KITBAG

IN THE BAG

Forget the Insta-perfect kitbag. From salon floor to editorial shoot, what are the essential tools the experts really rely on? HJ finds out their top 5…

1 THE SECRET WEAPONS

“A great session kit is about having products and tools that give you speed and confidence,” says Educator Carol Richie. “I can’t be without a volume powder because it gives you instant grip, texture and control – it’s like backcombing in a bottle. I even use it to powder my grips, as it gives you extra security when you’re putting the grips in.” As a go-to in vivid colour, Rachel McWhirter’s kitbag includes OSMO Porosity

Equaliser Spray. “I find it a really valuable step in the colouring process, especially when I’m working with hair that has varying levels of porosity. It’s one of those simple products that isn’t actually on every stylist’s radar, but I find it makes such a difference to the end results.”

Wella Professionals UK & Ireland Colour & Trend Ambassador Jordanna Cobella keeps Color Fresh Masks in her bag for a quick hit of colour: “They have the most incredible range of shades, such as blue, mint, or peach blush, and because they’re semi-permanent, they’re great for a quick burst of colour that washes out.”

2 THE GAMECHANGERS

Internationally renowned hairdresser and founder of Arkive Headcare, Adam Reed, says Remi Cachet Hair Extensions and Hair Pieces are now a creative tool in his kitbag. “I can use them to alter proportion, add bulk and substance, build density into a haircut, introduce subtle dimensional colour or simply give myself more material to create an updo. That’s been the game changer for me: extensions aren’t always about creating more length, they’re about giving me more possibilities.” Award-winning stylist Emma Dixon counts a paddle brush as her kitbag must have: “It’s effective on wet and dry hair for detangling, great for smoothing and styling, and gentle on the scalp. My absolute faves are the Denman Head Huggers and Denman 9 Row Original styler. They do the lot – curls, flicks, volume, smoothing and straightening.”

3 MODEL TALK

Although a kit bag changes depending on the job, there are some universal products and tools that have stayed consistent over the years. “To prep my model’s hair, my hero product is ASP Kitoko Soufflé – I couldn’t live without it,” says Terri Nadin, Indigo & Co Salon Owner. “And, I always pack every size thermal roller available and all my hot irons to work with every hair type and texture.”

Leading hairdresser, trend forecaster Zoë Irwin says her kitbag always includes tools to care for her models on set. “I carry large face shields, so that when I spray on set it doesn’t hurt the models’ eyes or make-up. It’s so important to look after the model to get the best shot.”

KITBAG STAR

Available from Sally Beauty, the UNITE Hair Texturiza Finishing Spray 179g delivers weightless volume and effortless texture for a perfectly undone, editorial finish. A great final step product for adding body, movement and texture without weighing hair down.

4 THE PRODUCTS EVERYONE STEALS

The one thing a lot of people never leave out of their kitbag is a prep spray. “Something like Electric London P-4 Preparation Spray,” says Mark Woolley, founder of Electric London, “gives me the control of damp hair without having to soak it down. I use it as a cutting lotion on the section I’m working, then leave it in as a strengthening conditioner. It’s got nourishing oils plus UV and heat protection built in, so I’m not layering up three different products before I pick up the dryer.”

“My BaBylissPRO Curling Tongs are a non-negotiable in my kit, and definitely the tools everyone wants to borrow,” says curl specialist Michelle Sultan. “With all the different sizes, I can create everything from soft, lived-in movement to polished, glamorous curls, adapting my technique to the hair and the finish. Whatever gets thrown at me, I know they’ll perform every single time.”

KITBAG STAR

Exclusively distributed by Alan Howard, the Alfa Italia Tropea Multi Curl Styler has sleek, lightweight titanium barrels (19mm, 25mm & 32mm) that clip easily into one base for ultimate curl creativity in a super compact package. Its advanced MCH heater delivers controlled heat up to 232°C instantly and evenly.

5 THE ULTIMATE FINISHERS

Ceri Cushen, UKI Revlon Professional Creative Artist, says she couldn’t work without her range of Nutri Color Crème products when colouring hair. “They’re my ultimate finishing treatment at the backwash, giving the hair a luxurious, high-shine finish.” Sam Bickle of Arkive Salon says she includes a leave-in oil in her finishing product line-up. “I use the L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Vitamino Spectrum leave-in oil; using it on damp hair, it gives the most beautiful lightweight shine I have never found before!”