The Zagato Barber Chair (pictured here) has a solid steel frame & adds sophisticated luxury to any barbershop setting.
Barber Shop Essentials: 13 Must-Have Tools
Quick SummaryOpening or upgrading a barber shop starts with the essentials. Prioritize barber chairs andstations first, then invest in core tools like clippers, trimmers, shears, razors, and hygiene supplies. Client comfort and cleanliness matter, so towels, capes, and disinfectants are key. While prices vary by quality, investing in professional tools supports efficiency, presentation, and long-term business growth. Who It’s For:
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The Zagato Barber Chair (pictured here) has a solid steel frame & adds sophisticated luxury to any barbershop setting.
Whether you're opening a new barber shop or updating your shop with the latest tools and accessories, it's important to ensure your barbers and support staff have everything they need to do their best work. If you're opening a new space, you'll want to prioritize shopping for barber chairs and barber stations before selecting tools and other essentials, like barber capes.
Worried about budget? Minerva Beauty offers flexible financing for barber essentials to help owners invest in their businesses.
Essential Tools for Barber Shops
Here are 13 barber must-haves you should consider buying or upgrading:
1. Clippers
Clippers in a barber shop are essential for cutting hair and mastering precise fades and blending. There are many different kinds of barber clippers - from cordless and corded models to heavy-duty or close-cutting clippers. Usually, you can expect to spend between $40 and $200 on a set of clippers. If you are looking for a high-quality professional tool, we highly recommend the Caliber Pro line of clippers.
2. Trimmers
While similar to clippers, trimmers are also needed in the barber shop for services like dry shaving or edging. Since trimmers are used for precise line-ups and other kinds of hair artwork, it's important to keep them on hand. For trimmers, you can expect to spend between $40 and $100.
Not sure where to start? Our best-selling trimmer, the Wahl Professional Black Peanut Trimmer, comes with multiple attachment combs, and it is also a great beard trimmer. Choose trimmers that work with multiple hair types and don't cause skin irritation.
3. Shears
Your average pair of barbershop scissors is a great complement to trimmers and clippers and can help cut and style longer hair. Scissors can cost as little as $10, while some high-quality professional scissors can cost up to $600. Some barber shears are designed for all-purpose cutting, while others are meant for texturizing, wet cutting, dry cutting, or blending.
4. Straight Razors
A straight razor is an essential barber tool for close shaves and beard shaping. Straight razors are also a traditional barber tool that requires practice and expertise. Being able to offer straight-razor precision shaving can set your barber shop apart from the competition, and many clients appreciate the authentic, nostalgic barbershop experience it provides.
Depending on the style of razor you choose, these accessories cost between $50 and $200. The Feather Plier Razor is suitable for all straight-razor cutting techniques and features non-slip grip handles.
5. Combs & Brushes
Of course, you will need to keep your barber shop stocked with combs and brushes. It's a good idea to keep a variety of combs and brushes on hand for different hair textures. Combs and brushes with widely spaced teeth or bristles are better for thick hair, while close-together teeth and bristles are better for fine hair.
Depending on the style and specialty of each comb or brush, you can expect to spend anywhere from $10 to $100 per comb and brush.
6. Disinfectants & Accessories
It's critical to run a clean, hygienic barber shop, which is why you will want to make sure you have not only disinfectants on hand but also the right accessories to sanitize your styling and cutting tools regularly. Whole disinfecting agents will run you around $25, accessories like a disinfectant jar will run you about $30, and a UV sanitizer could cost as much as $250.
A well-equipped and organized barber shop makes a good impression & runs more efficiently.
7. Towels
Towels are an essential barber tool and help keep clients comfortable. Barbers use hot towels on clients' skin to open pores and soften facial hair before a shave, which helps minimize razor burn. Towels are also used to absorb excess water from clients' hair, remove excess product from skin, clean up spills, and keep your barbers' hands dry.
Expect to spend around $10 to $40 for a set of barber towels. If you want to impress clients, you can also keep a towel warmer at your shop - these range in price from around $180 up to $655 for units that pull double duty as a hot towel cabinet and UV sanitizer.
8. Duster Brushes
Make sure your clients walk out of your barbershop looking fresh by dusting off loose hairs after a haircut or shave using a high-quality duster brush. Removing hair clippings also allows barbers to inspect their work and provide close attention to detail. Every barber in your shop should have a duster brush, which usually costs around $12.
9. Capes
Improve client satisfaction by keeping their outfits clean and free of hair and water by covering them with a cape. You can expect to spend between $5 and $30 for a high-quality barber cape.
10. Cape Seals
To elevate customer service, provide your clients with Zuka cape seals. These handy devices create a barrier between your customer's neck and the edge of the cape, keeping all those tiny bits of hair from ending up in their shirt!
11. Mirrors
Make sure you have spotless barbershop mirrors so your clients can admire their new hairstyle. Large mirrors also allow barbers to have a clear view as they work. If you have a smaller barber shop, strategically placed mirrors can help your space feel larger and more open.
12. Hair & Beard Care Products
Beard balms and hair styling serums can be just as important as the cutting and styling tools you use at your barber shop. To ensure each of your clients leaves your barbershop feeling and looking confident, make sure each barber station is stocked with the latest and greatest products. Consider creating an attractive retail display near the reception area to promote product sales.
13. Traditional Barber Pole
If you want to add a bit of nostalgia to your décor, add a traditional barber pole to your shop. We offer rotating barber pole lights in a range of sizes, for indoor and outdoor use. This is a unique feature that we feel most barber shops should have!
Aside from these 13 must-have barber shop essentials, you can always ask your barbers or customers for feedback on supplies they would like to have or see. Once you have all the essential tools you need, make sure your overall barbershop design aesthetic represents your business well!
Shop Barber Essentials at Minerva Beauty
Building a successful barber shop starts with the right tools. From barber chairs and stations to clippers, straight razors, capes, and hygiene supplies, investing in quality barber essentials helps barbers work efficiently and keeps clients comfortable.
Minerva Beauty offers a carefully selected range of professional barber tools, furniture, and accessories designed for modern barbershops of all sizes. Are you opening a new shop or upgrading your current setup? At Minerva, you’ll find dependable products, flexible financing options, and expert support to help your business grow with confidence.
Explore barber essentials at Minerva Beauty and equip your shop for long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barber Essentials
What are the most important barber essentials to buy first?
If you’re opening a barber shop or upgrading your setup, start with barber chairs and barber stations first. From there, prioritize essential tools like clippers, trimmers, shears, straight razors, combs, and disinfectants. These items form the foundation of daily barber services and directly impact efficiency and client satisfaction.
How much should I budget for basic barber shop essentials?
Costs can vary widely depending on quality and brand. Entry-level tools like capes or duster brushes may cost under $20, while professional clippers, shears, or barber chairs can range from $200 to $600 or more. Many barbers build their setup over time, starting with core tools and upgrading as the business grows.
Do I need different tools for different hair types and textures?
Yes. Different hair types and hair textures often require different tools and techniques. Having a variety of combs, brushes, clipper guards, and trimmers helps barbers work effectively with everything from fine hair to thick curls while reducing skin irritation and improving results.
Why are disinfectants and hygiene supplies so important in a barbershop?
Proper cleaning and hygiene are critical for protecting clients’ skin and maintaining a professional reputation. Disinfectants and sanitizers help prevent the spread of bacteria, keep tools safe for close shaves, and ensure your barber shop meets health and safety standards.
Are straight razors still necessary in modern barber shops?
Straight razors remain an essential barber tool for close shaves, detailing, and facial hair shaping. Many clients value the traditional barbershop experience, and offering straight razor services can help set your shop apart while increasing service options.