Starting a salon is no doubt an exciting and rewarding venture. In order to make sure it goes off without a hitch, you’ve got to start off with the right salon essentials. If you’re compiling a list of everything you need and want to check off the bare essentials, start with the list below courtesy of the salon equipment pros at Minerva. We’re here to help you kickstart a successful salon business that reflects your style.
1. Salon Stations — Your salon stations are a huge part of the overall aesthetic and vibe of your business, so you want to make sure you choose a design and style that contributes to the feel you’re aiming for. At the same time, your stations need to be functional and easy to maintain so they consistently look clean and tidy. A good station should have the following components.
- Full Salon Stations — Purchasing a full-on salon station is a great way to ensure that you have enough storage for all your stylist’s needs. Ample storage helps your stylists stay organized and provides plenty of space for their tools and personal items.
- Salon Mirrors — You can either select a complete salon station with a connecting mirror or mix and match for a more custom aesthetic. Either way, make sure to choose a large mirror that doesn’t distort the visuals to ensure that you and your customers can see properly.
- Salon Chairs — You want to make sure your styling chairs are comfortable enough that your guests don’t mind sitting in them for long periods of time during their stay. If you're leaning towards a lighter color vinyl for your salon chairs, you may want to consider choosing a chair that can be paired with a custom styling chair cover.
- Carts and Trolleys — Make the most out of your space with rolling salon carts and trolleys that hold all of your essentials. The right carts can help you stay neat and organized while cutting, coloring and styling.
- Anti-Fatigue Mats — Trust us, being on your feet all day can take a serious toll, causing chronic issues like inflammation and varicose veins. However, providing your employees with anti-fatigue mats may alleviate some of the stress on the feet, legs and backs.
2. Shampoo Stations — Make sure you have a comfortable shampoo system set up to ensure employee convenience and guest comfort. Choosing the right shampoo system will also help you create the ideal aesthetic for your salon while making cleaning and maintenance even easier.
3. Reception Desk and Chairs — The reception area is the first thing your guests see when they walk into your salon, so it needs to be welcoming and impactful. Make sure you choose stylish reception area furniture and create an entryway that commands attention. Choose waiting room chairs that are comfortable and relaxed so your guests don’t get antsy while waiting.
4. Towels — As an owner, you’ll go through more salon towels than you ever thought possible. In addition to picking out the right towels — go for ones that are soft, low-maintenance and absorbent — make sure you have a plan for stocking and laundering your towels to keep things sanitary. There are two types of towels to consider
- Traditional cotton towels, which may be more affordable over time and may be more eco-friendly.
- Biodegradable disposable towels, which may be more sanitary and reduce time and cost of laundry.
5. Hair Dryers and Processors — Your salon should be well-equipped with both hand hair dryers as well as hooded dryers, steamers and hair color processors to help make services more efficient and to ensure your clients are comfortable and situated for the entirety of their visit. Hair processing equipment comes in a wide variety of styles to suit your specific needs, from rolling options to wall-mounted styles that save space.
This list is by no means comprehensive. To get your salon up and running, you’ll need to reference our complete salon supply checklist and read our step-by-step guide to opening a salon. At Minerva, we do more than just provide you with top-notch salon equipment. We also support you in your entrepreneurial journey so you can start a salon that becomes a fixture in your community.