The Hair Stylist Rolling Travel Case isn’t our typical product review. Like other professions, many Hairdressers travel for a living. whether it’s a hair show, workshop, or a job on location.
Your prized tools are your lifeline to creating a masterpiece or a complete failure. Since failure isn’t in our vocabulary, we need the perfect bag to carry our trade secrets.
Unfortunately, we don’t always appreciate high-quality luggage until your favorite pair of scissors gets mangled, and your stuff strewn all over the luggage belt.
Essentials of your Rolling Stylist Travel Case we will consider in this article are:
- Size
- Weight
- Hard side and Soft side
- Locks
- 2-in-1
- Mobile workstations
How big is it? (Luggage size and weight)
Size
If traveling by plane the maximum overall inches that your Hairstylist Travel case can be is 62”. If it’s over 62” then you will be charged extra even if it’s underweight.
“To calculate your bag in linear inches: Height + Width + Depth = it’s linear measurement. If your bag measures 25 inches high, 14 inches wide and 12 inches deep, its total linear dimensions would be 25 + 14 + 12 = 51 linear inches”. -usatoday
*carry-ons are usually between 43-45”
Weight
The maximum weight for checked luggage these days is 50lbs. So if it’s over then the overweight you will be charged extra. Most airlines don’t like overweight luggage for worker safety reasons.
With good reason, it’s best to look for the lightest possible bag so you’ll have more room for your actual tools
*Check with your airline for specific weight and size allowance. Each airline is different and the rules are always changing.
Luggage Locks
Having your possessions pilfered through is always a concern, especially when it comes to your trade tools. Locks keep you from losing your prized 200$ pair of sheers or your 400$ supersonic hair dryer.
All airport authorities have permission to examine your bags at their discretion. In most countries, the authorities make the owner open their bag if they want to inspect the contents further.
However, in the USA, airport security can open any piece of luggage without involving the owner. This means if your luggage is locked, it will be opened with force, often damaging the bags in the process.
If your bag has TSA locks, authorities can unlock it with a master key, avoiding damage to your travel case or leaving yourself open to potential theft or loss.
TIP: TSA doesn’t reimburse passengers for unrecognized locks that are broken in the security screening process, or for any damage caused to the bags. -bforbag
Hair Stylist rolling case – Material Comparison
Hard-side luggage materials:
ABS– (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) coupled with other elements to make a stronger suitcase.
Aluminum– lightweight, sturdy alloy, won’t rust
MDF– Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) “is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, then that gets combined with wax and a resin binder, high heat and pressure. MDF is generally denser than plywood”. wikipedia.org
- Pros
- Sturdy
- Inexpensive
- Cons
- Because MDF is dense, it’s very heavy.
- MDF dings easily
- Don’t expose to moisture
PU Polyurethane/ PU leather (used as a laminate on hard side luggage)
- Pros
Water resistant
Best Hard Sided Stylist’s Rolling Cases Compared
Yaheetech | Yaheetech - All Black | Ollieroo | Yaheetech 3-in-1 | AW 2-in1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 15.2 x 10.4 x 22.4" | 13.5 x 9.5 x 21.9" | 14.2" x 8.6" x 19.7" | 14.2 x 9.4 x 39" | 14x9x29" |
Luggage size | small | carry on | carry on | Large or 2pcs | 2pc |
Weight | 5.4 kg/ 11.57lb | 9.3 Lb | 17 Lbs | 9.6 Kg / 21.1 Lb | 22.2 lbs |
Color options | black/pink /silver | red/black | royal blue only | pink/black/silver/black w silver trim | black/gold/pink/red |
Max. Load Capacity | 20 kg/ 44 lb | - | - | 30 kg/ 66 lb | - |
Handle Max. Height | 41.3’’ | 39.4’’ | 36" | 41.9" | - |
Material | ABS+MDF+Aluminum | Aluminum Frame, ABS Surface +MDF | PU+Plastic | Plastic +, aluminum + metal edges. | ABSy+Aluminum Frame & Corners |
Lining | Polyester Lining | Polyester Lining | - | Soft oxford cloth lining | Nylon lined |
Each reviewed...
Cons
- Sturdy
- Spinner
- 6 pull out trays
- 3 colors
- Small mirror included
- Deeper bottom compartment
- No TSA locks
Cons
- Polyester lining for easy cleaning
- Carry on sized
- 4-Pull out compartments
- Sturdy pull handle
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Spinner
- Bottom drawer 4.2” deep
- The middle compartment is small due to having the bottom drawer
- No TSA locks
It’s carry on size, so carry it on. This bag may not withstand luggage handling unless you invest in extra luggage straps to keep it all together.
Mfg. Recommendation: The partitions are fixed with glue that may produce some smell in the bag. The odor is non-toxic. Let the travel case air out for 2~3 days after receiving it.
Cons
- 5.7x7.7x13.1” larger bottom drawer
- Removable wheels
- PU leather not as resistant as ABS
- No Mirror
- No TSA locks
Cons
- Xtra Velcro strap for the handle
- Movable dividers
- Large bottom compartment with removable tray
(Spacious enough for 1 mannequin head and room for a blow dryer) - spinner
- Soft oxford cloth lining NOT as easy to remove hair and lint
- The 2 pcs of the case can be separated. However, only one lid is included
- Problematic clasps
- No TSA locks
- 2nd lids so both pieces can be used independently
- Small mirror included
Soft-sided Stylist Travel Case materials:
1680D Nylon fabric/ aka Ballistic Nylon.
Ballistic nylon was originally used in the flak jackets during World War II, to protect airmen against debris from artillery. In the mid-1980s, 1680D (D =denier) made its debut in the travel industry. This tough-as-nails material has proven to be one of the most trusted and durable fabrics used in luggage manufacturing.
“When considering baggage material, ballistic nylon fits the bill for the regular traveler. If your bag is made from ballistic nylon, it can take a beating. Ballistic nylon’s “filament” yarn makes it a step smoother and stronger than common nylons like Cordura, which is less compact and features a rougher weave. The other major identifier of ballistic nylon is a two-ply weave, adding the extra stability needed to handle rough conditions. This durability and fine texture have made it a popular choice for business travelers”. Worldtraveler
I purchased a Samsonite soft-sided luggage set made of this stuff. It lasted me longer than the 5-year warranty.
Soft Sided Stylist’s Rolling Cases Compared
AW | ZÜCA | Kemier | |
|---|---|---|---|
dimensions | 18.9 x 14.2 x 30.7" | 19.5? x 10? x 13.5? | 13.75 x 9.5 x 20.5" |
Luggage size | Medium or 2pc | carry on | carry on |
Weight | 26.5 lbs | 12lbs | 12.4 lbs/4.5kg. |
color options | Black/Bright Blue | multiple | black only |
Max. Load Capacity | - | frame 300 lbs | - |
Handle Max. Hight | - | 41" | 45" |
Material | 1680D Nylon | 1000D ballistic | nylon |
Lining | - | - | Polyester Lining |
Style | - | serves as stool | - |
extras | - | 4-pouches | 6-pouches |
Cons
- Lots of compartments for small items
- Pullout drawers
- Water-resistant
- Detachable wheels
- Heavy
- Not a lot of room for large tools
Cons
- The entire bag is machine-washable and hand-washable.
- The incorporated seat that holds up to 300lbs
- Change cover to personalize your bag
- Comes with 0/2/4 clear plastic organizer pouches
- NO heat proof insulated lining for hot tools.
- No mirror
- No locks
Convert your ZÜCA into a mobile station with a seat cushion & side pouches
FAQ about ZÜCA
Question: Why is this pro-artist case more expensive than the sport ones?
Answer: It has a slimmer frame, so you can use it as a carry-on bag. It also comes with utility pouches and travel cover.
Question: What is the difference between the Pro Artist and Pro Travel?
Answer: The only difference between the Pro Artist and Pro Travel is the type of packing pouches inside. The Pro Artist roller bag contains clear vinyl packing pouches (better for liquids) and the Pro travel contains mesh packing pouches. The roller bag is the exact same on both.
Comes with seat cover but no seat cushion
Question: Do the wheels help when going upstairs?
Answer: Yes, the large double wheels help with stair climbing
- Includes: 6 individual organizer bags
- You can lock zippers with TSA lock (not included)
Mobile Workstations
Mobile workstations are like having a mini salon that fits inside your rolling travel case. This setup is a hairstylist best friend who wants to take their show on the road.
SHANY | Kemier | AW 26 Inch | AW Black | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dimensions | 31 x 18 x 14 | 15.8 x 8.6 x 20 | 27 x 18 x 9 | 16 x 8.5 x 20 |
Luggage size | large | carry on | medium | carry on |
Weight | 28 lbs | 33.1 lbs | 40 lbs | 29 lbs |
Color options | 6 colors | 4 colors | 1- black w/ pink trim | 2 colors |
Max. Load Capacity | - | - | 55.1 lbs | 66.1lbs |
Handle Max. Height | - | - | 43 inch | - |
Wheels | 2 in-line+2 small | spinner | spinner | 2 |
Material | ABS + Aluminum | Aluminum, steel corners | Aluminum alloy, PP, PVC lining | PVC+MDF+ aluminum |
Style | salon station | telescoping legs | telescoping legs | tabletop |
Hair Stylist's Mobile Stations
Cons
- Tons of storage
- Adjustable Mirror
- Can sit in front of it like a salon work station
- NO Holder for your blow dryer
- No outlet
- very heavy when fully loaded
- No lights or fan
- Durability issues
- Lighted mirror
- Legs (no table required)
- Hair dryer and hot tool holder (not shown)
- 110/220 volts (American plug)
- 6-3 watt LED bulb
- Dimmable
Cons
- A place for holding your hot tools (portable station)
- Legs (6 height adjustments)
- 6-3w LED lights
- Dimmer for lights
- Auxiliary outlet
- Dual Voltage: 110-250V
- Max. Output Power: 2400W
- Power Cord Length: 7 ft (2.4 m)
- Heavy (as a carry-on you need a different bag for products.)
Cons
- Lightest and Most affordable (of its class)
- International outlet
- Lighted Mirror 6-3w LED bulbs w/ dimmer
- Heat resistant
- Best for tools (no frills)
- Carry on size
- (Tabletop required) no legs
- No tray dividers
