Top 12 Beautician Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the competitive world of beauty and cosmetology, standing out to employers takes more than charm. A sharp, relevant skill set on your resume shows real competence, range, and commitment to learning. It tells salons and studios you deliver safe, consistent results while keeping pace with what clients want now.

1. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion gently polishes the stratum corneum with a device that exfoliates and vacuums away debris, revealing smoother texture and a brighter look while helping products penetrate more evenly.

Why It's Important

It’s a low-downtime, versatile exfoliation method that freshens dull skin, softens fine lines, and smooths roughness. Clients see quick glow; you see repeat bookings and easier pairing with facials and light peels.

How to Improve Microdermabrasion Skills

Sharpen results and safeguard skin with these steps:

Assess before you begin: Run a full skin analysis, note contraindications (active acne flares, rosacea flare-ups, recent isotretinoin, open wounds), and tailor intensity.
Master device control: Keep passes even and gentle. Adjust suction, tips, and passes to match skin thickness and sensitivity.
Hygiene first: Disinfect handpieces, replace tips/filters as directed, and follow strict sanitation protocols every session.
Prime and protect: Prep with a mild cleanser and degreaser. After treatment, soothe, hydrate, and always finish with broad-spectrum SPF.
Document and refine: Track settings, passes, and outcomes. Use client feedback to fine-tune future sessions.
Keep learning: Update techniques as new tips, abrasives, and safety guidance evolve.

Small adjustments—pressure, passes, post-care—make a big difference in glow and comfort.

How to Display Microdermabrasion Skills on Your Resume

2. HydraFacial

HydraFacial is a non-invasive treatment that deep cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, and infuses targeted serums in one streamlined service, leaving skin clarified, hydrated, and camera-ready with virtually no downtime.

Why It's Important

It addresses many concerns—congestion, dullness, uneven tone—across skin types. Customizable tips and boosters make it a high-satisfaction, high-retention service on any menu.

How to Improve Hydrafacial Skills

Elevate consistency and glow:

Prioritize education: Train on device settings, tips, and booster selection; revisit refreshers regularly.
Customize every pass: Choose tips and serums by skin type and goal (clarifying, brightening, calming). Adjust suction around delicate areas.
Perfect your pacing: Smooth, methodical strokes. Don’t rush extractions; let the solution do the heavy lifting.
Maintain spotless hygiene: Replace tips per protocol, disinfect thoroughly, and keep tubing pristine.
Layer the experience: Calm lighting, steady cadence, and quiet confidence elevate perceived value.
Coach aftercare: Gentle actives, daily SPF, and timing for follow-ups. Avoid harsh exfoliants for a few days.

Screen for recent peels, open lesions, or retinoid sensitivity and adjust or reschedule accordingly.

How to Display Hydrafacial Skills on Your Resume

3. Electrolysis

Electrolysis permanently disables hair growth cells by inserting a fine probe into the follicle and delivering targeted energy. It’s precise, effective on all hair and skin types, and considered a permanent hair removal method.

Why It's Important

Clients want a forever fix. Offering electrolysis expands your scope beyond temporary methods, building trust and long-term treatment plans.

How to Improve Electrolysis Skills

Precision is the game:

Invest in training: Refine insertion angle, depth, and modality (galvanic, thermolysis, blend) through ongoing education and mentorship.
Calibrate equipment: Verify output, timing, and probe size selection per hair diameter to maximize efficacy and comfort.
Maintain strict asepsis: Single-use probes, barrier protection, meticulous disinfection, and careful skin prep every session.
Manage comfort: Use numbing strategies within scope, cooling, and breathing techniques. Adjust timing rather than over-treat.
Teach aftercare: Keep the area clean, avoid picking, limit heat and sweat for 24–48 hours to reduce irritation.
Plan the series: Map cycles, set honest timelines, and document regrowth patterns to steer scheduling.

Steady technique plus clear expectations equals happy, hair-free clients.

How to Display Electrolysis Skills on Your Resume

4. Airbrush Makeup

Airbrush makeup mists pigment in ultra-fine layers for a lightweight, even, photo-smooth finish that resists sweat and wear—perfect for events, film, and long days.

Why It's Important

It’s fast, hygienic, and flattering under cameras and bright lights. Clients love the “nothing on my skin” feel with all-day polish.

How to Improve Airbrush Makeup Skills

Dial in finesse:

Prep like a pro: Cleanse, lightly hydrate, and prime to even texture. A smooth canvas saves product and time.
Practice distance and control: Keep the gun moving 6–8 inches from skin. Feather the trigger; think thin, buildable veils.
Mix precisely: Shade-match under natural light. Adjust undertones with just a drop or two.
Work in sheer layers: Build coverage slowly to avoid cakiness. Spot-conceal before misting if needed.
Maintain your tool: Clean between colors, deep-clean daily, and prevent clogs to keep atomization smooth.
Set smart: Light powder where needed; finish with a fine setting spray for longevity.

Sanitize every component that touches product or skin—no shortcuts.

How to Display Airbrush Makeup Skills on Your Resume

5. LED Therapy

LED therapy uses specific wavelengths—commonly blue for acne bacteria, red for inflammation and collagen support, and near-infrared for deeper recovery—to nudge skin toward balance without needles or downtime.

Why It's Important

It’s gentle, layerable, and safe for most tones and types. A reliable add-on that boosts outcomes and client satisfaction.

How to Improve LED Therapy Skills

Turn light into results:

Customize protocols: Match wavelength, intensity, and session length to the concern—acne, redness, fine lines, or recovery.
Be consistent: Results build over a series. Set schedules and track adherence.
Combine wisely: Pair with facials, peels, or microneedling post-care when appropriate to enhance benefits.
Protect and screen: Provide proper eye shields. Check for photosensitizing meds, migraines, or seizure history.
Maintain devices: Follow manufacturer guidance for cleaning and function checks to keep output reliable.
Educate clients: Set realistic expectations—subtle improvements accumulate over weeks.

Small, steady changes add up to calmer, healthier-looking skin.

How to Display LED Therapy Skills on Your Resume

6. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels apply controlled acids to exfoliate and renew the skin. From light refreshers to deeper resurfacing, peels target roughness, discoloration, fine lines, and certain acne patterns.

Why It's Important

They’re adaptable, results-driven, and pair elegantly with other services. Thoughtful selection and timing can transform texture and tone.

How to Improve Chemical Peels Skills

Safe, strategic peeling wins:

Assess thoroughly: Document skin history, Fitzpatrick type, sensitivities, and current actives. Set clear goals.
Prime the skin: Introduce gentle acids or pigment inhibitors (as appropriate) and daily SPF for 2–4 weeks before stronger peels.
Choose the right acid: Glycolic, lactic, salicylic, mandelic, TCA—match molecule, pH, and strength to concern and skin resilience.
Apply with precision: Watch endpoints, time carefully, and neutralize when required. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Plan post-care: Hydrate, soothe, avoid picking, pause retinoids and strong exfoliants, and insist on daily broad-spectrum SPF.
Progress gradually: Build intensity over a series rather than going too strong, too soon.

Always screen for contraindications (pregnancy considerations depending on acid, active infections, recent procedures) and stay within your licensure.

How to Display Chemical Peels Skills on Your Resume

7. Lash Extensions

Lash extensions bond single fibers to individual natural lashes for custom length, curl, and fullness. When applied correctly, they feel lightweight and look seamless.

Why It's Important

Clients wake up with defined eyes and skip daily mascara. Strong demand, steady refills, loyal clientele.

How to Improve Lash Extensions Skills

Cleaner sets, happier eyes:

Map with intention: Design by eye shape and desired effect. Mix curls, diameters, and lengths strategically.
Isolate perfectly: One natural lash, one extension. Use proper tweezers and lighting to prevent stickies.
Control your environment: Track humidity and temperature to keep adhesive curing predictable.
Respect lash health: Choose safe diameters and weights. Avoid excessive length that strains follicles.
Educate on aftercare: Clean daily with lash-safe cleanser, avoid oil-heavy products, and book refills every 2–3 weeks.
Patch test when needed: Screen sensitivities; switch adhesives or techniques if irritation occurs.

Precision plus lash integrity beats fast-and-full every time.

How to Display Lash Extensions Skills on Your Resume

8. Brow Lamination

Brow lamination restructures brow hairs so they sit in a uniform direction, creating fuller, fluffier, more defined brows that still look soft and natural.

Why It's Important

It’s trendy, fast, and pairs well with shaping and tint. A solid way to add visible impact without invasive steps.

How to Improve Brow Lamination Skills

Fuller brows without overprocessing:

Clean start: Remove oils and makeup thoroughly. Dry hairs lift better and process more evenly.
Patch test: For first-timers or sensitive skin, test ahead of the appointment.
Choose quality formulas: Work with reliable lamination systems and nourishing lotions to minimize dryness.
Mind your timing: Adjust processing for hair density and health. Thin or delicate brows need less time.
Shape with intention: Brush hairs into the desired direction for lift without rigidity. Finish with conditioning.
Coach aftercare: Avoid moisture and steam for 24 hours; use a brow conditioner or oil to keep hairs flexible.

Space services 6–8 weeks apart to protect hair integrity.

How to Display Brow Lamination Skills on Your Resume

9. Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning uses a sterile surgical blade to gently remove dead skin and vellus hair, instantly smoothing texture and creating a flawless canvas for makeup.

Why It's Important

Immediate glow with no downtime. Products absorb better, and makeup glides on like silk.

How to Improve Dermaplaning Skills

Safety and touch are everything:

Train and certify: Learn proper grip, angle, and pressure. Practice on varied skin types.
Prep correctly: Cleanse and degrease; dry skin thoroughly so the blade doesn’t skip.
Keep a steady angle: About 45 degrees with feather-light strokes. Hold skin taut; avoid raised lesions and active breakouts.
Replace blades often: A fresh, sterile blade keeps strokes smooth and reduces irritation.
Soothe and shield: Post-treatment hydration plus SPF to protect that new glow.
Know when to pause: Skip on inflamed acne, sunburn, or compromised barriers. Reschedule rather than risk.

Controlled technique means silky skin without snags.

How to Display Dermaplaning Skills on Your Resume

10. Balayage Technique

Balayage hand-paints lightener for sun-kissed dimension, softer regrowth, and fluid transitions—no harsh lines, just seamless melt.

Why It's Important

Clients crave low-maintenance color that still looks luxe. Balayage delivers personalization and longevity.

How to Improve Balayage Technique Skills

Polish your paintwork:

Section with purpose: Clean zones and consistent partings keep placement intentional and repeatable.
Control consistency: Mix lightener to a spreadable, stay-put texture for crisp saturation without bleeding.
Feather your strokes: Light pressure near the root, heavier toward mids and ends. Blend as you go.
Saturate the ends: Full saturation delivers that bold, bright finish without patchiness.
Use a board when needed: Support fine hair and boost precision for cleaner panels.
Finish with a gloss: Tone, seal porosity, and fine-tune warmth or ash for a polished result.

Photograph placements and formulas so you can replicate or tweak at the next visit.

How to Display Balayage Technique Skills on Your Resume

11. Acrylic Nails

Acrylic enhancements combine liquid monomer and powder polymer to form a durable overlay or extension that can be shaped, refined, and finished to high shine.

Why It's Important

They’re strong, customizable, and a canvas for endless design—great for clients who want length and longevity.

How to Improve Acrylic Nails Skills

Durability lives in the details:

Prep flawlessly: Cleanse, gently remove shine, push back cuticles, and use a nail dehydrator as needed.
Nail the ratio: Keep liquid-to-powder balanced for smooth application without bubbles or lifting.
Build a proper apex: Structure matters. Place strength where the nail needs it to prevent breaks.
Refine with intention: Follow a filing sequence for sidewalls, cuticle area, surface, then free edge. Use an e-file safely if trained.
Seal and protect: Buff to smooth, apply top coat, and cap edges to lock in wear.
Educate on care: Oil daily, wear gloves for chemicals, and return for maintenance fills.

Use professional MMA-free monomers and keep ventilation strong for client and tech comfort.

How to Display Acrylic Nails Skills on Your Resume

12. Shellac Application

Shellac-style hybrid polish marries the ease of lacquer with gel-like wear. Thin coats, cured under UV or LED, leave a glossy, chip-resistant finish that holds for around two weeks.

Why It's Important

Fast, shiny, dependable. Clients love the no-smudge cure and extended wear with minimal bulk.

How to Improve Shellac Application Skills

Keep it thin, clean, and properly cured:

Prep meticulously: Remove old product, shape, gently buff, cleanse, and ensure nails are dry and oil-free.
Apply thin layers: Base, two color coats, and top—each in whisper-thin layers for even cure.
Cap the free edge: Seal each coat at the tip to reduce early chipping.
Follow cure times: Match lamp and product system; under- or over-curing compromises wear.
Finish and nourish: Cleanse any inhibition layer, then apply cuticle oil and hand moisturizer.
Remove gently: Soak-off per system instructions; never peel. Protects the natural nail.

Great prep plus precise curing equals that mirror-gloss finish clients chase.

How to Display Shellac Application Skills on Your Resume

Top 12 Beautician Skills to Put on Your Resume