In the beauty industry, your portfolio speaks louder than your resume. Salon owners want to see what you can do, not just read about it. A strong portfolio showcases your technical skills, range, and personal style. Whether you're a new graduate or experienced pro, these tips will help you build a portfolio that opens doors.
Photography Fundamentals
Great work photographed poorly won't get noticed. You don't need professional equipment, but you do need good technique.
- Use natural light whenever possible—near a window is ideal
- Avoid harsh overhead lighting that creates shadows
- Keep the background clean and uncluttered
- Shoot from multiple angles: front, side, back
- Get close enough to show detail in color and texture
- Use portrait mode on your phone for depth of field
- Always photograph before the client styles it themselves
Pro tip: Dedicate a spot in your salon specifically for portfolio photos. Consistent backgrounds make your portfolio look cohesive and professional.
What to Include
Quality over quantity. A focused portfolio of 15-20 excellent pieces beats 100 mediocre ones.
- Your best work—only pieces you're proud of
- Variety of services: cuts, color, styling, treatments
- Different hair types and textures
- Range of client demographics
- Before and after transformations
- Specialty work (balayage, extensions, corrective color)
- Recent work that shows current skills
Before & After Shots
Transformations tell a powerful story. They show your ability to assess, consult, and execute.
- Same lighting and angle for both shots
- Client in similar position and expression
- Include dramatic changes and subtle enhancements
- Color corrections are especially impactful
- Show the journey, not just the destination
- Get client permission before posting
Organizing Your Portfolio
How you organize matters. Make it easy for viewers to find what they're looking for.
- Lead with your strongest work
- Group by service type or technique
- Include variety early—show range upfront
- Keep it current—remove outdated styles
- Label specialty work clearly
- Consider separate sections for different skills
Digital Portfolio Platforms
Your portfolio should live online where employers can easily access it.
- Instagram is industry-standard—maintain a professional account
- Create a ChairTribe profile with your best work
- Consider a simple website or Behance portfolio
- Use consistent handles across platforms
- Keep your Google Business profile updated
- Link all platforms together
Pro tip: Treat your Instagram like a portfolio, not a personal account. Curate what you post and maintain a cohesive aesthetic.
The Physical Portfolio
For in-person interviews, a physical portfolio still makes an impact.
- High-quality prints, not phone screenshots
- Clean, professional presentation folder
- 8-12 of your absolute best pieces
- Organized by specialty or service type
- Include any certifications or awards
- Be ready to discuss each piece in detail
Portfolio Mistakes to Avoid
These common errors can undermine even good work.
- Poor lighting that obscures your work
- Cluttered or distracting backgrounds
- Including work you're not confident about
- Outdated styles that make you look behind the times
- Too many similar pieces—show range
- Posting client photos without permission
- Inconsistent quality across pieces
Frequently Asked Questions
Quality matters more than quantity. Aim for 15-25 excellent pieces for your digital portfolio, and 8-12 for a physical interview portfolio. Better to show 15 amazing pieces than 50 mediocre ones.
Never. Only include work you personally did. Claiming others' work is a serious ethical violation that can end your career if discovered. It's better to have a smaller portfolio of your own work.
Yes, if it's quality work. Clearly label it as school projects. Supplement with mannequin work or work done on friends and family. Employers understand you're building experience.