Cosmetology Kits: Everything You Need to Know

A student needs a variety of materials to attend and participate in classes, and make the most out of their education. For cosmetology, it’s no different, as quality supplies are vital when learning professional makeup and skincare. A cosmetology kit provides the student with the necessary materials to ultimately make them a successful cosmetologist.

Depending on the school, a student kit can be offered by the school, or you may need to purchase your cosmetology kit to meet the school’s standards. If you are studying to be a stylist, esthetician, or a nail technician, school kits can support your education and hands-on training. They are a student’s most valuable assets in cosmetology school since they contain essential supplies like clippers, shears, brushes, irons, a blow drier, mannequin heads, among others.

What to Expect in a Cosmetology Kit

Brushes and Combs

A cosmetology kit contains a variety of combs and brushes, which can be used to style hairs of different textures and lengths. For example, a detangler comb might be included, which will be used to comb the client’s hair after it has been washed. This comb ideally prevents hair loss and helps to keep the hair strands from thinning out.

The kit may also include cutting combs, which essentially separate hairs for that precise, flattering cut. Brushes do come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They are typically used to reduce frizz during blow-drying, give the hair body, and even for applying hair color.

Mannequin Heads

As you progress through the cosmetology course, you will become more familiar with the uses and maintenance of each of the brushes and combs. You will also be able to practice more styling techniques on the mannequin heads, which are essential educational tools used throughout the course to practice and experiment on. Mannequins will also be utilized for the term projects.

For schools that include manicurist training, the kits might include a complete mannequin set with hands and feet, manicure tools, lotions, tools for working with acrylic or artificial nails, and polish removers.

Styling tools

Electric styling tools are crucial elements of a cosmetologist’s arsenal. As such, many kits do include professional-grade blow dryers, coupled with a curling iron and a flat iron, which are meant to last you throughout and beyond your training. These tools are hot enough to burn when in use, therefore, utmost caution and safety for both the clients and the cosmetologists is vital. The safety of the customer is always a priority, and with practice, you will become completely comfortable using the hair dryers and curling irons like an expert.

Capes and Aprons

Multiple styling aprons and cutting capes are some of the essential components of a cosmetology kit. The capes mainly keep hair off the clients, making the haircut experience (during and after) much more comfortable. The styling apron, on the other hand, works like a uniform for the cosmetology student and is specially designed with utility pockets that are created to hold the frequently used styling instruments like hair clips and scissors.

Scissors, Shears, and Clips

A set of shears and scissors are the staple of a cosmetologist’s trade and are therefore expected on the kit. These set of tools will have you covered when it comes to trimming, shaping, thinning, and major hair-cutting. You can expect the shears to come razor sharp, typically stored inside a protective case. Sets of small and large clips may also be included, since they help students hold back some sections of the hair while focusing on a different section of the hair.

Reading Materials

Aside from all the tools and instruments that aid the training process, a full cosmetology kit should contain sufficient reading materials. These are crucial because they provide useful background information about the tools, coloring tips, hair styling techniques, and money management or business strategies. The reading materials also provide the student with insight into the industry practices while they are training on the practical application, which helps students become knowledgeable professionals.

Types of Cosmetology Student Kits

Nail Technician Kit

Depending on the licensing criteria of your state, your nail student kit may include hand mannequins, an acrylic set, nail tips, toe separators, disposable nail forms, brush cleaner, bond aid, toenail and finger nail clippers, nail wipes, clarite powder, manicure dishes/bowls, cuticle sticks, foot file, and a variety of nail shapers, buffers, and files.

Makeup Artist Student Kit

The contents of your student kit mainly depends on the kind of education you are pursuing; whether its general make-up education or a more specific makeup niche. Makeup kits for students typically include some theatrical supplies like false skin, spirit gum, and hair products. They may also include various brushes, application pads, foundations, pads, highlighting/lining/rouge shades, powders, lip and eye pencils, modeling wax, stipple and latex sponges, etc. In most cases, the usually come with individual bags to make the supplies more organized and easy to access.

Esthetician Student Kit

Products included in an Esthetics kit depend on the kind of skin care the school will be teaching about. This kit tends to be loaded with products such as moisturizers, cleansers, and exfoliators. Some kits may also come with gloves, swabs, professional makeup and brush supplies, as well as makeup applicators. Esthetics students may also get an eyebrow tools set, eyebrow tweezers, an exfoliating set, cooling gel, scissor tweezers, a lash kit, and muslin strips.

Barber Student Kit

The barber’s student kit is often similar to other cosmetologists’ toolkits, and has a variety of combs, shears, brushes, and other supplies for cutting, styling, and coloring hair. Nonetheless, a barber’s kit won’t probably come with the nail supplies but is instead likely to include shaving supplies like safety razors, straight razor, shaving cream brush, and other similar shaving supplies.

Cosmetology student kits come with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars for the small kits to about $1,200 for medium sized kits and well over $2,500 for the larger and more comprehensive kits. What you get will largely depend on the list your school’s supply includes. Some schools do offer student kits for purchase as a package that includes the necessary books and tuition. Others have an approved list of vendors and let students purchase kits directly to create their own kits.

As a student, you are expected to care for your equipment and cosmetology kit well, and to replace any lost, broken, and/or damaged items immediately. Be sure to choose a kit that meet the stipulated state, and school requirements, and choose a method of carrying the kit that will fit your lifestyle. Now, enjoy taking your cosmetology course!