When it comes to professional styling, tools aren’t just tools, they’re an extension of your craft. For Anh Co Tran, having the right equipment is important for great results. Whether styling for a red carpet or creating a lived-in cut, preparation starts with selecting tools that are built to take you through the day.
Here’s an inside look at Anh’s trusted kit, from client-friendly staples to precision tools crafted for pros.
Everyday Essentials: Tools That Never Leave the Kit
Even outside of product, Anh has a go-to lineup for styling sessions:
- Hair Tooth Brush – For taming flyaways and perfecting sleek finishes.
- Baby Flat Iron – Especially useful for detailing areas like the hairline.
- Tangle Teezer with Handle – A gentle detangler that glides through wet or dry hair.
- Rat Tail Comb – A must for clean sections and teasing.
- Shears – Anh only uses quality shears you can trust for precision during long days at the salon.
ATO: Precision Tools Designed by Anh Co Tran
Created by Anh himself, ATO is a line of professional tools for stylists who want tools that focus on precision, performance, and longevity. ATO Shears are handcrafted in Niigata, Japan; a region known for its history of samurai sword-making. Each pair is carefully finished by hand, using traditional forging, tempering, and sharpening techniques. Anh created these shears to solve common problems caused by dull blades, like split ends, clamping, and damage. They’re balanced, ergonomic, and built for dry cutting, slicing, and texturizing with ease.
Why ATO Round Brushes Are in Anh’s Kit
For smooth, voluminous blowouts, Anh relies on ATO Round Brushes, another extension of his personal styling philosophy.
Crafted with boar bristles and heat-resistant nylon threads, these brushes lock in moisture, add shine, and distribute heat evenly. The pointed wooden tip makes sectioning easy, and their comfortable grip supports all-day use without fatigue.
Available in sizes No.2 through No.9, these brushes are designed for every hair length and need. Anh’s personal favorites? No.4 for shorter styles, and No.7 for longer hair.
Stylist Must-Haves: Tools Built for Mastery
In addition to ATO tools, Anh rounds out the pro kit with:
- Mason Pearson Paddle Brush – A classic for smoothing and prepping the hair for styling.
- Dyson Blow Dryer – Lightweight, powerful, and designed to protect hair from extreme heat. It does its job without compromising the health of the hair.
Packing for the Red Carpet: Always Overprepared
When styling for events or red carpets, Anh packs everything, even if it means hauling an extra suitcase. Anh says sometimes you know the look ahead of time, but often you don’t. Anh says he prefers to be overprepared than scrambling for a tool he left behind. Alongside brushes and hot tools, Anh travels with a dedicated suitcase just for hair accessories and hair jewelry. This includes a full kit of pins, elastics, and clips.
At-Home Tools: What Anh Recommends for Clients
Anh often advises clients to keep their toolkits simple but effective:
- Dyson Airwrap: This all-in-one tool comes with multiple attachments for drying, curling, and smoothing—ideal for easy at-home styling with less heat damage.
- A Good Curling Iron: For looks that require a more defined, beachy texture than what the Airwrap offers, a traditional curling iron is a go-to.
Why Tools Matter More Than Ever
Anh’s approach to styling is built around intention, and that begins with tools that help make a busy salon day more efficient. Whether it’s a pair of hand-forged shears, a carefully balanced round brush, or a reliable curling iron, each item in the kit serves a purpose.
Want to add ATO tools to your kit? Visit atointl.com to see all the options available to add to your kit. Follow @anhcotran on Instagram to see his tools in action.
