So, when should you start your professional hair or beauty stylist portfolio? Right at the start of your career - whilst you are still training.

In the competitive world of hair and beauty, competing for a coveted job in the industry requires more than a CV - to stand out from the crowd you should create a carefully planned portfolio to win over salon owners as well as get the attention of new clients.

Why should every hair and beauty stylist have a portfolio?

• To get a job
• Secure freelance projects
• Help build a clientele
• Record your skills development
• Help sell your achievements
• To add value to your personal branding
• To help grow your reputation
• To assist with your online presence
• To give you credibility

Should you present your Portfolio in digital or hard copy?

Why not both? A digital version of your portfolio will give the impression you are current and relevant, whilst there is still something inspiring about a physical portfolio that you can see and touch.

Tips for creating your professional Portfolio

What size should my Portfolio Book be?

Either a 9-by-12-inch or an 11-by-14-inch book to display the photos.

What material should my Portfolio Book be?

Choose a material that is easily cleaned from any mishaps in a salon - choose leather or a wax skin.

What colour should my Portfolio Book be?

One that represents your personality - as long as the backgrounds of the inside photos flow nicely.

Your Online Presence

You will be expected to have a web address to accompany your portfolio. To check whether your chosen domain name is available visit www.123-reg.com.

There are affordable portfolio-building sites that allow easy uploading capabilities for images and content. A free template can be created with www.myscrapbook.com. There are also free websites available such as Wix.com.

When going for an interview, bring your tablet or ask the salon owner beforehand if there is a computer you can access to showcase your site.

What style should my Portfolio Book be?

It's up to you - classic, intricate - colourful, black and white - the key is to ensure it's professional. It should compliment your purpose - so if it's to advance your hair stylist career it should showcase examples of haircutting, hairstyling, colour - anything else relevant to that position.

Keep imagery current - having a digital version means you can swop and change content at a moment's notice for your requirements.

What type of examples could I include?

• Transformations: 'A before and after' head shot - the clients before picture should still be natural, don't overdo the looks it shouldn't be too drastic or unnatural.
• A range of styles and techniques: stylists should include at least 7 different cuts as salon owners will want to see you can handle all types of hair, from curly, thick, thinning, long and short. Show off your scissor and colour technique.
• As well as on trend imagery it's important to add timeless cuts too such as The Bob.
• Special occasions / specialist techniques: This could include bridal, media, events, hair extensions and straightening treatments.
• Showcase your talent and versatility, ability to work with groups such as bridal parties and overall creative genius!
• Group Portfolio pictures into categories: for example cutting, colouring, hair extensions.
• Be selective: less is definately more so choose the very best examples, with the highest quality imagery.
• Showcase your achievements: awards, accolades you have won (with dates and titles for reference).

Photography tips for your Portfolio

• Where possible, get a professional to take your pictures and offer to credit their work in your Portfolio. You could also discuss a dual marketing campaign to help raise your brands awareness of each other's business.
• Source volunteer 'models' who will be happy to get free makeovers - and make sure you get them to sign a release saying you own the photos Always go for neutral backgrounds - avoid anything fussy or flash as this will be a distraction For great visual impact take some close ups Select photos that compliment each other when sitting side by side Crop images so they are the same format / size so there is a uniformed look throughout your Portfolio.

And remember, a good portfolio is always a work in progress - re-visit it monthly to keep it on trend!