From hair irons and scalp analysers to nail drills, 16 industry experts reveal the one tool they simply can’t imagine working without
Behind every flawless haircut, seamless bridal makeover, perfectly sculpted nail or glowing complexion is a tool that professionals instinctively reach for. StyleSpeak asked leading hairdressers, makeup artists, nail experts, educators and skincare professionals a simple question: What is the one gadget or tool you simply can’t do without in your professional work, and why? Their answers reveal that today’s professional toolkit is a blend of innovation, versatility and everyday practicality.
For Deepak Jalhan, the indispensable tool is texturising shears.
Why: “They help me achieve softer finishes while making my work smoother and more comfortable,” he says. For him, the shears are not just about texture. They are about the quality of every finish he delivers, making each cut feel more refined and less blunt.
Hina Dalvi relies on the IKonic Gleam Slim Hair Iron.
Why: Whether she is creating sleek looks, glamorous curls, textured bends or soft waves, the tool adapts effortlessly across different hair types and services while delivering speed and precision. “It works for all hair services including cut, colour, texture and styling,” she says. “Whether I am working backstage, conducting education sessions or creating salon looks, it gives me the precision, speed and flexibility to adapt to every hair type and styling need. For me it is a complete tool that delivers creativity, efficiency and professional quality results every time.”
For Bony Sasidharan, the feather razor is the tool he returns to time and again.
Why: “It is one of the best tools for great texture and softness around the perimeter line,” he says. Where scissors create a clean, defined edge, the feather razor delivers a softer, more diffused finish that works particularly well for clients who want movement and lightness in their cut.
For Shine Janarthanan, the hero is a multi-tail styling comb.
Why: “It has multiple tail combs at the end and it is massively used for styling,” she explains. “It gives amazing texture to hair, especially when you want to do buns or half tie-ups. You just have to run it through and use a spray and it gives a beautiful rough, undone texture.” What makes this comb truly indispensable for Shine is its dual function. “It settles down frizz really well without disturbing the shape of the hairstyle and the bristles are also very good for backcombing. It is one of the best styling combs for me.”
Natasha Naegamwala’s choice is a pair of styling irons.
Why: Capable of creating straight hair, beach waves, loose curls or polished bends depending on the technique applied. “This applies for most people,” she notes. “But for clients who wear their hair curly, it would be the dryer with a diffuser.” For her, the right tool is always determined by what the client’s hair naturally wants to do.
Disha Mehr selects the IKonic Me 3-in-1 Express Styler for hair.
Why: Appreciating its ability to create straight, smooth or softly styled looks using one versatile device. For skin, she turns to the Numour GOAT Face Lifting Device, valuing it for supporting facial toning, lifting and improved definition with consistent use.
Meanwhile for Ryan D’Rozario, precision begins even before the haircut starts. His essential tool is the hairdressing collar cape.
Why: “One of the first things you learn in hairdressing is balance and form,” he explains. “The collar cape not only keeps unwanted hair away from the client but helps the hairdresser get the haircut to a maximum level of detail and balance around the perimeter, allowing the client’s hair a better growth pattern.” Ryan points out that “If a stylist finds the right colour or contrasting shade to the client’s hair colour, you can get maximum precision.”
Richa Agarwal believes accurate diagnosis is the foundation of successful treatments. For makeup, she depends on an airbrush makeup machine to achieve a flawless, lightweight finish. For haircare, however, she considers the scalp analyser indispensable.
Why: “Accurate scalp diagnosis is the foundation of effective hair care and the best treatment results,” she says, noting that identifying concerns before recommending treatments makes every service significantly more targeted and effective.
Similarly, Leena Khandekar relies on a handheld facial skin scanner connected to an app. Why: She consistently sees dehydration, dullness and stress-related skin concerns in clients. “The scanner helps me instantly check what is really going on: hydration levels, pigmentation and barrier health. So I am not just giving generic advice,” she explains. “For busy people, time matters. This lets me build a realistic routine that fits their workday and actually shows results.”
For Vaishali Shah, the Hydrodermabrasion device has become an essential part of modern skincare practice. Why: Combining deep cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and serum infusion in one treatment, it delivers comprehensive, multi-step results within a single session while significantly enhancing the overall client experience.
Jalpa Rana relies on an electronic silicone cleansing brush. Why: “It gently cleanses, exfoliates and massages the skin at the same time, leaving it fresh and better prepared to absorb skincare products,” she says. With adjustable intensity settings, the device adapts to different skin needs, making every cleanse feel personalised. Compact, portable and suitable for all genders, Jalpa considers it an effortless way to elevate everyday skincare, whether at home or while travelling.
For Cherag Bambbot, nothing matches the airbrush makeup machine.
Why: Its ability to deliver hygiene, speed, precision and creative flexibility makes it indispensable for professional applications. Whether working on bridal clients, editorial shoots or occasion makeup, the airbrush gives him the control and finish that no other tool can replicate.
Indra Ahluwalia chooses the microfibre sponge.
Why: “The finish it gives is incredibly flawless. It creates a beautiful airbrushed effect that makes skin look smooth and seamless,” she says. Unlike conventional sponges, a microfibre sponge blends makeup effortlessly without making it look cakey or heavy, helping foundation melt into the skin for a soft, natural-looking finish. “I genuinely think this is an underrated tool. While everyone talks about traditional makeup sponges and brushes, the microfibre sponge does not get the attention it deserves.
Gurpreet Seble points to the cuticle drill bit as her most essential tool.
Why: “What I notice more and more is that when I am evaluating nails, the cuticle area is not completely addressed during prep and it should be,” she explains. “The cuticle drill bit, whether ceramic or metallic, gives a very nice, clean look at the back. The area looks nicely finished.”
Wonluishon Phungchamnao keeps it straightforward with the nail drill machine.
Why: Valuing it for the time and effort it saves while improving overall service efficiency and consistency across every appointment.
Dipika Parihar chooses the GLAM Next Generation 9.0 Mini LED Lamp.
Why: “It is compact, cordless and fits right into my bag, making it incredibly convenient for quick nail fixes on the go,” she says. Despite its size, it delivers fast, efficient curing for gel polish, builder gel, top coats and nail glue, making it an essential tool for both in-salon work and mobile nail services.
As salons become increasingly driven by personalisation, speed and precision, the modern professional kit continues to evolve. Yet regardless of technological advances, every expert agrees on one thing: the right tool does not just make the job easier. It helps bring their vision to life.
