These are the tried-and-tested tools that top professionals swear by!
When it comes to trends, the pros know the best. But what do they actually use to achieve those trendy looks? Whether it’s backstage or inside a high-performing salon, one thing that unites beauty professionals across the board are their tools. These are the gadgets that don’t just get the job done, but elevate results, boost efficiency, and often, become an extension of the professional’s own craft.
In this special roundup, StyleSpeak turns to leading salon experts, stylists, educators, and artists to find out which beauty gadgets they truly can’t do without in 2025. Here’s what’s earning a place of pride in the kits of India’s leading beauty experts today.
For Najeeb Ur Rahman, well known Hair Expert and Educator, the go-to is the Ikonic Professional PRO 2500+ Advanced Hair Dryer. “For me, the Ikonic Professional PRO 2500+ Advanced Hair Dryer is an absolute essential. It’s the one tool I completely swear by, as it allows me to create multiple styles and perform a wide range of hair treatments with ease. From finishing haircuts to setting hair color, and even for advanced treatments like Rebonding, Keratin, and Hair Botox—this one gadget handles it all effectively and efficiently.”
When it comes to nail artistry, precision tools are everything. Nail Educator Dipika Parihar swears by her kit from Glam. “As a Nail Art Educator, I would recommend two exceptional products from Glam that are Mini LED Lamp and Portable Buffing Machine. The Mini LED Lamp is a highly efficient tool that utilizes advanced LED technology to cure gel polish, builder gel, acrylics, and other nail enhancements quickly and effectively. Its compact design makes it an ideal product. The Portable Buffing Machine offers precise speed control and features low heat and noise technology, providing a seamless user experience. This tool enables nail technicians to achieve high-quality results with ease. In my sessions, both of these products have proven to be invaluable assets in helping my students master their craft and deliver outstanding results.”
Technology is also transforming hairstyling tools into sleek, power-packed devices. Shiva Kumar. R, Creative Manager at Schwarzkopf Professional, shares his must-have: “One gadget I absolutely swear is the JRL Forte Pro Dryer. It’s a true game-changer in my toolkit. Its powerful yet quiet motor, advanced airflow and lightweight with precise heat control make it incredibly reliable—especially during my backstage shoots, live seminars, and model prep. What sets it apart is how effortlessly it delivers smooth, frizz-free results while maintaining the hair’s integrity. When paired with the right styling products from Schwarzkopf Professional, the finish is elevated to a whole new level of perfection.”
Shine Janarthanan, on the other hand, finds her signature finish with the Mr. Barber Wonder Waver. She says, “I’m obsessed with the Mr. Barber Wonder Waver! Its adjustable depth lets me create various wave patterns, giving my hair a modern twist. I love using my fingers to loosen the waves for a relaxed, effortless look. It’s a total game-changer for adding flair to my hairstyle!”
In skincare and trichology, diagnostic tools are raising the bar for customisation. Richa Agarwal highlights the importance of analytical precision. “At my salon, I rely on advanced skin and scalp analysis tools like Beauty Garage Derma Scan and Cosderma Intelligent Face Skin Analysis System to offer a more personalised beauty experience. These devices accurately assess your skin and hair condition, allowing us to recommend targeted treatments and products. Whether it’s for a glowing complexion or a healthy scalp, our tech-powered approach ensures results that are truly tailored to your unique needs. By providing a clear, scientific analysis of the skin and scalp, they help me understand exactly what my client needs. This not only builds trust but also ensures that every treatment or product I recommend delivers visible, customised results. It’s the perfect blend of technology and expertise.”
Jalpa Rana, Category Growth Manager, Lodha Group swears by gua sha,”The traditional gua sha is definitely effective, but the Electric Gua Sha is a total game-changer. With added features like gentle vibration, heat therapy, and microcurrent, it not only enhances blood flow but also tones facial muscles beautifully. Believe me, with regular use, it gives a visible lifting effect — almost like a non-invasive Botox boost. It’s my secret to achieving that firm, sculpted, and glowing skin effortlessly.”
For nail sculptors like Pooja Panvanda, efficiency and creativity go hand in hand. “As a Fantasy Nail Artist my absolute holy grail tool is the L’UGX Nail Drill Machine. It’s a game-changer for creating a sculpture art piece, perfect for shaping, refining, and removing gel or acrylic with speed and precision. I also love using Bluesky 3D Sculpted Gel for creating fantasy nail art—it holds shape beautifully and cures flawlessly. Lastly, Bluesky Nail Forms & Dual Forms are essential for sculpting dramatic nail extensions with accuracy. These tools together elevate both creativity and efficiency in Fantasy Nail art work.”
For hairdressers, the tool doesn’t just shape the hair — it shapes the vision. Atharva Takke shares: “Hands down the Ikonic Texturising Razor. It isn’t just a tool, it’s my magic wand. It brings fluidity, edge, and character to every haircut I create. From soft shags to bold textures, it gives me the freedom to sculpt hair. While trends evolve, this is one tool that never leaves my kit. It’s not just essential — it’s iconic. I don’t cut without it, and I never will.”
Basics matter too — and the humble collar cape is getting a rebrand, thanks to hair stylists like Ryan D’Rozario. “One of the first things you learn in haircutting is balance and form—and a collar cape plays a key role in achieving that. It keeps hair off the client and helps stylists create cleaner, more balanced shapes, especially in long hair. While many Indian stylists skip it, I find it essential. Newer capes come with printed guides for shaping round or asymmetrical cuts. They also come in different shapes and sizes, suited for men’s cuts, long hair, or technical services—each stylist chooses based on their needs. A key point: in India, collar capes are mostly black, making it hard to see shapes on dark hair. Lighter capes, used internationally, offer better contrast and precision.”
Veteran nail expert Dr. Kavita Sheth sums it up simply: “The one tool I absolutely can’t work without is my nail drill. It’s powerful, with 30,000 RPM, incredibly durable, and has stood the test of time—I’ve been using it for over 20 years! Whether it’s prepping, filing, or finishing, this drill delivers precision and efficiency every single time. It truly is the backbone of my nail care routine.”
And finally, Nitin Manchanda brings it back to one of the most versatile styling tools around. “The tool I swear by is the hair curling tong. It’s perfect for transforming hair into beautiful waves, bouncy curls or just adding movement to the hair. I love how easy it is to use and how it adds volume and style effortlessly. Whether I’m going for loose waves or tight curls, the curling tong gives me the possibility to create endless styles from a very high fashion look to a subtle day to day style and for any occasion.”
In an age where speed, precision, and personalisation are everything, these tools aren’t just accessories — they’re extensions of a professional’s philosophy. They reflect how a stylist works, what they value, and the kind of experience they want to create. And as clients demand more expertise and efficiency, it’s these small-but-mighty heroes that help transform everyday services into something truly magical!
