Design Tips for a Salon

A well-designed salon not only impresses clientele but maximizes income-generating floor space. Layout, equipment and overall design are important considerations when designing a new space or renovating an existing salon. Even the smallest salon can use tips to build its brand and gain customers.

Style

Defining your salon's style is important before you sign a lease, buy a space or commit to a renovation. Having a defined style will help you build your brand and set your salon apart from other salons in your area.

Secretly shopping salons will help you understand your competition. Each salon's layout has pros and cons, and booking a service and observing carefully can help you determine how you would like your own salon to function.

Having a logo designed, selecting a standard font used in all signage and a color scheme are important to create the "feel" of an upscale, well-thought out business.

Layout

Important areas to include in a salon's layout are a waiting area, retail shelving and a front desk with adequate storage for a telephone system, computer for booking appointments, printer, cash register and credit card machine. A high counter desk offers clients a place to write checks, sign credit card slips or search through their handbag easily; it also provides you a place for point-of-sale merchandise.

Styling stations that include mirrors, chair, anti-fatigue mat and storage for shears, styling tools, clippers and cutting capes are necessary for all salons. Those surfaces will come in contact with hair color and styling products, and so they need to be easily cleaned. More styling stations means more revenue for your salon.

The backwash is the area where the shampoo bowls, shampoo, conditioner and treatments are located. It is important to identify where the backwash will be located early in your design process to ensure accurate installation of plumbing fixtures.

A color station is where color and other chemical treatment supplies will be located. Some salons locate it near the backwash and out in the open of the general salon floor. The area must be kept clean at all times if it is in easy view of clients. Some salons place the color station in the laundry room to shield clients from potential mess left behind by busy stylists.

The color and chemical processing area is important but not necessary if you run low on space. While a client's color processes, you can have her wait in this area, which is equipped with dryers, chairs and magazines. Usually this area is close to the backwash. Having your clients wait in a processing area frees up the stylist's chair so he can fit in a quick haircut or style.

Running a salon takes a lot of laundry. Therefore, a laundry room, which can double as a break room, is important. A stackable washer and dryer set uses less floor space and leaves room for a folding table, refrigerator, sink, cabinetry and dishwasher.

Other revenue-generating areas such as a manicure/pedicure station, a waxing station or an area for makeup application are options to consider in the initial design. Offering these additional services allows your clients to get more done in one place and keep them coming back.

Checking with your state's requirements for salon establishment licensing is a key step in designing your salon layout. Each state has different regulations and may require certain standards to be met before you can acquire a business license. The regulations may impact your salon's design and layout.

Implementation

Purchasing furniture and equipment is part of the design implementation. An Internet search may provide you with a list of salon equipment distributors in your area. Many online equipment distributors exist, and they offer a wide range of products and equipment.

Creating a list of the equipment you need that includes a general idea of how much each item costs is beneficial. Meeting with three or four equipment distributors will help you find the lowest price for equipment. The delivery time and installation requirements for each item should be noted. That information will impact the date you can expect to open your business.

Once the equipment is installed, the layout and design implementation is complete. Taking the time to layout and design your salon thoughtfully will reward you with a space that is efficient and stylish and leaves a lasting impression with your clientele.