Product Development Stylist

Living Proof is seeking an experienced, highly skilled hair Stylist to join the R&D Product Development team. The Product Development Stylist will manage the salon schedule; recruit and book appropriate panelists based on hair type, hair needs, and consumer behaviors; and prepare and style models for product-development testing and evaluations. In close partnership with R&D, this person will help design and execute salon tests, maintain high-quality testing records, and provide constructive feedback on product attributes and opportunities for improvement. This is a full-time (30-35 hours/week) position based in Boston, MA, and reports to the Director of Product Development.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the test salon schedule, coordinating appointments, test timing, and salon availability across development projects.
• Recruit, screen, schedule, and communicate with panelists whose hair type, hair condition, styling habits, and consumer behaviors are appropriate for specific test objectives.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with panelists before and after appointments, including gathering next-day feedback and addressing scheduling or participation needs.
• Collaborate with R&D team members to design practical, salon-relevant product tests and execute them consistently according to established protocols.
• Prepare panelists for test appointments, including consultation, hair assessment, shampooing, conditioning, drying, styling, and other appropriate salon services.
• Execute product performance testing on models with close attention to standardized application, styling technique, evaluation criteria, and test controls.
• Apply professional judgment to adapt techniques within test parameters, identify relevant product-performance observations, and document meaningful findings.
• Provide thoughtful, constructive feedback to R&D on product attributes, performance opportunities, and test failures, drawing on both technical salon expertise and panelist feedback.
• Maintain accurate test-evaluation grading data, before-and-after photos, and supporting test documentation in accordance with established procedures.
• Create polished, camera-ready styles for internal product demonstrations, evaluations, and content needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional test-salon environment in compliance with sanitation standards and company policies.
• Manage salon products, tools, and supply inventory; identify replenishment needs and keep materials organized and ready for testing.
• Handle confidential product-development prototypes, information, test results, photographs, and panelist information with discretion.

Professional Qualifications

• Active Massachusetts cosmetology license.
• Minimum of five years of professional hair styling experience.
• Experience in salon management is preferred.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in blow-drying, styling, setting, and finishing looks for a range of hair types, lengths, densities, and textures.
• Strong knowledge of color-treated and chemically processed hair.
• Comfort and confidence working with all hair types and textures.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to follow testing protocols precisely.
• Sound professional judgment and the ability to identify, document, and communicate relevant product performance observations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a warm, professional approach to working with panelists and cross-functional colleagues.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and take ownership of salon scheduling and operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with the ability to use them for scheduling, test documentation, data tracking, and communication.
• Experience working with a haircare brand, in product testing, education, editorial styling, or content creation is preferred.

Compensation: $30-$35/hour

Living Proof is committed to an inclusive workplace with equal opportunities for all. Our business strategy recognizes that an inclusive culture is a business strength that helps us win, as we develop and market products that resonate with all consumers and the diverse communities we serve. At the same time, we will also remain compliant with all legal requirements. #LI-FC1