How to Get Hired at Top Salons: Inside Lola Hair Studio

Some salons don’t just attract talent — they build it. Lola Hair Studio is one of those places.

To understand how the best salons think about hiring, we sat down with Carolina, who runs talent acquisition and marketing at Lola.

Originally from Brazil, 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 Costa. 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. These values are way more than a marketing line. They're the first things that Carolina looks for in every person she interviews.

🌱 Growth Mindset

They’re looking for 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 lead with heart.

These words shape who gets hired, how feedback is given, and how the team functions every single day.

What Lola Looks for in Applicants

Carolina also shared some tactical advice about what top salons like Lola want to see — 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, humility, and a clear desire to grow, you’re already ahead.

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! Above all else, salons value stylists who take feedback well, show a willingness to learn, 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. It’s not about superficiality, it’s about showing an interest in the art you've chosen.

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.

How to Stand Out in the Hiring Process

These tactics apply whether you’re applying at Lola or any other top-tier salon:

• 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.
• Introduce yourself. If you’re local, a respectful drop-in can make a lasting impression.
• Be intentional. From application to interview, everything you do should reflect care, effort, and alignment. One careful application is better than ten careless ones!

Interviewing at Lola: What to Expect

While not every salon follows the same pattern as Lola, it's a good idea to prepare for something along the lines of this:

• Technical + Attitude: You’ll likely do a technical evaluation, but they’re watching more than your skills. How you take feedback matters.
• Story + Substance: Be ready to talk about how your values show up in your work. Have real examples.
• Details Matter: Presentation, punctuality, preparedness. Lola notices what you notice.

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 hiring to retention.

Check out their open positions and apply today!