We all have a bunch of things in our kit.
Some of them are used everyday…lots of them get used every now and then.
The tools we have should be there for a reason. They should have purpose and most importantly…they should make your work life easier.
I’m pretty sure I would have 100’s of pieces of equipment in my kit (maybe one day I’ll actually count them all?). Tools for salon work, tools for session work, tools for runway work (including multiple versions with different voltage for work in different countries). In a freelance situation you need to have your own tools on hand and be able to produce the looks you’re asked for.
I’m often asked “what tools can’t you live without”?
But that’s like asking “how long is a piece of string”?
The tools are totally dependant on what work you are doing…
There would be no point me saying my scissors are my most important tool if I’m doing runway work. We almost never cut hair in this environment so my scissors become my least needed tool in this situation. Where as, if I’m on floor doing clients…my scissors become the most important tool in my kit.
So…what sort of work do you do the most?
I personally do more cutting of hair than any other task over the average month so I would then rate the following most important tools:
Scissors
Comb
Product
Dryer
Brush
That’s what I would consider the most important to allow me to be able to produce the work I do…and in that order.
Without scissors I can’t cut hair…simple.
Add a comb and I can be more precise in what I cut.
Add product and I get control over the hair.
Add a dryer and I can manipulate hair.
Add a brush to the manipulation and I get polish and finish.
It all compounds to produce better work.
But where does it stop? In my opinion…it never does. I don’t just use 1 scissor on every job, I actually have 10 pairs. I also use 5 different combs regularly. There’s 100’s of different products to use. I always have a spare dryer on hand (just in case) and my brush bag contains at least 15 different brushes I can think of…maybe more.
If you invest in quality tools they’ll last you a lifetime. I have 17 year old scissors that still cut as beautifully today as when they were first purchased. I have 10 year old brushes that are still in amazing condition that are used most days. I believe in these quality tools so much I set up HairKit.com.au because I was unable to find most of the tools in Australia that I needed to have backstage at the major Fashion Weeks around the world. Without these tools I’d never be able to produce the quality needed to earn repeated work in this field (but that’s a story for another time).
All of your tools are important…but when building your business the most important ones are the ones you need today.
Key Points:
- Understand what’s missing in your kit
- Build your kit in order to make your work easier
- Invest only in the best quality tools you can afford
Until next time…
Craig
The Solo Stylist
P.S. Not sure if freelancing is right for you?
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