Beauty Salon Set Up: 20 Must-Have Salon Equipment

Beauty Salon Set Up: 20 Must-Have Salon Equipment

Setting up a beauty salon involves much more than just finding a good location and hiring talented staff. It requires meticulous planning, especially when it comes to selecting the right equipment that not only enhances the services offered but also ensures efficiency and client satisfaction. If you are opening a beauty salon in Australia and looking for salon equipment, then this guide is for you. We'll delve into a comprehensive checklist of essential salon equipment, crucial for anyone looking to establish a modern beauty salon in 2024.

Beauty Salon Set Up: A Complete Salon Equipment Checklist

Here is a complete checklist to setup a beauty salon: 

  1. All-in-One Salon POS: An integrated system that manages appointments, sales, inventory, and client records.
  2. Styling Chairs: Comfortable, adjustable chairs for hair cutting and styling.
  3. Shampoo Bowls: Ergonomic and adjustable for washing hair.
  4. Hair Dryers and Diffusers: Essential for hair styling and treatments.
  5. Styling Stations: Includes mirrors, storage, and countertop space for tools.
  6. Barber Chairs: For men's grooming services.
  7. Hair Steamers: Enhances hair treatments and colour processing.
  8. Salon Trolleys and Carts: For easy access to tools and products.
  9. Reception Desk: Welcoming area for greeting clients.
  10. Waiting Area Furniture: Comfortable seating for clients waiting for their appointments.
  11. Beauty Beds: For facials, waxing, and other beauty treatments.
  12. Nail Technician Tables: Designed for manicure and nail art services.
  13. Pedicure Chairs: With built-in basins for foot treatments.
  14. Towel Warmers and Sterilizers: For hygiene and comfort.
  15. Utility Sink: Necessary for cleaning and filling shampoo bowls.
  16. Product Display Shelves: To showcase retail products.
  17. Salon Lighting: Includes task lighting and ambient lighting.
  18. Security System: Cameras and alarms for safety and security.
  19. Air Purifier and Ventilation System: Ensures a clean and fresh environment.
  20. Laundry Equipment: For washing and drying salon towels and robes.

checklist for beauty salon setup

20 Essential Beauty Salon Equipment for 2024

1. All-in-One Salon POS System: 

A cornerstone of modern salon management, combining sales, scheduling, and inventory management in one platform.

Trend: The trend is towards cloud-based systems that offer not just POS capabilities but also advanced features like online booking, customer relationship management (CRM), and marketing tools. These systems can provide insights into business performance and customer preferences, helping salons tailor their offerings.

Where to Aquire: 

POSApt: Offers a comprehensive beauty salon POS tailored for salons, including appointment scheduling, sales, inventory, and client management.

Mindbody: Specialises in salon and spa management software with robust scheduling, POS, and marketing features.

2. Styling Chairs: 

Adjustable and comfortable, they provide a base for a wide range of hair services.

Trend: There's a move towards more ergonomically designed chairs that provide better support and comfort for clients during long sessions. Additionally, customizable chairs that can match the salon's aesthetic are becoming popular.

Where to Aquire: 

Belvedere: Known for high-quality and durable salon and barber chairs with a range of styles.

Takara Belmont: Offers a wide selection of premium styling and barber chairs, famous for their comfort and durability.

3. Shampoo Bowls: 

An ergonomic design minimises strain on both the stylist and the client during hair washing.

Trend: The latest trend is towards adjustable and portable shampoo bowls that can accommodate clients of different heights and provide comfort for both the client and the stylist. Some models now include massaging features.

Where to Aquire: 

Collins Manufacturing Company: Offers high-quality salon equipment, including ergonomic and stylish shampoo bowls.

4. Hair Dryers and Diffusers: 

Hair dryers and diffusers are the most important equipment for hair salons. A variety of dryers and diffusers cater to different hair types and styles.

Trend: Ionic and ceramic hair dryers that reduce drying time and protect hair from heat damage are in demand. Additionally, smart dryers with adjustable heat settings and speed based on hair type are becoming popular.

Where to Aquire: 

DysonTheir Supersonic hair dryer is popular in professional salons for its fast drying times and heat protection technology.

Elchim: Offers professional hair dryers favoured by stylists for their durability and performance.

5. Styling Stations: 

Get the stylist's workstation, equipped with ample storage and a large mirror to enhance customer experience during beauty sessions. 

Trend: Stations with built-in charging ports for devices, LED lighting, and ample storage for tools and products are trending. Minimalist and sleek designs that optimise space are preferred in modern salons.

Where to Aquire: 

Minerva Beauty: Offers a wide range of modern and functional styling stations and salon furniture.

Kayline: Known for their portable and space-efficient styling stations and salon storage solutions.

styling stations for salon set up

6. Barber Chairs: 

Specifically designed for barber services, they offer comfort and functionality for both the client and the barber.

Trend: Vintage-inspired designs with modern functionalities like hydraulic pumps, adjustable headrests, and reclining features are trending. Durability and comfort remain key factors.

Where to Aquire:

Belvedere: Known for high-quality and durable salon and barber chairs with a range of styles.

Takara Belmont: Offers a wide selection of premium styling and barber chairs, famous for their comfort and durability.

7. Hair Steamers: 

A versatile salon tool that enhances the effectiveness of hair treatments and colour applications.

Trend: Steamers that offer customisable settings for different hair types and treatments are gaining popularity. The trend is also moving towards more compact and energy-efficient models.

Where to Aquire:

Secura: Offers hair steamers that are popular for both salon and home use, known for their reliability.

SalonPro: Specialises in professional salon equipment, including hair steamers with advanced features.

8. Salon Trolleys and Carts: 

Keep tools and products organised and within easy reach.

Trend: Mobility and versatility are key trends, with trolleys that have detachable trays, adjustable heights, and compartments for tools and equipment.

Where to Aquire:

Kayline: Renowned for their durable and versatile salon trolleys and carts designed to keep tools organised.

Dir Salon Furniture: Offers a range of stylish and functional salon trolleys, carts, and furniture.

9. Reception Desk: 

The first point of contact for clients should be welcoming and well-organised.

Trend: Modern reception areas are adopting minimalistic designs with integrated technology for seamless check-in processes, such as digital sign-in and payment systems.

Where to Aquire:

Salon Ambience: Known for high-end salon furniture, Salon Ambience offers reception desks that combine modern aesthetics with functionality, potentially including integrated technology features.

Dir Salon Furniture: Dir offers a range of reception desks that are stylish and may include options for integrating technology for a more seamless check-in process.

10. Waiting Area Furniture: 

Ensures comfort for clients as they wait for their appointments.

Trend: Comfort is key, with a trend towards plush seating that offers charging stations. Sustainable materials and designs that reflect the salon's brand identity are also in demand.

Where to Aquire:

Belava: Offers salon seating that is designed with client comfort in mind, including options that are stylish, durable, and potentially feature charging stations or are made from sustainable materials.

Living Earth Crafts: While primarily known for spa and massage equipment, Living Earth Crafts also offers luxurious waiting area seating that emphasises comfort and sustainable manufacturing practices.

11. Beauty Beds: 

Beauty beds are essential for services that require clients to lie down, such as facials and waxing.

Trend: Adjustable and multi-functional beauty beds that can be used for a variety of treatments, from facials to massages, are trending. Features like built-in heating and memory foam padding are sought after for enhanced client comfort.

Where to Aquire:

Earthlite: Known for their high-quality and comfortable spa and massage tables, which are suitable for beauty treatments.

LCL Beauty: Provides a variety of beauty beds and facial tables with adjustable features and durable construction.

12. Nail Technician Tables: 

A dedicated space for manicure services, equipped with storage for tools and products.

Trend: Tables with built-in ventilation systems to remove dust and fumes are becoming standard. Compact, foldable designs that save space without compromising on functionality are also popular.

Where to Aquire:

Gulfstream Inc.: Known for its high-end manicure tables and pedicure chairs with luxury features.

13. Pedicure Chairs: 

Another essential piece of beauty salon equipment is pedicure chairs. Combine comfort with functionality, featuring built-in basins for soaking feet.

Trend: The focus is on chairs with advanced hydrotherapy features, customizable massage options, and ergonomic designs for maximum client comfort. Energy efficiency and ease of cleaning are also important considerations.

Where to Aquire:

Continuum Pedicure Spas: Specialises in luxury pedicure chairs with advanced features like hydrotherapy and customizable massages.

J&A USA: Offers a wide range of pedicure chairs known for their quality, comfort, and innovative designs.

pedicure chairs for beauty salon set up

14. Towel Warmers and Sterilizers: 

Essential for maintaining hygiene and providing clients with a luxurious experience.

Trend: UV sterilisers that can also warm towels are in demand, as they ensure hygiene while providing clients with a warm, comforting experience. Compact, efficient models that can fit in smaller spaces are preferred.

Where to Aquire:

Hot Towel Cabinets: Offers a range of towel warmers and UV sterilisers designed for salon use.

15. Utility Sink:

A practical necessity for various salon tasks, including cleaning tools and mixing hair colour.

Trend: Stainless steel sinks with adjustable faucets for ease of use and cleaning are trending. The focus is also on water-saving features to promote sustainability.

Where to Aquire:

Monsam Enterprises: Specialises in portable sinks for various industries, including beauty salons, offering both functionality and aesthetics.

Griffin Products: Known for their durable stainless steel utility sinks suitable for salon environments, ensuring long-lasting use and easy maintenance.

16. Product Display Shelves: 

Product display shelves are must-have salon equipment to attractively display retail products for sale.

Trend: Interactive displays with digital screens that provide product information and tutorials are becoming more common. Customizable shelving that can adapt to product size and seasonal promotions is also a trend.

Where to Aquire:

Ikea: Offers a wide range of shelving units that can be used for product displays, known for their modern design and versatility.

17. Salon Lighting: 

Proper lighting is crucial for both the functionality of the space and for creating the right ambience.

Trend: LED lighting with adjustable brightness and colour temperature settings allows salons to customise the ambience for different services and times of day. Energy efficiency and the ability to mimic natural light are key trends.

Where to Aquire:

Glamcor: Provides professional lighting solutions for beauty professionals, including portable and adjustable LED lights.

Lumina Pro: Offers a range of lighting equipment designed for salons, including task lighting and ambient lighting options.

18. Security System: 

Protects the salon's assets and ensures the safety of both clients and staff.

Trend: Smart security systems that can be monitored remotely via smartphone apps are becoming essential for salons. These systems include advanced features like motion detectors and real-time alerts.

Where to Aquire:

ADT: A well-established name in security, ADT offers comprehensive security systems that can be customised for small businesses. Their solutions often include motion detectors, video surveillance, and the ability to monitor and control the system remotely via a smartphone app.

SimpliSafe: Known for their easy-to-install and manage systems, SimpliSafe offers a range of security packages that include entry sensors, motion sensors, and HD cameras, all of which can be monitored remotely through their app. SimpliSafe is a good option for salon owners looking for a no-fuss, effective security solution.

19. Air Purifier and Ventilation System: 

Maintains a healthy environment by filtering out pollutants and ensuring good air circulation.

Trend: Systems with HEPA filters and UV-C light technology to eliminate airborne bacteria and viruses are in demand. The focus is also on silent operation and energy efficiency.

Where to Aquire:

Aerovex Systems: Specialises in air purification and ventilation systems designed for salons to ensure a clean and safe environment.

Salon Pure Air: Offers air purifiers and ventilation systems specifically designed for nail salons, hair salons, and spas.

20. Laundry Equipment: 

For efficiently handling salon laundry needs, ensuring a constant supply of clean towels and robes.

Trend: High-efficiency, commercial-grade washers and dryers that are compact and have fast cycle times are essential for keeping up with the salon's laundry needs. Water-saving features are also a priority.

Where to Aquire:

Whirlpool: Offers commercial-grade laundry appliances, including high-efficiency washers and dryers, known for their durability and performance.

Maytag Commercial: Known for their heavy-duty laundry equipment designed to meet the demands of salon operations, ensuring reliability and efficiency.

laundry equipment for beauty salon setup

Equip for Beautiful Business

Equipping your beauty salon with the right tools and equipment is pivotal to its success. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to set up a beauty salon in 2024. From beauty salon POS equipment to specialised tools for hairdressing and beauty treatments, prepare your salon to offer top-notch services. Investing in the right salon equipment sets the foundation for a beautiful business that stands out in the competitive beauty industry.

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