Gifts for Hair Stylists: What a Stylist Actually Wants (From a Stylist)

The quick answer

The best gifts for hair stylists are personal, good-looking and made for people who do hair for a living. Think a salon apron they'll actually want to wear, a keepsake engraved with their name, or a bag that holds up to the daily haul of tools, towels and capes.

I've been a stylist in Idaho for 22 years, and I've been lucky to receive so many wonderful gifts from clients. Here's what I've learned makes a stylist gift special.

What makes a great stylist gift

• It's personal. Personalized gifts are fun for stylists. Their name or initials on something they use every day says you see them.
• It actually looks good. There's very little made just for stylists that looks good or feels unique. Most "hairdresser gifts" are generic. Something with real design stands out.
• It recognizes them as a pro. Stylists are licensed professionals. A gift made for their craft says you appreciate their skill, not just the haircut.

Behind the chair: salon aprons and gear

A salon apron is the gift a stylist wears every single day, so it's worth getting one with personality. These are covered in the tools of the trade:

• Hair Stylist Tools Apron – Scissors & Dye Brush Pattern: for the colorist who lives with a brush in hand.
• Stylist Tools Apron: scissors, brushes and combs in an all-over print.
• Black Scissors Pattern Apron: classic and bold.
• Shears Print Salon Apron: clean, monochrome shears.

Round out the station with a Shears Pattern Mixing Glass, a Hair Stylist Tools Note Cube for jotting color formulas, and the Thinning Shears Embroidered Cap for days off.

Laundry bags for salon towels and capes

Stylists go through a mountain of towels and capes, and a lot of us haul them home to wash. A sturdy, good-looking laundry bag with a shoulder strap makes that trip a whole lot nicer.

• Shears-Print Laundry Bag with Shoulder Strap: made for stylists, covered in shears.
• Retro Stripe Laundry Bag: bright and cheerful.
• Yellow Geometric Laundry Bag: bold geometric print with a shoulder strap.
• Rainbow Hearts Laundry Bag: for the stylist who brings the color.

Personalized keepsakes

For a gift that feels truly personal, go engraved. Both of these carry a pair of shears and can be personalized:

• Shears Engraved Bar Necklace: add their name or initials.
• Shears Engraved Stone Bracelet: a natural stone stretch bracelet with an engravable bar.

For something fun and personal at a smaller price, the Wrangling Clients Cosmetologist Sticker and Wrangling Clients Spiral Notebook can be personalized too.

Under $15: stocking stuffers for stylists

Small gifts that still feel made for them:

• Hairstylist Scissors & Comb Mug or the Pink Scissors & Combs Stylist Mug for the coffee between clients.
• Stylist Scissors Tumbler to keep a drink at the station.
• Shears Pattern Accessory Pouch or the Hair Pick Accessory Pouch for clips, pins and bobby pins.
• Shears Pattern Spiral Notebook for client notes and formulas.

For the stylist on the go

Stylists carry a lot between the salon, classes and house calls. These keep it together:

• Scissors & Comb Tote Bag or the Sharp Shears Pattern Tote Bag for everyday hauling.
• Shears Pattern Canvas Lunch Bag, because long salon days need snacks.
• Shears Pattern Wristlet Makeup Bag for the essentials.
• Stylist Travel Jewelry Case: stylists take off their rings to work, and this keeps them safe.

For stylists building their business

A gift that helps a stylist grow their book of clients is one they'll use all year. These are digital downloads, editable in a free Canva account:

• Hair Extension Stylist Instagram Templates: 32 ready-to-post Canva posts and stories.
• Stylist Digital Business Card + Email Signature: a polished way for clients to save their info and book.

For cosmetology students

Know someone in beauty school? Help them pass their boards. My cosmetology state board study tools include hyperlinked study notebooks, self-scoring practice quizzes and money-saving bundles. For tips to go with them, read How to Study for the Cosmetology State Board.

Stylist gift FAQ

What do hair stylists want for Christmas?

Something personal and well designed that's made for their profession: an engraved keepsake, a salon apron with style, or a sturdy bag for tools and towels.

What's a good gift for a cosmetology student?

State board study tools, a notebook for client notes and formulas, or a tote to carry their kit to school.

What's a good small gift for my hairdresser?

A stylist mug, an accessory pouch for clips and pins, or a personalized sticker are all thoughtful picks under $15.

Should I give my stylist a gift or a tip?

Either is appreciated. A thoughtful gift that recognizes them as a professional means a lot.

One last thing

Whatever you choose, the thought behind it is what stylists remember. A gift that says "I see the skill and care you put into your work" is the best one of all.

Shop the full Sharp Stylist Supplies collection.