Being a freelance hairstylist comes with many perks – you’ll be your own boss and able to set your hours. You don’t have to worry about paying rent on a salon and you can travel anywhere to see your clients. There is one drawback from being a freelance hair stylist and that’s the fact that you need to purchase your own kit. This blog details the essential tools to invest in as a freelance hairstylist.

 

As a freelance hair stylist, you can’t rely on using shared products that are offered in a salon to all the hairstylists. Instead, you need to invest in the essentials tool to allow you to offer a full range of services to your clients. As you grow as a freelance hair stylist, you want to take the time to invest back into your kit.

 

We’re sharing the essential tools that you’ll need to invest in as a freelance hair stylist. They’re an integral part of your kit and what you’ll reach for every day. Your clients will expect you to have these tools on hand and investing in high-quality tools will help you deliver a premium service for your clients.

 

1. High-quality shampoo, conditioners, and styling products

The most basic products that you’ll need for your clients are shampoos and conditioners. As a professional hairstylist, you’ll be able to take advantage of industry discounts and get high-quality products at a more reasonable price point. Your clients will expect to see salon-worthy products in your kit, whether you want to use a recognizable brand like Olaplex or another industry leader.

 

It’s also worth having a variety of shampoos and conditioners in your kit, including options for color treated hair. You may find that your clients prefer you to use their own products, but you always want to come prepared with options.

2. Specialist scissors

One of the must-have tools in your kits are scissors. You cannot see a client without having the right scissors. If you invest in high-quality scissors, they’ll last you for years and ensure that you get value for money. It’s a good idea to have a variety of scissors in your kit, including thinning scissors to use for layering.

 

As you start to offer a more specialized service and treatments, you can expand your collection of scissors by investing in different models and styles.

3. An array of combs and brushes

Another hairstyling essential is combs and brushes. You need to be able to section and comb the hair prior to cutting, as well as having the right tools to backcomb and part the hair. At a minimum, you’ll want to have a paddle brush, different sizes of barrel brushes, and a vent brush to finish your hair.

 

You always want to have a few backups in your kit, especially if you find yourself working on more than one client at once, such as a bridal party.

 

4. High-quality hairdryer

If you want to invest in anything in your kit, it should be a high-quality hairdryer. It needs to be of a salon standard and be durable for virtually all-day use. A hairdryer is one tool that you’ll be using on essentially every client that you see. A salon-quality hairdryer is one that has enough power to quickly dry hair, while being reliable and delivering consistent results. If you plan on traveling as a freelance hair stylist, it’s worth picking up a salon-quality hairdryer that comes with a travel kit to protect it while using it on the go,

 

5. Curling tongs

Curls are one hairstyle that will never go out of style. It’s something that at least one client will ask you for every day, especially if you’re working with bridal clients or doing editorial work. One of the most essential tools to invest in as a hairstylist is curling tongs. It’s a good idea to have different size curling tongs available.

 

Wider barrel tongs help to create a looser and more voluminous curl, while being ideal for longer hair. A smaller barrel will create tighter curls for a longer-lasting hairstyle, as well as being better suited for shorter and thinner hair.

 

6. Straighteners

Along with curling tongs and hairdryers, straighteners are another essential that you want to invest in. You’ll find yourself using straighteners on almost every client, so you want a salon-quality option that will withstand daily use. You can also use straighteners to achieve loose waves and curls, making it an essential tool that you’ll each for multiple times a day.

 

7. Premium towels

An essential tool in any hairstylist’s kit that is easy to overlook is towels. You shouldn’t expect to go into a client’s home or hotel room and use the towels that they have. While some clients will prefer to use their own, you should have towels with you to use and not work on this assumption.

 

You want to avoid buying cheap and rough towels and instead invest in premium-quality towels that are soft, while offering maximum absorption to help dry the hair before using hot tools.

 

8. Gowns

Another essential that’s often overlooked is gowns. You’ll need to be able to provide one gown per customer, so it’s worth investing in a few spares to have on hand for bridal parties and other group bookings. You’ll also want to have spares to be able to have one in use while others are being washed.

 

9. Tints and dyes for hair coloring

Almost every hairstylist will offer color services. If this is something you want to offer, you’ll need to considerably expand your kit to include everything that you’ll need. You’ll want to have a variety of tint and dye options for your clients to choose from, although your client may give you a specific dye color to use that they’ve pre-purchased. Don’t forget the tints or dyes for gray hair too.

 

Don’t forget the basic essentials like gloves and aprons to protect your skins and clothes, along with bowls and brushes to mix and apply the color. If you’re planning to offer highlights, you’ll also need to have foils in your kit.

10. Hairstylist’s Tool to Connect with Clients

This list of essential tools to invest in is only part of what you’ll need as a freelance hairstylist. You want to ensure that you have everything you’ll need to offer your services to clients, whether they’re in their home or a luxury hotel room. As you grow and expand your business, reinvest back into your kit by expanding your products and leveling up to better quality items.

If you are searching on how to find haircut or hairstyling jobs, there are online platforms like Indulge Now. It is a virtual marketplace for beauty, grooming, and wellness services. Indulge Now invites all service providers to sign up and update profiles on the platform for free. Hairstylist can render services at their location or at the client’s location. Hair stylist can list their services with no subscription costs. The innovative platform facilitates interactions between the service providers, including traveling nail specialists and their customers for in-home services. Learn more on how to become a hairstylist.

Indulgence seeking clients can search nail specialist or nail technician. Customers can post a job from Indulge Now platform.