Salon Supply Checklist: What You Need to Get Started

If you’re in the process of opening a salon, it can feel a bit overwhelming to say the least. From your salon stations and décor to all the legal nitty-gritties, there’s a lot to do and a lot to order. With that being said, when you partner with a reliable supplier like Minerva Beauty, you’re setting yourself up for success and simplifying the process. Use our salon supply checklist to stay stocked and on top of things.

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Legal, Signage and Licensing

As you know, owning a salon comes with some liability and there are a lot of rules and regulations that govern our industry. But as long as you closely follow the rules and regulations set forth by your state’s licensing board, you can operate in a way that’s completely compliant.  For example, in Texas, you must post a “Stop Human Trafficking” poster and a reporting complaints poster in your salon. Be sure you post your licensure, awards and certifications on the wall in a cute frame and stay up to code on all signage and postings. 

• State cosmetology license for all practitioners
• All signage and posters according to state law
• Mask regulation signage
• Social distancing floor stickers and signs
• Disinfectant and cleaning records charts
• A list of health and safety rules
• Hand-washing and sanitizing signage

Note: This list is by no means comprehensive. Always be sure to reference your state board’s requirements about signage and licensing. 

Styling, Cutting and Coloring

Your salon stations have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of your business, so choose your components in a style that honors your overall vibe and mission. In addition to style, you need to think about efficiency, comfort and organization when designing your salon stations. Here are the essentials.

• Styling stations
• Styling chairs
• Booster seats
• Anti-fatigue mats
• Carts and trolleys
• Cutting and technical stools
• Highlighting foil
• Eye-Vac Electronic Dustpan
• Styling tools

General Styling Supplies

Our general supplies category includes those essential styling tools and other basics required for providing your guests with the best possible service.

• Brushes and combs
• Styling tools
• Clippers
• Shears
• Shear care set
• Tail combs
• Cutting combs
• Round brushes
• Finishing brushes
• Styling brushes
• Paddle brushes
• Hair dryers
• Curling irons
• Straighteners
• Sectioning clips
• Towels
• Shaving razors
• Razor blades
• Color and processing storage

Shampooing and Processing

Your shampoo bowl area should not only serve a purpose — to help you provide the best possible service to your customers — but should also contribute to the overall style and feel of the salon. Aim for a comfortable, high-end look but choose components that are designed for stylist efficiency and ease of use. 

Shampoo Area

• Shampoo systems
• Anti-fatigue shampoo mats
• Towels — regular or disposable
• Carts or trolleys
• Hot towel cabinets

Processing Area

• Color processors
• Hooded dryers
• Dryer chairs
• Other seating

Blowouts/Makeup/Lashes/Brows

• Additional styling chairs
• All-purpose chair for makeup/lashes

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Reception Area

Remember, your salon reception area is the first thing people see when they walk in your business, so it has to make a good first impression. It should be comfortable enough for your guests to enjoy while they wait while also being practical and easy to clean for your employees. Don’t forget to take advantage of this space to build out an attractive product display to help encourage guests to purchase those high-margin retail items. 

• Front desk
• Retail shelving
• Reception seating

Cleaning Supplies

Having the proper salon cleaning supplies in your arsenal is crucial to your business’s success. Not only does it keep your salon compliant and up to code, but it also helps make guests feel welcome and at home.

• Barbicide
• Ship-Shape
• UV Sanitizers
• Cleaner
• Eye-Vac Electronic Dustpan
• Disinfectant spray
• Disinfectant wipes
• Disinfectant concentrate
• Spray bottles for cleaners
• Disinfectant jars for tools
• Antimicrobial soap
• Glass cleaner
• Disposable gloves
• Disposable face masks
• Disposable towels
• Paper towels
• Brooms
• Vacuums
• Surface cleaners
• Hand sanitizer
• Glass cleaner
• Trash cans
• Cleaning towels
• Comb and brush cleaner

Other Essentials

Don’t forget these extras!

• Aprons, capes and other apparel
• Lighting
• Styling tools

A lot goes into opening up a salon, but as long as you reference this list and go through category by category, you’ll be ready for your first rush in no time!