Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a hair styling business requires more than technical skill with scissors and color. You need to understand client psychology, business operations, marketing, and financial management. These books provide foundational knowledge that will help you avoid common mistakes and build a sustainable practice.
The Business of Beauty by Milady
This industry standard covers salon business fundamentals including client retention, pricing strategies, and salon management systems. It’s specifically written for hair professionals, so the examples and scenarios apply directly to your work. You’ll learn how to calculate service pricing based on your costs and time investment.
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Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Your ability to negotiate with suppliers, discuss pricing with clients, and handle difficult conversations directly impacts your bottom line. Voss teaches negotiation tactics used by FBI hostage negotiators—applicable to salon consultations, contractor agreements, and vendor relationships. These skills pay for themselves after just a few client interactions.
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Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
Hair stylists often struggle with accounting and cash flow management because they focus on creativity rather than numbers. This book teaches a simple system where you pay yourself and set aside taxes before spending on anything else. The straightforward approach helps solo stylists and small salon teams maintain financial health without accounting degrees.
Traction by Gino Wickman
If you plan to grow beyond solo work or manage a team, this book teaches systematic business management. You’ll learn how to create processes that reduce your daily workload and make your business scalable. Even stylists working alone benefit from the planning frameworks.
Equipment You Need
Your startup equipment needs depend on your business model. A freelance stylist working from client homes needs different tools than someone renting chair space in an established salon. Below is the complete equipment list organized by category, with recommendations on what to prioritize.
Styling and Cutting Tools
- Professional scissors: High-quality shears designed for hair cutting—avoid drugstore scissors that damage hair and tire your hand
- Thinning shears: For texturizing and removing bulk without blunt lines
- Razors and replacement blades: For razor cutting techniques and precision work
- Combs: Wide-tooth, medium-tooth, and fine-tooth combs for different hair types and tasks
- Brushes: Round brushes (various sizes), paddle brushes, and vented brushes for styling
- Clips: Sectioning clips, duck-bill clips, and alligator clips for holding hair during service
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Blow Dryers and Styling Appliances
- Professional blow dryer: Ionic or ceramic technology reduces frizz and damage; wattage of 1800+ is standard
- Flat iron: For straightening or creating waves; 1-1.5 inch width is most versatile
- Curling iron: 1-1.25 inch barrel size handles most hair lengths and curl styles
- Blow dryer diffuser: Attachment for enhancing natural curls
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Color and Chemical Products
- Color bowls: Non-metal mixing bowls to prevent oxidation
- Applicator bottles and brushes: For precise color application
- Gloves: Disposable or reusable for color application and protection
- Mixing spoons: Non-metal utensils specifically for hair products
- Developer and color: Your initial product inventory depends on your service menu
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Washing and Conditioning
- Shampoo and conditioner: Professional-grade products appropriate for your typical clientele
- Clarifying shampoo: For removing buildup before color or treatments
- Deep conditioning treatments: For damage repair and maintenance
- Leave-in conditioner: For styling and client take-home recommendations
Styling Products
- Hair spray: Light, medium, and strong hold options
- Mousse: For volume and curl definition
- Gel: For hold and styling precision
- Pomade or wax: For shine and texture
- Heat protectant spray: Essential for protecting client hair during blow drying
- Sea salt spray: For beachy texture and volume
Salon Furniture and Workspace Setup
- Styling chair: Adjustable, comfortable, and durable for all-day use
- Styling station mirror: Professional-quality mirror with good lighting
- Salon trolley or cart: For organizing and accessing tools during services
- Towels: Washable salon towels in bulk (start with at least 12-15)
- Cape or smock: Protective wear for clients
- Shampoo bowl: If you’re renting a station with a basin, this may be provided
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Safety and Sanitation
- Disinfectant spray: For cleaning tools between clients
- Sterilizing solution: For soaking combs, clips, and other tools
- First aid kit: For minor cuts or accidents
- Hand sanitizer: Professional-grade for frequent use
- Apron or protective clothing: To keep your personal clothes clean
Business and Administrative Tools
- Appointment booking system: Digital software or app for scheduling
- Client intake forms: To record preferences, allergies, and hair history
- Payment processing: Square reader or similar mobile payment option
- Timer or phone: For tracking service time and managing multiple clients
What to Buy First vs Later
You don’t need everything at once. Prioritize tools that directly affect service quality and client safety, then build your inventory strategically.
- Buy first: Professional scissors, combs, clips, blow dryer, flat iron, professional shampoo and conditioner, towels, color application tools if offering color services, and disinfectant supplies
- Buy within first month: Additional styling products based on client feedback, curling iron, heat protectant spray, deep conditioning treatments, and extra towels
- Buy as you grow: Advanced styling tools (straightening brush, hot air brush), specialty products for specific treatments, upgraded salon furniture, and additional styling appliances for specific techniques
- Avoid initially: Expensive equipment you haven’t used extensively, multiple competing brands of the same product, and professional salon equipment if you’re renting chair space in an established salon
New vs Used Equipment
Budget matters when starting, but some equipment categories justify spending more for new items. Your cutting tools—scissors, razors, and clippers—should always be new and high-quality. Dull or poorly-maintained scissors damage hair and create a poor client experience. A used pair may seem like a bargain but often costs more in client dissatisfaction and hand strain.
Appliances like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling irons can often be purchased used from established stylists upgrading their equipment, provided they work reliably and heat evenly. Check them thoroughly before purchasing. Salon furniture like chairs and mirrors can be sourced used through salon liquidation sales or online marketplaces, though you’ll want to verify structural integrity and appearance. Styling products should always be new—never buy opened or partially used bottles. Towels and capes can be new or quality used items, as long as they’re thoroughly sanitized.
Where to Buy
- Sally Beauty Supply: Wide selection of professional hair products, color, styling tools, and salon supplies with physical store locations for browsing
- Beauty distributor networks: Registered professional distributors offering professional-grade products at wholesale pricing with business account options
- Salon equipment suppliers: Specialized retailers selling professional chairs, mirrors, trolleys, and workspace furniture designed for salon use
- Professional beauty schools: Some offer discounted supplies to independent stylists or information on wholesale purchasing
- Local salon supply stores: Independent retailers in your area often provide personalized service and can order specialty items
- Secondhand marketplace apps: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local buy/sell groups for used furniture and lightly-used appliances from retiring or relocating stylists