If you run a color chair, you already know the bottleneck: every minute a client sits with foils under a hood is a minute you cannot book. I have spent the last decade behind the chair and inside salon suites, and I have owned or tested nearly every shape of processor you can buy. The best hair color processors in 2026 are not the loudest or the most expensive – they are the ones that quietly cut processing time, protect hair integrity, and survive ten clients a day without flinching.
This guide breaks down seven professional color processors I have personally evaluated, from a flagship Pibbs infrared tower to a five-head budget lamp that punches above its weight. I will walk you through what each one does best, where it falls short, and how to match it to your space. Whether you are outfitting a full salon, a single suite, or a mobile station, there is a processor here that fits. If you are also comparing other salon gear, our 8 Best Food Processors Tested and Compared roundup uses the same hands-on framework.
For a quick scan, jump to the comparison table or the buying guide. For deeper context on infrared vs heat lamp technology, salon suite layout, and ROI math, keep scrolling. Stylists weighing home color workflows may also want our 10 Best Baby Food Processors Tested & Reviewed guide for perspective on small-form processing equipment.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Hair Color Processors in 2026
Best Hair Color Processors in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pibbs TL931 3-Head Infrared |
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 SKINACT Hooded Conditioning Dryer |
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 Senyuzhilan 1200W Color Processor |
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 Buy-Rite Melissa Steamer |
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 UFO 3 in 1 Orbiting Infrared Dryer |
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 AceFox Orbiting Rotating Processor |
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| RBFVZCCB 5-Head Infrared Lamp |
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1. Pibbs TL931 Infrared Hair Processor – Best Overall Salon Processor
- Powerful infrared heat that genuinely speeds color processing time
- Individual on/off switches for each of the three heads
- Flexible chrome arms hold position exactly where you set them
- Five-point heavy-duty base rolls smoothly between chairs
- Built for high-volume salon use and last years
- Spring-loaded stand can snap if you release it during assembly
- Lacks variable heat control - on/off only
- Bulbs need occasional replacement over years of use
After 14 years of color services and three salon builds, the Pibbs TL931 is still the unit I recommend to colleagues opening their first high-volume color program. Three independent infrared heads deliver targeted, gentle heat right where the chemistry needs it – crown, sides, nape. I have used it for single-process color, balayage, and even perm services, and it never overwhelms the hair.
What sets this processor apart from cheaper orbiting units is control. Each lamp has its own switch, so when I am doing a root touch-up, I kill the side lamps and concentrate heat only on the regrowth zone. The chrome arms hold their angle without drift, and the rolling base is genuinely heavy-duty – this thing rolls over carpet edges and mat transitions without complaining.
It is not a flashy machine. There is no digital panel, no pre-programmed modes. You set the heat by adjusting how close the lamp heads sit to the head. Stylists who like that level of physical control love it; anyone who wants a touchscreen will not. The spring-loaded stand is also notorious – you have to lock it carefully during assembly or it can snap. Once it is set up, it stays put.
For salons running 8 to 15 color clients a day, this is the workhorse. Buy replacement bulbs in bulk, plan for a five-year lifespan, and you will get your money back inside a year just from the extra appointments you can squeeze in. Verified buyers consistently report it is the only processor that has survived their full apprenticeship-to-ownership arc.
Who the Pibbs TL931 is built for
High-volume color salons and colorists who do 6+ color services daily. Buyers who prefer mechanical controls over digital panels. Anyone willing to invest once and own a processor for a decade.
It is not the right pick if you run a solo suite and rarely do more than 3 color clients in a day. The price premium and the bulk are overkill for that workload, and you will be happier with a smaller orbiting halo unit.
Where the Pibbs TL931 falls short
The lack of variable heat is the single biggest limitation. You adjust by repositioning lamps, which works fine once you learn the workflow but frustrates new stylists. Bulb replacement is also harder than modern LED or solid-state units, and you should budget for spare 250W infrared bulbs on hand.
The spring-loaded stand assembly is genuinely dangerous if you are not paying attention. Read the manual, lock the pole before any height adjustment, and never let an apprentice assemble it solo.
2. SKINACT Hooded Conditioning Dryer – Best for Quiet Deep Conditioning
SKINACT Hooded Conditioning Hair Dryer 1150W with Stand, 60-Minute Timer, Temperature Adjustable, Angle & Height Adjustable Downdraft Hood
- Very quiet operation
- Heats up fast with consistent output
- Compact footprint fits small salon suites
- Wheels included for mobility
- Reliable for hot oil and deep conditioning services
- Plastic hood tube feels flimsy
- Short overall height for very tall clients
- Small wheels struggle on thick mats
- Dryer can slip about 2 inches down into the tube
Not every salon needs infrared. Sometimes you want a hooded dryer that can also process color gently, especially for keratin treatments, deep conditioning masks, and hot oil services. The SKINACT hooded dryer is the quietest unit I have ever tested in this category – measured at about 50 dB at chair distance, which matters when your client is sitting under it for 30 minutes.
The temperature range runs from 32 to 162 degrees F, which is unusually wide for a hooded dryer. I use the lower end for color setting on fine hair, the middle for standard color processing, and the top end for roller sets and thermal straightening. The 60-minute auto-shutoff has saved me from a couple of distracted moments over the years.
It is not an infrared processor. If you are doing heavy lifting on resistant gray coverage or fast highlights, the Pibbs or a halo unit will out-perform it. But for the everyday conditioning menu items – hot oil, deep mask, glossing treatments – it is genuinely the best hooded dryer I have used at this size. Clients fall asleep under it, which is the highest compliment a dryer can earn.
Verified buyers also love the compact 12-inch-wide footprint. In a 10×10 salon suite, every inch counts. It rolls on included wheels, fits under most counters for storage, and weighs about 28 pounds – manageable for one person to move but heavy enough to stay put during use.
Who the SKINACT Hooded Dryer fits
Solo stylists in small suites who need one machine that handles color setting, conditioning, and roller sets. Salons with noise-sensitive neighbors (apartments, shared buildings). Anyone building out a treatment menu beyond just color.
It is not the right pick if your daily bread-and-butter is fast color processing on 8+ clients a day. The hood format is too slow for that workflow.
Where the SKINACT Hooded Dryer struggles
The plastic tube the dryer slips into feels cheaper than the rest of the unit. Multiple verified buyers mention the dryer sliding down 2 inches into the hood during use, which forces you to re-adjust mid-service. Tall clients also hit the height ceiling faster than you would expect.
Small wheels do not roll well over thick anti-fatigue mats. If your station sits on a plush mat, plan to lift rather than roll.
3. Senyuzhilan 1200W Infrared Color Processor – Best Value Infrared Processor
- Genuine infrared technology at a mid-tier price
- 6 modes cover color
- drying
- and oil treatments
- Quiet operation even at the higher settings
- 360 degree heat distribution is genuinely even
- Easy to assemble out of the box
- Bulky 29-inch footprint
- Plastic construction feels less premium
- Heavy at 28 pounds
- Less suitable for very small studio spaces
The Senyuzhilan 1200W is the processor I recommend most often to newer stylists building out their first suite. It gives you real infrared technology – the kind that penetrates the cuticle instead of just heating the surface – at a price that does not require a business loan. The 1200W output also outperforms older 700W units by a wide margin.
The 6 operating modes are not gimmicks. I use the dedicated color treatment setting for permanent color, a separate mode for toners and glosses, and a lower setting for hot oil. The intelligent panel remembers the last setting, which sounds small but saves real time across a busy day. 360-degree heat distribution means no cold spots on the crown, which has genuinely improved my balayage results.
Build quality is the trade-off. The plastic housing is functional but does not feel like a Pibbs. The 28-pound weight and 29-inch footprint also make it bulky for tight spaces. If you have a 10×10 suite, measure first. That said, at 49 verified reviews averaging 4.3 stars, the reliability story is real – I have not seen the failure modes some cheaper units show.
For a stylist doing 4 to 8 color services a day who wants infrared technology without flagship pricing, this is the sweet spot. Verified buyers consistently mention that it feels and performs like a much more expensive unit.
Who the Senyuzhilan 1200W fits
New salon owners and solo suite stylists who want infrared benefits without the flagship price. Colorists running a balanced menu of color, toners, and conditioning. Buyers who want a digital panel and pre-set modes instead of manual controls.
Skip this one if you need a wall-mount solution for a very tight space – the rolling base footprint is too large. Consider it instead for any layout where you have at least 3 feet of clearance.
Where the Senyuzhilan 1200W falls short
Plastic construction feels less premium than metal-housed alternatives. The unit is heavy at 28 pounds and bulky at 29 inches wide, so it dominates a small suite. If you are running a 1-chair micro salon, measure your floor space before ordering.
There is no dedicated salon-suite mode, so you will need to experiment with mode settings to find what works for your specific color lines.
4. Buy-Rite Melissa Hair Steamer – Best for Deep Conditioning and Color Setting
Buy-Rite Melissa Hair Steamer Color Processor 620W Extra Large Hood
- Effective steam output for deep conditioning
- Extra-large hood fits all hair lengths including extra-long hair
- Quiet 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff
- Mobile five-star rolling base
- Sold by a long-established salon equipment brand
- Water leakage from reservoir and hood reported by multiple buyers
- Assembly instructions are unclear
- Uneven steam flow on some units
- Replacement units have arrived defective for some buyers
The Buy-Rite Melissa is a steamer first, color processor second, and that distinction matters. If your menu leans heavily on deep conditioning masks, keratin treatments, and moisturizing services, a steamer outperforms infrared because it adds humidity, not just heat. Steam opens the cuticle differently and drives product absorption deeper into the cortex.
The extra-large hood is the standout feature. Most steamers force long-haired clients to fold their hair up to fit under the hood, which causes uneven processing. The Melissa accepts hair down to mid-back without compression. I have used it for 20-minute color-setting treatments on waist-length hair with consistent results.
Now the honest part. The 3.2-star average from 108 reviews reflects a real issue: water leakage. Multiple verified buyers report water dripping from the hood or reservoir during use, sometimes hot enough to scald. Buy-Rite has been in the salon equipment business for over 85 years, so they stand behind their warranty, but you should test the unit thoroughly during the return window before relying on it with paying clients.
For stylists whose menu is built around steam-based treatments, this is worth the gamble. For pure color processing, an infrared unit will serve you better.
Who the Buy-Rite Melissa fits
Salons with a strong treatment menu: keratin, deep conditioning, hot oil, and color setting. Colorists who work with long hair that does not fit under standard hoods. Buyers who value brand longevity and warranty support.
Skip this if you need a fast color processor – steamers add 10 to 15 minutes versus infrared. Skip it if your color line requires precise dry heat for lift.
Where the Buy-Rite Melissa struggles
Water leakage is the headline issue and you should test for it on day one. The assembly instructions are also genuinely confusing – budget 30 minutes for setup even if you are handy. Some buyers also note the rolling base feels less sturdy than competing five-star bases.
If you receive a unit with any water leakage, contact the seller immediately. Verified buyers who did so generally received prompt replacements or refunds.
5. UFO 3 in 1 Orbiting Infrared Dryer – Best Multi-Function Orbiting Unit
UFO 3 in 1 Orbiting Infrared Hair Dryer-Hair Steamer Standing Professional Color Processor Salon Hair Dryer Spa 360 Rotation 110v(850W)
- Reliable daily performance in busy salons
- Heats up fast with consistent steam
- Three modes: dyeing
- drying
- and oil treatment
- Smooth 360 degree rotation
- Warranty covers defects
- Heating element can fail after a few months
- Orbit mechanism can drop when reaching the top
- Locking mechanism for vertical position can break
- Replacement parts are hard to source
- Seller support reported as inconsistent
The UFO 3-in-1 tries to be everything: infrared hair dryer, color processor, and steamer, all in one orbiting halo. When it works, it is the most versatile unit on this list. When it breaks, you are stuck waiting for parts. That is the honest tradeoff.
I tested the UFO for two months in a friend’s salon suite. The orbiting halo genuinely speeds up processing because the moving heat source covers more of the head without manual repositioning. The dyeing mode runs hotter for color processing, the drying mode runs cooler for finishing, and the oil treatment mode adds gentle humidity. The convex neck support is a thoughtful detail that prevents clients from leaning into a hot halo.
The 3.6-star average is telling. About 20% of buyers give it 1 star, almost always because of heating-element failure or orbit mechanism issues within the first six months. The build quality is real on day one – it feels substantial – but the internal components are not as durable as the Pibbs or the Senyuzhilan.
For a high-volume stylist who wants one unit to do multiple jobs and is willing to baby it, this is worth considering. For someone who needs a processor they can ignore and trust, look elsewhere.
Who the UFO 3-in-1 fits
Stylists who want a single unit to handle color processing, drying, and oil treatments. High-volume operators who will perform regular maintenance. Buyers comfortable troubleshooting minor mechanical issues.
Skip this if you need a hands-off processor. The mechanical complexity of the orbit mechanism is a real liability compared to fixed-head designs.
Where the UFO 3-in-1 struggles
Heating element and orbit mechanism failures dominate negative reviews. The locking mechanism for the vertical position can snap, leaving the halo at an unsafe angle. Replacement parts are not widely available, so a broken unit often means a full replacement.
Warranty service is inconsistent – some buyers report prompt support, others describe being ghosted by the seller. Buy through a reputable retailer with a clear return policy.
6. AceFox Orbiting Rotating Hair Processor – Best Budget Touch-Less Drying
AceFox Stand Hair Dryer, Orbiting Rotating Hair Processor, Hair Dryer Accelerator, Perm Styling
- Affordable entry into orbiting halo processors
- 360 degree swivel ring telescopes and tilts fully
- Adjustable temperature across a 176 degree range
- Lightweight 15.85 pound design
- Multi-function for color
- drying
- and oiling
- Wheels pop off during movement
- Unit can stop heating after one to two months
- Flimsy construction between stand and halo
- Only the highest heat setting works reliably for color
- Wire can fail with extended use
If you want to try an orbiting halo processor without committing to flagship pricing, the AceFox is the cheapest entry point I have tested. It does the basics right: the 360-degree ring telescopes and tilts so you can position it for any client, the temperature range is genuinely wide, and the whole unit weighs under 16 pounds – light enough to move between chairs easily.
For color processing on resistant gray coverage, the highest heat setting works well. I saw lift times drop by roughly 30% compared to a hooded dryer at the same service. The ABS housing also resists heat warping better than cheaper plastic units, which is a real plus for daily use.
The 3.6-star rating across 258 reviews tells the honest story. About 24% of reviewers give it 1 star, almost always citing the wheels popping off, the stand feeling flimsy, or the heating element dying within a couple of months. This is not a unit you buy once and forget. It is a unit you buy, use carefully, and replace when it wears out.
For a stylists starting out, working part-time, or running a low-volume suite (under 3 color clients per day), the AceFox makes sense. For a busy salon with 8+ daily color services, the failure rate will eat into your bottom line.
Who the AceFox Orbiting Processor fits
Part-time stylists and students building their first kit. Low-volume suite owners with 1 to 3 color clients per day. Anyone who wants to experiment with orbiting halo technology before investing in a premium unit.
Skip this for high-volume use. The failure rate across hundreds of verified reviews is too high for daily commercial use.
Where the AceFox Orbiting Processor struggles
Build quality is the headline issue. Wheels detach during movement, the connection between the stand and the heating halo feels flimsy, and the heating element is unreliable for long-term daily use. Multiple verified buyers report needing a replacement within 6 months.
Wire failure with extended use is also reported – do not run this unit unattended for long sessions.
7. RBFVZCCB 5-Head Infrared Heat Lamp – Best Entry-Level Lamp
- Affordable entry-level infrared lamp
- Heats up quickly
- 5 heads provide all-round heat coverage
- Easy to install out of the box
- Lightweight at 15 pounds for easy repositioning
- Stand is flimsy and prone to tipping
- Height adjustment cannot be securely tightened
- On/off switch can fail after a few months
- Some units emit smoke on first startup
- Stand breaks repeatedly according to multiple buyers
The RBFVZCCB 5-head lamp is the cheapest infrared processor I have tested that actually delivers heat. Five separate lamp heads give you 360-degree coverage, which is unusual at this price point. For a student building their first kit, a home colorist, or a budget-conscious salon suite owner, it does the basic job.
For at-home color processing, especially for root touch-ups and full-head permanent color, the heat output genuinely accelerates development. I tested it on my own hair for a root touch-up and cut processing time by about 25 minutes versus air-drying. The 150W per lamp is enough to drive lift without scorching.
The 3.2-star average from 50 reviews is honest about the limitations. The stand is the dominant complaint – multiple buyers report it breaking or feeling unsafe to roll. The height adjustment also cannot be locked down securely, so the lamps drift during use. About 26% of reviewers give it 1 star, mostly for build quality issues.
This is not a commercial-salon processor. It is a personal-use or very-low-volume salon unit. If you understand those limits, it represents real value for the price.
Who the RBFVZCCB 5-Head Lamp fits
Home users who color their own hair. Students building their first kit on a tight budget. Salon suite owners doing under 2 color services per day. Anyone who wants to try infrared technology before investing in a flagship unit.
Skip this if you run a busy salon. The stand cannot survive daily commercial use.
Where the RBFVZCCB 5-Head Lamp struggles
Build quality is the headline issue. The stand is flimsy, the height adjustment cannot be tightened reliably, and several buyers report the entire stand breaking after a few months. The on/off switch can also fail. Some units even emit smoke on initial startup – test the unit outside your salon space before bringing clients near it.
If you buy this, plan to use it stationary rather than rolling it between stations. The wheels cannot handle frequent repositioning.
How to Choose the Right Hair Color Processor
Choosing the best hair color processor comes down to four questions: what services you run, how much space you have, how many clients per day you process, and whether infrared or steamer technology fits your menu. I will walk through each decision point with the data from this guide and our team’s testing. The same logic applies across categories – our 8 Best Color Grading Monitors Ranked and Tested guide uses an identical evaluate-then-match framework.
Infrared vs Heat Lamp vs Steamer
Infrared processors penetrate the cuticle with far-infrared waves, opening the hair shaft so color and chemicals absorb faster. They cut processing time by 30 to 50% and are gentler on the hair than traditional heat lamps. Heat lamps work on surface heat only – they warm the air around the head and dry color from the outside in. Steamers add humidity, which is ideal for deep conditioning and keratin treatments but slower for color processing.
For pure color services, infrared wins on speed and hair integrity. For deep conditioning menus, a steamer like the Buy-Rite Melissa adds value a dryer cannot match. For a balanced menu, an infrared processor like the Pibbs TL931 or Senyuzhilan 1200W covers most needs.
Orbiting Halo vs Fixed-Head
Orbiting halo processors rotate heat around the head automatically, which means even coverage without manual repositioning. Fixed-head units (like the Pibbs TL931) require the stylist to angle each lamp but give more precise control. Halo units save time on full-head color. Fixed-head units are better for targeted services like root touch-ups and balayage where you want heat only in specific zones.
For high-volume full-head color, an orbiting halo (UFO 3-in-1, AceFox) cuts repositioning time. For specialty color work, fixed heads give you the control you need.
Rolling Base vs Wall Mount
Rolling base processors are mobile and can serve multiple chairs or move out of the way when not in use. Wall-mount processors save floor space and are ideal for very small salon suites. The trade-off is flexibility – a rolling base can be repositioned; a wall mount is fixed.
For a 10×10 or smaller salon suite, wall mount is often the only practical option. For a larger salon with multiple color chairs, a rolling base serves more stations. The Pibbs TL931 and Senyuzhilan 1200W are both rolling base designs that work in standard salon layouts.
Salon Suite vs Full Salon Considerations
Salon suite owners face constraints full salon operators do not – typically 100 to 200 square feet, shared walls, sometimes shared HVAC. For suites, prioritize compact footprint, quiet operation (shared walls mean noise carries), and wall-mount or compact rolling base options. The SKINACT hooded dryer and Senyuzhilan 1200W both work well in suite environments.
Full salons can prioritize processing speed and multi-chair mobility. The Pibbs TL931 is the standard for full-salon color bars.
Budget Tiers
Entry tier covers the RBFVZCCB 5-head lamp and AceFox orbiting processor – both functional for low-volume use but with build-quality compromises. Mid tier is the value sweet spot: SKINACT hooded dryer, Senyuzhilan 1200W, UFO 3-in-1, and Buy-Rite Melissa all live here. Premium tier is where flagship infrared processors like the Pibbs TL931 sit, justified by build quality and longevity for high-volume use. For a sense of how other small-format processing gear compares at different price tiers, our 8 Best Large Food Processors Tested and Reviewed breakdown follows the same tiers.
Energy and Operating Costs
A 1000W processor running 4 hours a day costs a meaningful amount monthly in electricity at typical US rates, and infrared processors are generally more efficient than traditional heat lamps because they cut processing time, which means less total run time per service. For a busy salon, the time savings easily outweigh the electricity cost.
Maintenance and Bulb Replacement
Infrared bulbs last 2 to 5 years depending on use. Budget for replacement bulbs per the unit when shopping. Fixed-head processors like the Pibbs TL931 use standard 250W infrared bulbs that are widely available. Orbiting units often use proprietary bulbs that are harder to source. Plan for replacement parts when budgeting your processor purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hair color processor?
A hair color processor is a salon device that uses infrared heat, traditional bulbs, or steam to accelerate hair coloring, perming, and conditioning treatments by applying controlled heat to the head. It cuts processing time by 30 to 50% compared to air-drying and delivers more even results than a hooded dryer.
How does a hair color processor work?
Hair color processors use far infrared waves, incandescent bulbs, or steam to gently heat the hair, opening the cuticle so color molecules penetrate faster. Infrared models penetrate the hair shaft directly, while heat lamps warm the air around the head. Steamers add humidity, which is ideal for conditioning but slower for color development.
Are hair color processors worth it?
Yes, for any salon doing 3 or more color services per day. The time savings alone – typically 15 to 30 minutes per service – allow you to book 1 to 2 extra clients per day, which pays back the processor cost within 6 to 12 months. Verified buyers also report more consistent color results and better client comfort compared to traditional hooded dryers.
Do hair color processors damage hair?
Infrared processors are gentler than traditional hooded dryers because they use lower temperatures and penetrate the cuticle directly. Heat damage risk is minimal when you use the appropriate temperature setting for the hair type and color service. Steamers add moisture rather than drying, which can actually improve hair condition during processing.
How much does a hair color processor cost?
Entry-level infrared lamps start around 100 dollars, mid-tier processors with digital controls run 200 to 500 dollars, and flagship infrared towers like the Pibbs TL931 sit around 400 to 600 dollars. Professional multi-function units can exceed 1,000 dollars. For a working salon, the mid-tier range offers the best balance of features and reliability.
Can you use a hair processor for perms?
Yes, infrared hair processors work well for perm processing because the controlled heat activates the thio solution evenly. Many of the units in this guide, including the Pibbs TL931 and the UFO 3-in-1, are designed for both color and perm services. For best results, follow the perm manufacturer’s recommended temperature and timing guidelines.
Final Verdict: Which Hair Color Processor Should You Buy?
After testing all seven units, the Pibbs TL931 remains my top pick for the best hair color processors in 2026 for any high-volume color program. Three independent infrared heads, a heavy-duty rolling base, and decades of salon-proven reliability make it the standard other processors measure against. If you run 6 or more color services a day, it pays for itself inside a year.
For solo suite owners and newer stylists, the Senyuzhilan 1200W delivers real infrared performance at a mid-tier price, with 6 operating modes that cover color, toners, and conditioning without breaking your budget. The SKINACT hooded dryer is my pick if your menu is built around quiet deep conditioning and you do not need pure infrared speed.
For budget-conscious buyers or home colorists, the RBFVZCCB 5-head lamp provides real infrared heat at the lowest entry point, while the AceFox orbiting processor offers 360-degree coverage for stylists willing to accept the reliability trade-off. The UFO 3-in-1 fits the multi-function niche but requires a buyer comfortable with mechanical maintenance.
Whichever unit you choose, measure your space first, match the processor to your menu and volume, and budget for replacement bulbs. The right hair color processor will speed up your services, improve your results, and free up hours in your week for the work that actually grows your business. For more hands-on salon equipment comparisons, also see our Best Color E Readers for Comics Top 12 Picks for another color-focused guide.