posted on: 08/15/2023
Sam Villa ambassador, Mizani artist, and L'amour de Rose salon owner Jada Jenkins (@jadajenkinsco) has a celebrity clientele that she travels for, including Ego Nwodim, Tweet, Mia Thornton, Corbin Reid, and Sherri Shepherd, to name a few. As a stylist on the go, it’s critical for her to always be prepared for anything.
“When working with celebrities, the actual style of the hair is not always set at the time of booking,” Jenkins says. “And even if we do have a plan, it may not work out and we might need to change things up at the last minute. Having multiple supply and tool options is a way to set yourself up for success, especially those tools that can be used in multiple ways, are lightweight and easily portable, or have helpful features such as being cordless.”
Below are a few items Jenkins always keeps in her travel kit:
- Two different texture types of hair extensions, which are great for adding length and volume.
- An extension cord—long enough to reach the styling station and with a power strip to protect tools if the electricity goes out.
- A blow dryer that must be both powerful and lightweight.
- A diffuser.
- The Sam Villa Artist Series 2-in-1 Marcel Curling Iron and Wand. The wand is a must-have, multi-use tool that can create waves, curls, and coils and can be used on all textures of hair.
- The Sam Villa Pro Results Cordless Flat Iron for flyaways and the random silk press. “I love having the wireless flat iron; it doesn’t need an outlet, which I find genius, because sometimes finding outlets on set can be a hassle.”
- A makeup face cover so clients can get dressed without getting makeup on their clothes.
- Safety pins and nail polish remover, just in case.
- Pins, clips, elastics, combs, brushes, towels, and a mirror.
Jenkins also has a few tips for prepping for a VIP session:
- Stay away from strong-smelling food right before a job.
- Bring mints for fresh breath—for yourself and your client.
- Carry shoe covers in case an establishment has a “no shoes” policy.