There’s no hotter celebrity hairstylist right now than Rena Calhoun. Born and raised in LA, Calhoun trained at the Vidal Sassoon Academy, cutting her teeth assisting Tom Brophy and Adir Abergel before going out on her own. And when she did? Wow! Calhoun has cultivated an impressive roster of clients that includes Hollywood’s coolest — we’re talking Mikey Madison, Hunter Schafer, Nava Mau, Devery Jacobs, Beatrice Grannò and more — and created work that’s adored by millions whether on the red carpet, editorial spreads or ‘Saturday Night Live.’
Below, is what’s actually in Calhoun’s kit.
Virtue Labs – Volumizing Primer
This is truly one of the most versatile products in my kit. Not only does it act as a volumizer, but it also serves as a foundation builder, creating memory and long-lasting hold without leaving behind any sticky or crunchy residue. I find myself reaching for this spray on nearly every client, using it in a variety of ways. Most commonly, I apply it at the roots for lift and mist it lightly through the mid-lengths and ends to enhance hold. It’s also incredibly effective for sculpting and shaping; I’ll often spray it on and use a diffuser to lock styles into place. With so many uses, this spray is an essential tool for effortlessly controlling and manipulating the hair.
Oribe Super Fine Strong Hair Spray
This is hands-down the only hairspray I fully trust not to let me down. I’m usually pretty light-handed with product, but no matter how much of this I use, it never flakes, never leaves a weird residue, and always brushes out like it was never there. That’s a huge deal, especially on shoots or jobs where I need to switch up looks throughout the day. I need something that gives serious hold but can disappear in an instant when it’s time for a change, and this one delivers every single time.
RŌZ – Santa Lucia Styling Oil
This is the most gorgeous lightweight hair oil! It gives the hair that rich, lustrous look without ever feeling heavy. I love using it as a finishing touch when I want that silky, polished finish. It’s even light enough to smooth flyaways around the part or hairline without leaving any greasy shine. Just a little goes a long way, and it always makes the hair look effortlessly polished.
Bumble and bumble. Dryspun Texture Spray
Great for when I need a bit of grip and light hold, especially on silkier hair textures that can be tricky to work with. It’s perfect for when I want to break up the texture and add a little lived-in feel without weighing the hair down. I love giving the hair a generous spray before working it into an undone updo or any style that’s meant to feel soft, effortless, and a little bit imperfect, in the best way. It gives just enough control to shape and mold the look, while still keeping everything looking touchable and natural.
Redken Max Sculptung Gel
Another high-hold hero that never ever flakes! I’m obsessed with the control this gel gives me. It sets hair in place beautifully, but what I really love is how flexible it is. Even once it’s dried down, a bit of water reactivates it, making it super easy to reshape or restyle without buildup. It’s the perfect balance of strong hold and workability.
R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste
For me, versatility is everything. When you’re on set or prepping a client for the red carpet, you never know what last-minute change might pop up, and having products that can do more than one thing is a total lifesaver. This one’s a standout I reach for all the time. It’s the perfect hybrid of a dry shampoo and a pomade. It absorbs oil, making the hair feel fresh and weightless, but because it also has that pomade element, I can use it to shape, define, and rework the hair with total control. It’s the kind of product that adapts to whatever the moment calls for.
Ibiza Boar Bristle Brush EX4
I’ve had the same round brush for nearly a decade, and honestly, I have no plans to replace it anytime soon. It’s one of those rare tools that just gets better with time. At this point, it’s become a total safety net for me, something I can always count on. The handle is super comfortable to work with, and the bristles give the perfect amount of tension, no matter the hair type. It’s reliable, durable, and an absolute staple in my kit.
Hongo Beuy Pro 107 Comb
This is another one of those tools that makes me feel like I could never use anything else. The fine teeth give me the control I need when precision matters, and the wide teeth are perfect for when I want a bit more ease and flexibility. It’s just perfectly balanced. Honestly, there’s no better comb, I probably have at least four or five of them on me at all times!
Hot Tools Pro 24K Gold Marcel Iron
I’ve always loved working with a Marcel iron, it gives me so much more control over how much heat or tension I’m applying to the hair. It’s all about that precision. These are the irons I learned to curl and set hair with, and they’ve been my go-to ever since. No matter how many new tools come out, I’ll always come back to my Marcels, they just feel good in my hands.
Y.S. Park Backstage Collection Pins
These U-pins are incredibly durable but still super comfortable for my clients. The ridged texture gives them just the right grip, so they stay put without sliding around. They come in a range of shades to blend seamlessly with different hair colors, and honestly, they’re so reliable I can’t even remember the last time I reached for a classic bobby pin.
