How to Get Hired at Top Salons: Inside Lola Hair Studio
Lola Hair Studio doesn't just attract talent. They build it.
To understand how the best salons think about hiring, we sat down with Carolina, who runs talent acquisition and marketing at Lola.
Originally from Colombia, Carolina moved to the U.S. in 2017 to pursue her master’s in business & marketing. Carolina joined Lola Hair Studio at the front desk in 2020, and stepped up by keeping the business running through COVID: shipping color kits, coordinating outdoor cuts, and supporting the team alongside the owner, Anna Walsh. That same year, Lola sponsored Carolina's visa.
Today, Carolina is the force behind the salon’s recruitment and marketing. She knows exactly what it takes to join and thrive in a high-performance salon.
Whether you’re applying to Lola or any other ambitious, values-driven salon, this advice will help you stand out.
What Sets Lola Apart
Lola opened in 2016, and since then, has built a reputation as more than just great hair. Stylists join for the environment, and stay because they’re growing creatively, personally, and professionally.
The foundation of Lola's culture is their value system. Unlike a lot of places, for Lola, these values are way more than a marketing line. These are the first qualities that Carolina looks for in every person she interviews:
🌱 Growth Mindset
Lola wants to hire people who stay curious. Stylists who ask questions, who welcome feedback, and who understand there’s always room to evolve (both behind the chair and beyond it).
☀️ Positive Energy
Lola values people who bring good energy into the salon. The vibe is collaborative and upbeat, and team members are expected to contribute to that environment.
⚖️ Life Harmony
Work-life balance is taken seriously. The team is encouraged to prioritize their health, families, and lives outside the salon. Burnout helps no one!
💗 Generosity
From mentoring teammates to giving back to the community, generosity shows up in everything the team at Lola does. They value being kind, collaborative, and community-minded.
✨ Brave Leadership
Leadership at Lola isn’t about titles, it’s about showing up. Team members are trusted to take initiative, own their work, and do the right thing (especially when it's hard).
These values shape who gets hired, how feedback is given, and how the team functions every single day.
How to Stand Out in the Application Process
These tactics apply whether you’re sending in an application for Lola or any other top-tier salon:
- Introduce yourself. If you’re local, a respectful drop-in can make a lasting impression.
- Do your homework. Know the salon. Follow their socials. Understand their values. Show you’ve done the work.
- Make it personal. A thoughtful application (even a short one) goes way further than a generic résumé blast.
- Be intentional. From application to interview, everything you do should reflect effort and alignment. One careful application is better than ten careless ones!
How to Show Up for the Interview
Carolina also shared some tactical advice about what top salons like Lola want to see in the first interview (and what applicants often overlook):
1. Value Alignment
The best candidates reflect the culture before they ever get hired. Do your research, and find out what matters most to the salon you apply to. If you show up with curiosity, low ego, and a clear desire to grow, you’re already ahead of the competition.
2. Coachability
No one is perfect, and you're not expected to be the best stylist in the world when you show up to an interview. But, you do need to be open to feedback! Above all else, salons value pros who can take advice well, and who make an effort to mesh with the rest of the team.
3. Professional Presentation
When you show up to an interview: Do your hair! Do your makeup! Beauty is your business. How you show up speaks volumes. This is not about superficiality, it’s about showing an interest in the art you've chosen as your career.
4. Team Orientation
Most salons run on collaboration, trust, and shared wins. Even solo stars can be good teammates!
5. Portfolio Over Résumé
Show your work. A clean Instagram or visual portfolio tells them more than bullet points ever could.
What to Expect in an Interview
While not every salon follows the same pattern as Lola, it's a good idea to prepare for something along the lines of this:
- Application: We'll say it louder for the people in the back... Details Matter! Take time with your application. Add a personal touch. This alone will take you far.
- Screening: It's normal to have a conversation, either via phone, zoom, or in person, before going through a full technical. Be ready to talk about who you are, what you care about, and how your values show up in your work. Have real, concrete examples!
- Technical + Attitude Eval: Most salons will eventually ask you to join them for a technical evaluation, but don't stress. They are always watching for more than your skills. They want to see how you take feedback and adjust to the moment. So take a deep breath, and remember that growth shows a lot more character than perfection!
Why Stylists Stay
Lola has a big team of happy stylists. Here’s what keeps them growing long-term:
- Investment in People: From leadership training to personality tools, development isn’t optional. It’s expected.
- Culture of Connection: Retreats, team events, and shared rituals keep the bond strong.
- Giving Back: A portion of sales goes to Hair to Stay, with ongoing support for causes like Boston Children’s Hospital.
Ready to apply?
Lola Hair Studio is a case study in doing things right. From culture to training to retention, we'd all be lucky to land a spot on the Lola team.
Check out their open positions and apply today! You can also learn more about Lola on their Careers Page.