Anh Co Tran’s Salon Essentials

Behind every great haircut is more than just skill; it’s also about the little details that keep a stylist efficient, comfortable, and fully present with clients. For Anh Co Tran, those essentials go beyond scissors and combs. From salon must-haves to favorite products and extensions, here are the tools Anh can’t live without.

Salon Station Essentials

Anh’s station is stocked with a few carefully chosen items that make the day run smoothly.

• Aesop Hand Lotion: Because Anh washes his hands between every client, hydration is essential. He prefers Aesop because it moisturizes without leaving an oily residue, ensuring scissors don’t slip. The bonus? A scent that makes the process even more enjoyable.
• Trader Joe’s Sugar-Free Mints: A small but important detail for the long day. Anh opts for these mints because they taste good, are plant-based, and don’t leave a sugary residue (or a white-coated tongue like some other brands).
• Lint Rollers—Lots of Them: With three strategically placed around the salon (at each station and in the bathroom), Anh can quickly sweep away stray hairs, especially after bob cuts. It’s all about efficiency; this way, he can do it no matter where he goes in the salon.

Milbon Must-Haves

When it comes to hair products, Anh relies heavily on Milbon, including:

The Monochromatic Collection: Lightweight, buildable, and versatile—these styling products are a staple in every service. Anh says they work beautifully across all hair types and meet the needs of various clients. The products can be used together or separately. The products include Froth Blowout Foam, Velvet Texturizing Cream, and Puff Finishing Paste.

The Gold Line: A longtime favorite, used in combination with Monochromatic for salon-perfect results. The Gold Line includes ingredients that provide long lasting results. Ingredients include: glowing golden silk, vitalizing pearl peptide, and ultra-hydrating algae extract. The shampoos and treatments from Enhancing Vivacity, Indulging Hydration, Illuminating Glow, and Vitalizing Dimensions start the salon experience as a relaxing and luxurious experience for his clients.

Sprays and Primers: Anh uses Milbon’s Strong Hold Hairspray 7 to keep the styles lasting past the appointment and Milbon’s Dry Texturizing Spray 4 for achieving his perfect Lived-In Look. With Monochromatic’s Froth Blowout Foam offering heat protection up to 450º, it’s the perfect primer to prep his clients’ hair for a dry cut.

Extensions: Tape-Ins vs. Wefts

Extensionology’s extensions are another key part of Anh’s toolkit. His approach depends on the client’s needs:

Tailored Tape-Ins: Perfect for filling in gaps or adding subtle fullness. They’re more common among Anh’s clients because of their convenience and accessibility.

Wefts: Anh loves doing wefts when clients want dramatic fullness and length. They are particularly great for clients who workout everyday.

Why These Products Matter

For Anh, efficiency and intentionality are everything. Whether it’s washing hands to reset energy, keeping a lint roller within arm’s reach, or choosing the right product for the right moment, these tools allow him to stay focused on what matters most: giving each client a fresh, effortless, and beautiful result.

To see Anh and his tools in action, follow him on Instagram @anhcotran.