Being a hairstylist means being prepared for anything — from a quick trim to a full glam transformation. My bag is my mobile salon, and every item inside has earned its spot. After years of trial and error, I’ve built a kit that’s lightweight, powerful, and versatile enough for every situation.

If you’re building your own stylist kit or just curious about what professionals rely on, here are the 15 must-have hairstylist tools I carry in my bag (plus a few bonus essentials you’ll thank me for later).

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1. Tomb 45 x BaBylissPro Clippers

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2. Tomb 45 x BaBylissPro Trimmers

For clean detailing, sharp outlines, and beard sculpting, I trust these trimmers to hit every time. They’re lightweight, sharp, and easy to maneuver — exactly what you want when working around ears, sideburns, or facial hair. The reversed head took me a couple of shifts to get used to but with a battery percentage screen, wireless charging, and adjustable motor speed, that was easy to overlook. They’re also noticeably quieter than many trimmers on the market, which clients love.
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/4m0YPgO

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3. Sharkfin Professional Plus 6.25″ Swivel Shears

Cutting hair all day can take a toll on your hands and wrists. Sharkfin’s swivel shears are ergonomically designed to reduce strain and improve comfort during long cutting sessions. The swivel handle allows natural wrist movement, helping prevent long-term injury. Beyond comfort, they’re razor sharp, perfectly balanced, and glide through hair effortlessly. They also have a lifetime warranty that covers basically anything that goes wrong. The only thing that voids the warranty is getting them sharpened by someone who is not certified by the company.
👉 Get it here: https://www.sharkfinshears.com/product/professional-plus-shear/

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4. Olivia Garden 7″ Barber Shears

I got these as a last resort one day I left my shark fins at my other salon. The first few haircuts I did with them definitely imposed a learning curve, but now I find myself reaching for them almost as often as I do my shorter shears. The longer blades mean cleaner cuts with fewer passes, which speeds up my work and improves accuracy. They’re also perfect for scissor over comb and debulking. Despite their size, they’re lightweight and easy to control, once you’re used to the extra length. They cut through dense, coarse hair with no problem.
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/47YmECr

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5. Sam Villa Signature Combs

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6. Bulk Carbon Cutting Combs

I always keep extras of these on hand. They’re heat resistant, anti-static, and incredibly affordable, which makes them perfect to use in a high traffic salon. And if I misplace one (which happens more often than I’d like), I don’t panic. They’re lightweight, reliable, and essential for both students and seasoned stylists.
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/4n8xqum

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7. BaByliss Clipper Combs

So many clipper combs on the market have wide teeth. These are spaced closer together so the hair actually stays in the comb instead of falling through. I keep a few of these in black and white. Visibility matters when you’re fading hair, and that’s why I keep both black and white clipper guards in my bag. White combs pop against dark hair, while black combs are easier to see on lighter hair. This small detail makes a huge difference when it comes to creating precise, even fades.
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/3I7VDlw

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8. BaByliss Dual Ionic Dryer

A blow dryer can make or break your styling routine. The BaByliss Dual Ionic Dryer is incredibly lightweight yet powerful, making it comfortable to use all day without fatigue. (Your shoulders will thank you in 10 years.) The ionic technology reduces frizz and speeds up drying time, giving clients a smoother, shinier finish. I love having the option to turn the ions off though for a more voluminous style.
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/42hR92z

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9. BaByliss XL Curling Irons (1” & 1.5”)

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10. Fromm Gator Clips

Sectioning thick or slippery hair can be a challenge, but Fromm’s matte gator clips make it easy. The matte texture grips hair better than glossy clips, so they stay put without sliding. I use these to twist an entire head of hair up and out of the way, and they stay put.
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/4mMYK1h

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11. Fromm Section Clips

Sometimes, you need a little more precision that a gator clip provides. What sets these clips apart is the rubber strip that grips hair firmly without leaving dents. They’re perfect for blowouts, smoothing styles, or any look where you need the hair to stay sectioned but still look flawless afterward.
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/3JGldyJ

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12. Fromm Color Brushes

The softer bristles on these brushes make all the difference when applying color. They spread product evenly, blend balayage lightener easily, and hold more color for a faster application. The pointed tail doubles as a parting tool, so I can apply color and section quickly without switching tools.
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/4gdapEi

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13. Olivia Garden Ceramic Ion Speed XL Round Brushes

If you want faster blow-dries and smoother results, these round brushes are a must. The XL size covers more hair at once, cutting down on drying time. The ceramic barrel distributes heat evenly, smoothing the cuticle and reducing frizz.
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/47umWAS

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14. Unbrush

Every stylist needs a detangling brush that can handle knots without causing pain. The Unbrush is my go-to for kids, tender-headed clients, or anyone with fragile hair. It glides through tangles with minimal pulling and breakage. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll never go back. Bonus: It’s gentle enough to use as a blending brush to blend color for a seamless root melt!
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/4nl2eYZ

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15. BaByliss Prima Straightener

This isn’t just a flat iron — it’s a versatile styling tool. The outer housing heats up as well, which means I can use it to create soft, beachy waves without switching tools. It smooths, curls, and adds shine while maintaining consistent heat to protect the hair.
👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/3V17pB6

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Bonus: My Just-In-Case Kit

Stylists know that things don’t always go according to plan, so I keep a few backup essentials on hand:

• Bobby pins & elastics
• Extra wide-tooth combs
• Backup beauty school shears
• Lens wipes & spare contacts
• Ibuprofen for long days
• Screwdrivers for clipper maintenance
• An old color brush for cleaning clippers
• Travel-size cologne 👉 Get it here: https://amzn.to/467eWn0
• Bandaids
• And my little Labubu mascot for good luck ✨

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Final Thoughts

These tools aren’t just “what’s in my bag” — they’re the foundation of how I deliver consistent, high-quality results for every client. Whether you’re a cosmetology student building your first kit, a mobile stylist, or a seasoned pro looking to upgrade, investing in reliable tools makes your work faster, smoother, and more enjoyable. Let me know in the comments what your favorite tools are!