You will need to purchase some specialized tools before you embark on your cosmetology school education. It’s important to budget for these expenses along with tuition and books when you calculate your school cost, as most schools expect you to purchase these supplies. The expense can be worth it, especially if you choose to invest in high quality products, because you will use them in your career as well.
Your beauty tools will become an extension of you during school.
Some schools may provide some or all of them for you, and you may also be able to purchase reasonably priced kits or other reduced priced goods through your school. According to Beauty Schools Directory, your school may ask you to keep your kit at home (and work with school supplies during class), or just bring in what you need for a particular day, while other schools have you leave everything on campus. Your school should provide you with a detailed list to help you ensure you get the right equipment.
Scissors and Shears
One of the most important basic supplies you will need to purchase are scissors and shears for cutting hair. A kit will include several different shears and scissors, including basic haircutting shears, thinning shears, and ninja shears.
Mannequin Heads
Another important aspect of a cosmetology school kit is a mannequin head. This piece of equipment will be your guinea pig as you learn the techniques of cutting hair. You can find mannequins with different hair textures and weight so that you can learn to work on a variety of hair types.
Mannequin heads help you learn to cut and style hair.
Combs
Your starter kit will also need to include several combs. A typical general kit will have four styling combs, but you may have more or less depending on your personal preferences and state requirements.
Water Bottle, Clips and Other Cutting Accessories
In addition to the tools that actually cut hair, you will also need the accessories that are invaluable tools for styling and cutting hair. A water bottle is essential to help wet hair when you style and cut. You will also want some hair clips to use to pull back sections of hair to help isolate a particular section on which you are working.
Perm and Dyeing Accessories
Depending on your state and school requirements, you may also need to purchase some basic perm and dyeing supplies and accessories, such as curlers, mixing bowls, application brushes, coloring caps, and more.
A complete beauty school kit will include curlers for perming hair.
Razors
In addition to shears and scissors, you will also need to purchase razors and razor blades, as well as a protective case for holding the razors. You will want a hair shaper razor, and possibly a straight razor.
Case
Part of a prepackaged kit is the carrying case for all your items. Many students choose an aluminum case on wheels, but you can also find a rolling suitcase or a rolling plastic kiosk that has drawers. You will have to decide with what type of case you prefer to work. You may also choose to purchase a tool belt to hold your scissors, combs, and other basic tools at a closer reach.
Electric Appliances
You may also wish to purchase some electric appliances, including a blow dryer, curling irons, straightening iron, and diffuser.
You may be expected to provide your own professional grade hair dryer.
There are several different barrel widths of curling irons, and you will be expected to learn to work with every type, although you may not have to purchase all of them. You will also need to learn to work with an electric razor, especially for working on necklines and sideburns.
Aprons
Finally, you will want to have some type of apron to wear to protect your clothing from the hair, dye, chemicals, and other materials with which you will work. Your school may provide aprons, but you may want to have one of your own anyway. You may also need gloves and other protective gear.
It is fairly common to find cosmetology school kits that include all the basic items you need. Some states have particular requirements for the kits, and you can find those or general kits to purchase. You may need to supplement this kit with additional items, especially if you plan on taking specialized courses like makeup artistry or esthetics. According to eHow, you may also need some basic sanitization supplies. When you do review kits, be sure that they include at least the above items, as well as everything on the required list from your school.