23 Must-Have Hair Stylist Essentials: Tools and Equipment (2024)

Are you passionate about becoming a hairstylist or barber? Are you planning to start a hair salon? Do you know the hair stylist essentials tools and equipment you need to start your hair salon?

If not, you have arrived at the right place. In this article, you will learn all about the role of a hairstylist in a hair salon, and the essential hair salon tools and equipment you will need to start your career as a hairstylist or barber in your own salon.

Before we start discussing about the hair stylist essentials tools, let’s learn about the roles of a hairstylist.

The Role of a Hairstylist

Hairstylists play a vital role in styling a client’s hair. Here are some of the roles performed by hairstylists:

  • Cut clients’ hair by using basic to advanced techniques.
  • Perform chemical hair treatments.
  • Color clients’ hair after discussing styles and colors they prefer.
  • Provide hair spas.
  • Style clients’ hair with styling tools.

23 Hair Stylist Essentials Tools Needed to Start a Hair Salon

If you are planning to start a hair salon, read more to learn more about the essential hair salon tools and other requirements you may need for your hair salon.

RECEPTION AREA ESSENTIALS

As clients enter a hair salon, the first place they get to see is the reception area. The reception area should be well planned in a way that your clients have the best impression of your hair salon and the services you offer.

Here are some of the essential things a hair salon reception area must have:

  • Signage of your working hours.
  • A reception desk.
  • Reception seating and furniture.
  • Magazines and a magazine rack.
  • A retail products display area.
  • Business cards.
  • A device with software to book or schedule appointments.
  • A cash register.

STYLING AREA ESSENTIALS

Once the client has chosen a service, the next area they will explore is the styling area. It is best to have all essential items for the styling area in your hair salon. Let’s discuss some essential items you may be required to have in your salon styling area.

A SALON STYLING CHAIR

A salon styling chair can help a hairstylist more conveniently perform styling tasks for their clients. The styling chair comes in different variants and price ranges. You can choose a styling chair according to your need and budget.

ALL-PURPOSE SHEARS

As a hairstylist, you must have a good pair of shears. Having a good pair of all-purpose shears is a must for a hairstylist in a hair salon so they can work more efficiently. It also helps you offer precise haircuts to your clients.

A TRIMMER

A trimmer is another essential requirement for a hairstylist or barber in a hair salon. Trimmers help you achieve a sharp and clean look for your clients. It is another tool that can help you offer precise detailing.

A RAZOR

A razor is another tool used for removing hair quickly and can also help to build incredible texture. It is best to own a razor with interchangeable blades that are suitable for straight razor cutting, creating textures, and blending.

SECTIONING CLIPS

Sectioning clips help to section-off a client’s hair when cutting, styling, or coloring. As a hairstylist or barber, creating sections and working on a client’s hair section-by-section can help you achieve the best results.

CAPES AND DUSTER BRUSH

Capes are helpful when you are giving a client a haircut as it can help them stay clean. You will need a duster brush to dust off the hair after a haircut. Capes and duster brushes are one of the most essential requirements for a hair salon.

A SPRAY BOTTLE

Spray bottles help to wet a client’s hair before and at the time of a haircut. Cutting wet hair can help to achieve a precise haircut.

HAIRSTYLING TOOLS

The hairstyling station is another place clients spend most of their time when they go to a hair salon. Let’s discuss some essential hairstyling tools you may need for your hair salon.

A BLOW-DRYER

Blow-dryers can help retain hair moisture and make your client’s hair look good. It is always a good idea to invest in a blow-dryer that is lightweight and has minimal sound output. It is also a good choice to buy professional blow dryers from well-known brands.

A HAIR STRAIGHTENER

One of the most must-have hairstyling tools is a hair straightener. Hair straighteners are a must-have tool for every hairstylist so they can make their clients’ hair look pretty without the hassle. There are many different styles you can create with your client’s hair by using a hair straightener.

A CURLING IRON

As a professional hairstylist, owning a curling iron helps to create different looks for your clients. Curling irons come in handy when creating different kinds of styles and trying out different techniques on your clients. You can invest in a curler that fits your requirements and budget.

COMBS AND BRUSHES

Running a hair salon without a good set of combs and brushes is close to impossible. Brushes and combs not only contribute to haircuts, but also to styling purposes. It is best to invest in combs made of graphite reins, silicone, or carbon fibre.

SHAMPOO STATION ESSENTIALS

As a part of haircuts and hair spas, hair wash services are also offered. So, the shampoo station is also a part of a hair salon. In a hair salon, a shampoo station is required to have all essential supplies to offer the best service to your clients.

Let’s discuss a few essential requirements for a shampoo station in a hair salon.

  • Towels.
  • A shampoo chair and basin.
  • All required haircare products.

SPA AREA ESSENTIALS

Hair salons also offer hair spa services. Hair spa services require products to offer the best hair spa service to clients. The most essential requirement is the following:

  • Hair care products are required for a hair spa. The required products may vary depending on the types of hair spa services you offer in your hair salon.

Wrapping Up

The above items are very basic, but essential tools and requirements you need to start and run a successful hair salon. Most of these tools are also an essential part of a hairstylist, hairdresser, or barber’s toolkit. The list of hair stylist essentials tools and equipment may vary depending on your requirement and budget.

If you are passionate about becoming a hairstylist or hair salon owner, you will need to take the exam and receive your license. To kick off your preparation for the exam, you can try our free practice test and prepare for the exam more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What materials do you need for a hair salon?

There are a few essential materials required to start and run a hair salon. They are the following:

  • Reception area essentials – Signage of your working hours, business cards, and reception area furniture.
  • Styling area essentials – Capes, shears, a trimmer, sectioning clips, a spray bottle, and a salon chair.
  • Hairstyling tools – A hair straightener, a curling iron, blow-dryers, combs, and brushes.
  • Shampoo and Spa station essentials – A shampoo chair and basin, towels, and hair care products.

What tools does a hairdresser use?

Some of the essential tools that a hairdresser uses are as follows:

  • A hair straightener.
  • A curling iron.
  • A blow-dryer.
  • Shears.
  • Combs and brushes.

What hair products do I actually need as a hairstylist?

Some essential hair products required for a hair salon are as follows:

  • Shampoo.
  • Conditioner.
  • Leave-in conditioner.
  • Hair serum.
  • Hair sprays.
  • Hair care products for hair spas.

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Transforming beauty starts with confidence in your craft and your business’s protection—check out insurance options designed with you in mind.

23 Must-Have Hair Stylist Essentials: Tools and Equipment (2024)

FAQs

What are the tools and equipment used for hair styling? ›

Professional hair tools
  • Hair dryer.
  • Curling iron.
  • Straightening iron.
  • Diffuser.
  • Hard hat dryer.
  • Roller hairsetter.
  • Round hair brush.
  • Detangling comb.

What are the salon equipments? ›

Don't forget your tools after getting all your essential hairdressing salon equipment! You will want high-quality all-purpose shears, blending shears, clippers, trimmers, razors, and a blow dryer to help you perform your services to the best of your ability.

What does a mobile hairdresser need? ›

What you'll need to get started mobile hairdressing
  • Establish a business plan. First, consider writing a business plan for hairdressing. ...
  • Know the market. ...
  • Grow your hairdressing skills. ...
  • Get the right tools. ...
  • Register your business. ...
  • Prepare for taxes. ...
  • Consider insurance. ...
  • Establish a price list.
Nov 12, 2021

What is in a hairdressing kit? ›

Includes training head & clamp, Kobe Classic slicing scissors, hair dryer, brush set, comb set, waving iron, collar, masses of clips and quality Head-Gear bag to keep it all in.

What to look for in hair tools? ›

So if you are shopping for a new tool, look for descriptions using words like “ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium”. These will be high quality, produce steady heat (so you don't get the weird wavy look on flat ironed hair) and should be rather durable.

What does a hair stylist include? ›

Hair Stylists are trained professionals who provide a range of hair services, such as haircuts, coloring, styling, treatments, and hair care advice to help clients attain their ideal look.

What do hair stylists put in your hair? ›

Proper Hair Serums:

A very important element, along with a proper shampoo and a conditioner, is a good serum. You can use hair oil, smoothing serum as well as a blow-dry spray. This combination is used by most hairdressers in order to style your hair.

What is hair styling tools? ›

Hairstyling tools may include hair irons (including flat and curling irons), hair dryers, hairbrushes (both flat and round), hair rollers, diffusers and various types of scissors. Hair dressing might also include the use of product to add texture, shine, curl, volume or hold to a particular style.

What tools in the salon are used daily that needs cleaning? ›

Daily Use Tools

Gather tools that are used daily such as scissors, hair clips, razors, brushes, or anything else that needs cleaning. Put on rubber gloves to set these tools in a large tub of hot water for at least 30 minutes.

What does a hair salon include? ›

A hair salon is a business that provides clients with a variety of hair-related services. Haircutting, regular and formal styling, chemical treatments (color, highlights, perms, and keratin treatments), hair and scalp treatments, and beard and mustache shaping are all included.

What do you need for hairdressing? ›

You'll need:
  • customer service skills.
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
  • the ability to work well with your hands.
  • active listening skills.
  • excellent verbal communication skills.
  • the ability to work on your own.
  • to be flexible and open to change.
  • the ability to learn through your work.

What tool does a hairdresser use? ›

Styling area essentials – Capes, shears, a trimmer, sectioning clips, a spray bottle, and a salon chair. Hairstyling tools – A hair straightener, a curling iron, blow-dryers, combs, and brushes. Shampoo and Spa station essentials – A shampoo chair and basin, towels, and hair care products.

How do I prepare for a hairdresser? ›

Before your appointment here are 8 things you should know or prepare so you get the most out of your visit!
  1. Bring In Photos. ...
  2. Dress with confidence. ...
  3. Hair Care At Home Is Important. ...
  4. Prepare to declare. ...
  5. Corrective Colour Takes Time. ...
  6. It's a Hair Journey. ...
  7. Treat your Hair Well. ...
  8. Plan Accordingly.
Apr 18, 2018

What were the first hair styling tools? ›

Hair styling has a long history. The oldest known comb, discovered in Syria, dates back to 8000 BC. Shockingly, the design of new hair styling tools hasn't changed that much since 8000 BC! While some things have remained the same over the years, lots have changed in the world of hair styling.

What tool is used to do designs in hair? ›

A hair etching pen is a tool used to create hair tattoo designs, undercut designs, nape designs and side-shave designs.

What is the best material for hair styling tools? ›

Professionals love titanium because it heats quickly, can withstand high temperatures, and give you great styling results on all hair types. If you have thick, curly or coily hair and are experienced with self-styling, you might consider investing in a quality titanium flat iron or curling wand.

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