Student Essentials at Alan Howard
Published date 18 August 2025
Student essentials you need when starting hair college…
For many, a new season often marks the start of an exciting journey for aspiring hairdressers. Starting hair college is the first step into the professional hair industry, where students will discover their passion for cutting, styling and learning signature colour techniques.
If you’re a college starter or know anyone who’s about to make the jump, we’ve put together a list of our must-have student essentials, as well as some budget-friendly products, that will not only make your college experience smoother but also set you up for success in your future career.
Get to Know Our Kit Bag Essentials
Scissors
While scissors aren’t the most student-friendly purchase, they’re an essential investment which you’ll be using multiple times daily. A high-quality pair of scissors is the foundation of every stylist’s toolkit, so you want to look for a lightweight, ergonomic design that allows for precision cutting without straining your hands. We recommend the Scorpion Academy Scissors - available in an array of sizes, they are the perfect tool for precision and efficiency, and they don’t break the bank!
Combs & Brushes
Having a variety of combs and brushes in your kitbag is essential to ensure you have the right tools for different hair types and styles. Firstly, you’ll need a cutting comb, ideal for precision cuts. Tail combs are also a necessity for parting and sectioning the hair when cutting and styling. For all-use brushing, you’ll need a paddle brush that helps to detangle the client's hair, and a set of round brushes for blowdrys and adding volume.
Electrical Tools
Another essential you’ll need is a reliable hairdryer that provides multiple heat settings with a cool shot button. We recommend the Mane Tame Sky Hair Dryer, designed to deliver fast, precise results while ensuring comfort and ease of use. Not only is this dryer super affordable, this dryer is also perfect for long college days, being lightweight and ergonomically designed.
To create those perfect styles, we recommend the Alfa Italia Tropea Pro Multi-Curl Styler, which includes 3 interchangeable wands in different widths to create multiple types of curls and waves. This 3-in-1 styling kit is the perfect student kit for its versatility and compactness! Plus, it comes in a stunning vegan leather case to store all your styling accessories in.
Content Creation
Starting your hairdressing journey is the perfect time to begin building your brand through creating content on Instagram & TikTok, and we’ve got the tools to make it easier. The Looth Portable LED Light is a must-have for your kitbag and will ensure your photos and videos look their best. It delivers both portability and versatility for flawless lighting wherever you are.
Next, the all-new Looth Magnetic Suction Tripod - a hands-free filming companion that features a strong magnetic grip and suction power to mount effortlessly on mirrors, windows, tables, and other smooth flat surfaces. This will take your content game to the next level!
Colouring Tools
While many colleges will supply this equipment, it’s important to have your own supply of colouring tools so you can achieve your best results with the equipment that best works for you. Aprons, gowns, tint brushes and bowls are all key essentials, as well as foils in a pre-cut form to help with highlighting and balayage techniques. Other essentials include gloves as well as a handy colour chart to act as a guide when mixing and achieving the perfect shade.
Kit Bag
With all these tools, you’ll need a durable bag to carry them, as well as ensuring they remain organised. A kitbag with multiple compartments will help you keep everything in place and be easy to access during practical lessons.
Haircare & Styling Products
Having some care & styling products to hand in your kitbag is essential when styling. From mousses, heat protectants to hairsprays, a variety of styling products will help you achieve different looks whilst keeping the hair looking its best. For super affordable styling that doesn’t compromise on quality, we recommend care & styling products from Shed - Salon Hair Every Day - a haircare brand that commits to salon-quality products made for all hair types.
Top Tips For Building Your Kitbag On A Budget
As a student, it's important to manage your outgoings while ensuring you have everything you need! Here are a few tips to help you build your kit without breaking the bank...
- Start with basics: Focus on acquiring the essentials first, and then add the more specialised items as you go.
- Buy in bulk: Items such as foils, gloves and combs are available to purchase in bulk and average out to a cheaper cost.
- Student discounts: Signing up for a student account in one of our stores will secure you a 15% discount on your shop as well as a free goody bag to welcome you into the industry!
While it may be daunting, starting college is an exciting time when starting your hairdressing journey, and by equipping yourself with the right tools, you’ll be growing as an artist in no time!
Shop all of our student essentials in-store or online at Alan Howard.
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