The Must-Have Tools Every Stylist Needs
The right tools make a huge difference in a stylist’s speed, efficiency and results. I know this first-hand working in the hair industry for over 20 years. Working with the right tools and products makes your job easier and gives your guests the results they are looking to achieve. Whether you are a new stylist starting out or a tenured stylist looking to level up, I’ve put together a basic list of the must-have tools you need for your business.
The Everyday Essentials:
Detangling Comb: Oribe Wide Tooth Comb
This is my favorite detangling comb for many reasons but the aesthetic value of this one goes far beyond anything else. It feels luxurious, it looks luxurious and your guest will notice. Use it for a post-wash routine for your guest after you’ve applied a leave-in or detangler. Speaking of which, this leave-in is my current favorite (also from Oribe).
Cutting and Weaving Comb: Set of Gold Barber Combs
I use these combs on a daily basis and they have stood up for over 2 years since I first purchased them without chipping or discoloring. I love them - they are sturdy and they look beautiful.
Sectioning Clips: Gold Crocodile Clips or Neutral Crocodile Clips
I included both of these because, although I prefer the gold for my personal aesthetic, I do think these neutral ones work well and are beautiful and clean looking as well.
Shears: Olivia Garden Shears and Case
You’ll find that Olivia Garden and Oribe are some of my favorite brands to use. Olivia Garden has incredibly fair prices and knowing the owners personally, I can attest that they are always being incredibly innovative, cutting edge while keeping prices low for hair stylists. These shears do the trick and do it well and this is my favorite shear case that I use on a daily basis. I love that when you purchase this case, you get a set of shears that comes with it - what a bonus!
Detangling Brush: Olivia Garden Divine Brush
Not only is this brush incredibly beautiful and ergonomic, it is from one of my faves…you guessed it, Olivia Garden. I promise this one is incredible!
Boar-Bristle Round Brush Set: OG Ceramic + Ionic Turbo Vent Combo Brushes
Obsessed with the fact that they are selling this iconic brush in a set now. I haven’t found anything better in smoothing out my curly-haired guests with a simple blowout. Pair this and the Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Cream for a beautiful, frizz-free blowout for anyone with textured hair.
Best Hot Tools Ever:
Blow Dryer: T3 Aire 360
My favorite Dyson dupe that not only looks incredible but it’s one I cannot live without. My daughters pop into my bathroom regularly to use it as well. It dries fast and the attachments are easy to use and style hair with ease!
Flat Iron: T3 Single Pass 1” Flat Iron
I love a smaller width flat-iron that can do the job in one pass (just like it says). The smaller width allows me to get closer to the root, where frizz is always prevalent.
Curling Iron: Bio Ionic Long-Barrel Curling Iron
At Kate Lane Salon, we work with long-haired guests a lot thanks to our extension business. We need a long barrel to tackle those lengths and this one is seamless, leaving no visible creases in the hair! I think my entire team is obsessed with this one and you will be too!
Must-Have Color & Cutting Tools
Bowls: Ceramic Bowls
I like things to be visually appealing to my guests and traditional plastic color bowls just don’t do it for me. I invested in sets of these ceramic bowls (we use the black for any color and the white for any lightener service) and I love them so much!
Brushes: Redken Color Brushes
I couldn’t find you a link to these but Redken Color Brushes have been my favorite for years. The shorties are perfect for frequent root touch-ups and the others are designed to work specifically with their products. You can get them at Salon Centric (for California locals).
Foils: Silver Pop-Up Foils
These pop-up foils are simple and make my blonding go by so much quicker. I love not having to tear foils and these do the trick perfectly. If I am being honest, I really don’t like any sort of print on a foil. I am a firm believer that the salon should be a place where art is created, the environment should be clean and simple and that includes what is resting on the guests head for up to 45 minutes. I think there are better places to share your creative vibe but having neon printed foils is not the place. Not only that but I’ve seen these creative foils bleed onto the guests head during a color or blonding service. We certainly don’t want that!
Sectioning Clips: Neutral Sectioning Clips
I am revisiting the sectioning clips because the darkest ones in this set are perfect for color services. They won’t stain and are still very aesthetic looking.
Blending Brush: Olivia Garden iBlend Brush
I am biased on this one but I was a part of this product being developed and it is incredibly special to me. It was the first blending brush like this on the market and continues to dominate any others. Try it, you’ll never look back!
Salon Day-to-Day
Station and Drawer Organization: Martha Stewart Drawer Organizers
Beautifully done Martha Stewart! These drawer organizers are luxe and easy-to-clean! Check your local State Board to see if your drawer organizers need to be covered or not.
Towel Warmer: Auto Shut-Off Towel Warmer
I have an incredible stylist that sends me links to innovative things to better our salon. She sent me this towel warmer a while back and we finally brought it in - what an incredible indulgence for our guests - worth the $80!
Bleach Proof Towels: Black Salon Towels
Get these towels. They are bleach-proof and stand up well to hundreds of washings…trust me!
Brush Cleaner: Olivia Garden Brush Cleaner
Use this to get rid of excess hair in your brushes prior to the deep-clean. It’s a game-changer!
Investing in good tools not only sets you apart to guests but it sets you up for success to have the things you need to succeed in your craft. Want the whole list in one easy-to-find link? Check out my Amazon List here. Anything else you’d add? Let me know in the comment box!