Hi Missy- One tool you should look into is a clipper. In a recent issue of MODERN, Ivan Zoot from Andis talked about finding the right one. Here's what he had to say: “First, quality. A great tool will come from a company with a long-standing reputation for building, selling to and supporting the cosmetology industry. Next, appropriateness to the job at hand. Heavy-duty, classic barbering requires a vastly different tool than creative, contemporary ladies’ clipper scupture. Similarly, a clipper should fit both your hand and the effect you wish to create. Clippering over the top of the head is easier and more comfortable with a lighter, smaller tool; barber tapering is easier with a larger, heavier tool. Check, he says, for a variety of premium features-adjustable blades, cord/cordless operation, soft grip housings, LED illumination and a complete array of accessories like snap-on guards and clipper oil—as well a professional-level educational support and customer service, including a comprehensive warranty. The clipper should be durable. “Nylon housings, ceramic cutter blades and strong but flexible cords are examples of features that will keep a tool working as hard as you do,” he says."
Hope this helps with at least one tool. Maybe some other stylists have some answers on what to look for with other tools.
Melissa