Tools and Tips for Newbies

 Tools and Tips for Newbies

I want to start off by saying that tools are very personal. I don’t think there’s one right answer, and you’ll have to kind of figure out what works for YOU, but I do still have thoughts and ideas on 1. What I prefer; 2. Some brands that are ultimately across the board the best; and 3. Things to look for when choosing a product. Also, I'm sorry this isn’t just some straightforward list. My brain just doesn’t work that way, and personally I like knowing the WHY of things.

Combs - 

The first salon I worked at made everyone have the same brand blowdryer, certain combs, the same round brushes, etc. I hated the blowdryer - it was big and clunky, and it turns out the owner’s wife was a rep for the company. However, the combs are the same combs I still use ten years later (in fact like most of them are the SAME EXACT coms. Because there’s nothing wrong with them. They’ve lasted. 

• As far as combs go, I 100% recommend YS Parks. Yeah, they’re pricey - but again, they’ve lasted 10 years. Your standard cutting comb is their 334 or 336. I recommend as a newer stylist getting one black and one white, or at least one light and one dark. Use the light comb with dark hair, and the dark comb with light hair. It’ll help you keep track of your guide and know if your section is too thick.

• For clipper cuts and short haircuts, the perfect comb is the 238! The way the teeth are spaced makes them go through short hair easily, and the way they’re angled help you with blending. 

• I also like their tail combs, but what kind of tail you want varies. Usually a metal one for fine, tight, highlighting at least. 

• Th 402 or 452 are great for curly hair, but to be honest the comb I use for curly hair I got at Beauty Max for pretty cheap, but because it's so thick it’s sturdy and does the job.

• The biggest thing I can tell you is that a sturdy comb is so important. When I compared my school combs to my YS Parks I was floored at the difference in how sturdy and durable my new combs were compared to the old ones. I hadn’t even noticed until I had the comparison.

Brushes - 

So, again, brushes are so personal, and what you specialize in, is going to depend on what brushes you want. 

• When I started we had to have round brushes from itty bitty, to gigantic. The smaller ones are super helpful for either little old ladies and doing soft sets, OR they can also help with getting tighter curls and kinky textures super smooth because they allow for more tension. 

• I personally don’t have any BIG round brushes at this point. The bigger the barrel on a round brush, the less curl or wave you're going to get, and personally if I want a smooth and straight blow dry I’d rather use a boar bristle brush (with synthetic bristles added). Don’t get knock-off synthetic boar bristles. What I mean is the natural boar bristle with the plastic bristles added. Synthetic boar bristles melt and aren't as gentle on the hair.

• I’ve had the same YS Parks denman brush for the last ten years. Mostly I used that for wrap drying and short haircuts, but as we’re now learning it’s great for defining curls. They’re also awesome for bobs and beveling the ends of the hair. You should be able to use your denman the way you can use a round brush. I do not understand using one as a detangling brush, but I digress. If it works for you, do your thing.

• The best detangling brush I’ve ever used is by Brush with the Best. Wet Brush is okay. I loved my Tangle Teaser but after someone pointed out that they’re hollow and can hold onto water/get mold in them I had to get rid of mine. The knock-off Brush with the Best that you can get at somewhere like Beauty Max actually work pretty well, but not quite as good.

• Great brush brands in my experience are Olivia Garden, RD, Mason Pearson (if you got the money, they really are the best), FHI, YS Park

Shears - 

Shears are fucking expensive, but don’t get scammed. Personally, I found Hanzo to be a huge scam (as have others). Their sharpening program is AWFUL, and they over charge the fuck out of you.

• My favorite shears I have are by Rhode Pro. Dusty Rhode is a hairstylist, educator, and salon owner. He allowed students to use his shears during a class I took and I had to have them after that. Personally like them more than my Hanzos, and they were ¼ the price. Each pair is from $3-500 and there are payment plan options. I have the Crisp (for my standard shear) and the Arid (dry cutting shear for detailing shorter cuts, but I have also learned to use them for dry curly cutting!)

• I also love my curved shears for curly hair from The Texpert Collective. They were only $100 and honestly have come in handy for even more than curls. I love them for stacking bobs, sometimes on short cuts when wanting things to round to the head,and sometimes I’ll use them in curtain bangs. They’re already curved so it takes out some of the work. I also sometimes use them when doing long layers, as a technique I learned to curve while cutting them that allows them to sit like fish scales, creates less work for me.

• I’ve also heard great things about Karg and ARC but haven’t used either.

• As far as razors go, I just use a pretty standard Feather Razor. You don’t need to get some fancy, swively thing.

• Oh and as for swivels, personally I’ve tried them and didn’t find it helped with much or was life changing in any capacity. Some people love it, some don’t. *shrug*

Clippers - 

Not too much to go through here I don’t think. My Wahl Magiclip is my favorite so far. They aren't terribly expensive, they work great, and they stay charged forever. Babyliss also makes great clippers. The Wahl 5 Star Trimmers are also great.

Blowdryer - 

My personal favorite is my Babyliss Pro Rapido. I’ve also had pretty good experiences with GHD. Obviously people like Dyson, and some people like the FHI handleless blowdryers.

Miscellaneous - 

• Super Feet insoles have been a lifesaver for being on my feet all day

• Facial brushes are great for getting hair off of people after clipper cuts, and are easily sanitizable

• Baoding Balls are awesome for keeping your hands limber, strong, and keeping carpal tunnel at bay

• A saddle stool. Your back and feet will thank you.