Barber Shop Tools List

If you want to become a good barber or run a successful barbershop, you have to get the right barber tools. And every skilled barber knows that the foundation of the best men’s haircuts starts with a pair of professional hair clippers. Like any professional committed to doing great work, the tools used by a barber directly impact the quality of their service, specifically the ability to provide customers with the best cuts and styles they want.

Whether you’re an experienced barber or a new stylist, we’ve compiled a complete list of barber shop tools, equipment, and supplies. Such critical instruments to cutting hair include clippers, trimmers, edgers, shears or scissors, combs, disinfectant supplies, straight razors, hair dryers, styling products, and barber chairs.

While some barbers new to the barbing industry may choose to simply buy a salon or barber kit, true professionals committed to hair cutting will handpick the top-rated tools from the best brands in the business. Here are the best barber tools to buy for your barbershop!

Hair Clippers

Professional barber clippers are crucial for good fade haircuts. The best hair clippers are heavy-duty and durable, come with very sharp blades and a powerful motor, are lightweight for all-day cutting, and offer an ergonomic design that makes them easy to hold without straining your hands.

Barbers will also have to decide whether they want a corded or cordless clipper. For busy barbershops and stylists, we recommend a corded machine to ensure no recharging is needed throughout the day. Or you can always buy one of each – a corded and cordless model – and enjoy the best of both worlds.

The top brands for professional barbers and stylists include Wahl, Andis, and Oster. For instance, the Wahl Professional 5-Star Magic Clip is one of the highest-rated clippers on the market. However, other barbers swear by the Oster Classic 76 as the ultimate workhorse.

Nevertheless, the truth is that most barbers own multiple quality hair clippers and rotate their usage. So pick an affordable clipper that matches your budget and needs, and you can always buy another one in the future.

Hair Trimmers

The best electric hair trimmers are used for shorter hair and finer, detailed work. The main difference between a hair clipper and trimmer is blade size and length, which impacts where the trimmer can fit and how short it cuts the hair.

A good trimmer can shave a hard part into a comb over, blend parts of a bald fade into the skin, clean up the hairline and neck, and groom and design beards.

The most popular professional hair trimmer is the Andis T-Outliner. For barbers who want something more compact and lightweight, consider the Wahl Peanut.

Edgers

Using a great edger is important to trimming a cool line up or shape up. Also called a liner or detailer, barbers need edge up clippers that can create razor-close, precise and super sharp lines. Get the Wahl Detailer or Razor Edger for a reputable machine that won’t let you down.

Barber Shears

Barber shears or scissors can be used to cut hair and trim beards. After clippers, professional hair cutting shears are the most essential barber tool. It’s worth investing in a good pair of shears to avoid messing up a client’s haircut or putting undue stress on your hands and wrist. This is because the best barber scissors come with razor sharp blades for smooth trimming and ergonomic designs for easy handling, making them easy to hold for hours.

There are two different types of shears you’ll need – one for cutting and another for thinning. Thinning shears are especially useful for men with very thick hair. Check out these excellent professional barber shears and salon scissors.

Barber Comb

The hair comb used by barbers is obviously higher-quality and sturdier than the combs you’ll find available for home-use. Professionals need both fine and wide-toothed combs to control, cut, and style hair. For styling while blow drying hair, barbers need combs made of anti-static and heat-resistant materials. On the other hand, a fading comb requires teeth that go from short to long.

Straight Razor

The straight razor is a traditional barber shop tool used to shave facial hair on the face and around the neckline. For a classic gentleman’s barber shop experience, a straight razor, old-school shaving cream, and aftershave lotion are necessary supplies. Barbers will also want to invest in a razor strop to sharpen, polish, and maintain a razor. In contrast, many straight-edge safety razors come standard with a pack of blades.

Sterilizing and Disinfectant Supplies

Keeping your barber tools clean and sanitary with disinfectant supplies is a chief concern. To prevent bacteria, disease and illness from spreading, any list of professional barber shop supplies needs clipper blade cleaner spray, powerful disinfectant, and sterilizing jars. You’ll want to regularly disinfect and sterilize your barber shop equipment between customers, throughout the day.

To minimize liability, sanitize anything that comes into contact with clients. From your clippers and trimmers to scissors, combs and chairs, it is essential that you maintain all your hair cutting instruments.

Professional Hair Dryer

A professional hair dryer is a priority for salons, hairdressers and barbershops alike. While not all barber shops offer a full-range of hair cutting services, high-end barbers who want to compete in hot markets like New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Denver have started to provide shampooing, conditioning, blow drying, and styling for their upscale clients. To style hair properly, choose a good hair dryer with multiple features and settings.

Barber Chair

A barber chair needs to be functional yet comfortable. As the most important piece of barber shop equipment, a professional-quality chair should be well-designed, come with a hydraulic pump, have thick padding, and match the decor of your salon.

Barber Shop Hair Products For Men

Barber shops can earn extra money by selling the best hair products for men. By applying the most popular styling products on guys after a stylish haircut, barbers are able to showcase how a good hair gel, pomade, wax, clay or cream can create a cool hairstyle. With a range of holds, shines, scents and textures, it’s helpful to keep a few of the top men’s brands stocked.

Most barber supplies can be purchased at wholesale from a distributor, but if you’re a new barber starting out and cutting hair at home, here are some professional hair care products to keep on hand.