Starting your own business within the beauty industry is no easy feat. Salons in particular have their own unique requirements. There are several pieces of equipment that you’ll need to purchase before you open your doors.
Mirror, Mirror
You and your staff need to be able to assess your work as you color and cut. Customers wouldn’t mind knowing what’s going on either. Assess the salon’s layout first. It’s best to have one or two large mirrors if you’re pressed for space. This gives the illusion of a bigger salon. Otherwise you can mount a decently-sized mirror at each chair. Each mirror also needs a good frame. This also depends on the salon aesthetic: a rustic space could do well with wooden frames, whereas a more clean and polished look should probably have simple black frames.
Light it Up
Proper lighting is critical for a salon and also requires a careful formula. Lighting should allow staff to accurately mix color but shouldn’t make clients feel like they’re under a microscope. The sweet spot is in the mid range. Warm lighting is flattering on everyone and won’t distort the appearance of hair dyes. Any cooler or brighter can make clients uncomfortable. Go with the Color Rendering Index (CRI) of a bulb. The ideal bulbs should have a CRI between 80 and 85. You will get the best reading of a hair dye this way.
The Perfect Furniture
Salon furniture makes the space. Clients are going to spend a lot of time sitting so you need to make sure that all of the chairs are comfortable. Good storage supports both stylists and the salon as a whole. You can get shampoo cabinets, styling cabinets, or a variety of trolleys. Remind staff to tuck away their tools and other supplies as much as possible.
The Practical Side
Clients come to the salon for an escape but at the end of the day it’s still a business. Decide on what your salon policies will be. One consideration is how much to charge clients for late or no-shows. Many salons also require clients to disclose their health history just for the safety of all involved. The protocol around tipping can be another sticky situation. It’s up to you to decide whether to accept only cash gratuities or have clients use their credit cards.
Start up costs may seem intimidating but you should remember that it’s all part of investing in your business and its success.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
