personality traits.

Example: “I am certified in several different types of hair braiding styles. I also have a lot of experience working with clients who are multicultural. In my last job, I worked with many diverse clients, which helped me develop these skills. I enjoy learning new techniques and teaching others how to braid.”

Which hair braiding techniques do you enjoy the most?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you are a good fit for their salon. They may want to know which techniques you enjoy doing and how much experience you have with them. You should answer honestly, but also try to highlight your strengths in all of the different hair braiding techniques.

Example: “I really enjoy creating cornrows because I find it relaxing to braid someone’s hair. It is also one of the most versatile styles that I can do on both men and women. I am also very comfortable with French twists, dutch braids and box braids. I learned these techniques when I was younger, so they come naturally to me now.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of hair care?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your knowledge of hair care. Your answer should show that you understand how important it is to take good care of your own hair and the hair of others.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of hair care is making sure that you’re using products that are safe for your hair type. I always make sure that my clients know what products I’m using on their hair, so they can purchase them at home if they want to continue using them after their appointment. It’s also important to me that my clients’ hair looks healthy and shiny when I’m finished braiding it.”

How often should you wash your hair?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of hair care. It’s important to wash your hair regularly, but you should avoid washing it every day. You can answer this question by explaining how often you wash your own hair and why you do so.

Example: “I wash my hair once a week because I have curly hair that tends to get oily quickly if I wash it too much. If I washed it daily, it would be very dry and frizzy. Washing it weekly helps keep my hair healthy and shiny.”

There is a trend in the industry for braids that are looser and less tight. Do you have experience with looser braids?

Loose braids are a growing trend in the hair industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with loose braiding and can adapt your style if needed. In your answer, explain that you do have experience with looser braids and how you would implement them into your work.

Example: “I actually prefer loose braids because they’re more comfortable for my clients. I find that when I’m working on someone’s hair, it’s important to be as gentle as possible. Loose braids allow me to create intricate designs while still being gentle.”