Opening your own hair salon is an exciting milestone, but there's a lot more to think about than choosing paint colours and ordering styling chairs. From planning your salon layout to selecting the right furniture and equipment, every decision helps shape the experience you'll offer your clients.
Whether you're opening your first salon or relocating to a larger space, this guide covers everything you need to know before opening your doors.
Hair salon startup checklist
Before purchasing furniture, make sure you've planned the foundations of your business.
✔ Secure your premises
✔ Register your business
✔ Obtain the correct insurance
✔ Apply for any required licences
✔ Plan your branding and salon identity
✔ Design your salon layout
✔ Order your salon furniture
✔ Purchase professional equipment
✔ Install lighting and electrical points
✔ Build your booking system
✔ Hire your team
✔ Stock retail products
✔ Launch your marketing
Starting with a clear plan makes the entire process much smoother and helps avoid expensive changes later.
Hair salon equipment list
One of the most common questions new salon owners ask is:
"What equipment do I need to open a hair salon?"
Every salon is different, but most require:
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Styling chairs
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Salon mirrors
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Shampoo stations
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Reception desk
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Waiting area seating
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Styling trolleys
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Hair dryers
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Hair straighteners
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Curling irons
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Clippers
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Scissors
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Colour trolleys
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Hair processors
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Sterilisers
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Towels
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Retail shelving
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Storage cupboards
Buying quality furniture from the start often saves money in the long run, as commercial salon furniture is built to withstand years of daily use.
Hair salon furniture checklist
Furniture is one of the biggest investments you'll make when opening a salon. Not only does it define your salon's style, but it also affects your clients' comfort and your team's productivity.
Most salons will need:
Styling chairs
Choose hydraulic styling chairs that are comfortable, durable and easy to clean. Your styling chairs will likely be the most-used furniture in your salon.
Shampoo stations
A comfortable shampoo station makes a huge difference to your client's experience. Look for reclining seating, supportive neck rests and premium upholstery that's easy to maintain.
Salon mirrors
Mirrors create the focal point of every styling station. LED salon mirrors can brighten your workspace while making the salon feel larger and more luxurious.
Reception desk
Your reception area creates the first impression. A stylish reception desk helps reinforce your brand while giving clients a warm welcome.
Waiting area furniture
Comfortable seating, coffee tables and décor help clients relax before their appointment and immediately elevate the feel of your salon.
Hair salon decorating ideas
Your salon design should reflect your brand and create an environment clients enjoy spending time in.
Popular salon design trends include:
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Neutral colour palettes with warm lighting
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Gold or black metal accents
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Natural wood textures
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Large feature mirrors
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Indoor plants
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Statement reception desks
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LED lighting
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Open-plan styling stations
If you're working with a smaller salon, use mirrors to make the room feel larger and choose furniture with clean lines to maximise the available space.
Before ordering furniture, sketch out a floor plan so you know exactly how each area will function.
How many styling chairs do I need?
This depends on both your available space and the number of stylists you plan to employ.
As a general guide:
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1–2 stylists: 2 styling chairs
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3–4 stylists: 4 styling chairs
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5–6 stylists: 6 styling chairs
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7+ stylists: One styling chair per stylist, with space to grow.
Try to allow around 1.5 to 2 metres of working space between styling stations. This gives stylists enough room to move comfortably while creating a more relaxing experience for clients.
Planning for future growth is always worthwhile, even if you don't fill every station immediately.
Choosing the best shampoo stations for your hair salon
Your shampoo area is where clients begin to relax, so comfort is essential.
When choosing a shampoo station, consider:
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Comfortable reclining seating
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Ergonomic neck support
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Durable upholstery
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Easy-clean surfaces
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High-quality ceramic basins
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A design that complements the rest of your salon
At Pretty Salon, our shampoo stations are designed to combine comfort, functionality and luxury styling, making them ideal for both boutique salons and larger commercial spaces.
(Link to your Shampoo Stations collection.)
Hair salon mirror ideas
Salon mirrors do far more than reflect your clients—they help define the atmosphere of your salon.
Some popular options include:
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Full-length styling mirrors
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Wall-mounted mirrors
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Freestanding styling stations
Large mirrors help brighten your salon by reflecting natural light and can make even smaller spaces feel much more open.
Our collection of salon mirrors combines elegant design with practical features like integrated LED lighting and premium finishes to create a professional styling environment.
(Link to your Salon Mirrors collection.)
Creating the perfect salon waiting area
Your waiting area sets the tone before your client even sits in the styling chair.
A welcoming reception space might include:
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Comfortable seating
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Coffee table
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Refreshment station
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Retail product display
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Soft lighting
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Plants
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Branded décor
Even a small waiting area can feel luxurious with carefully chosen furniture and thoughtful design.
Ready to design your dream salon?
Whether you're opening your first salon or renovating an existing space, investing in quality salon furniture creates a better experience for both your clients and your team.
At Pretty Salon, we supply luxury salon furniture including styling chairs, shampoo stations, salon mirrors, reception desks and complete salon packages to help bring your vision to life.
Browse our collections today and start creating a salon your clients will love.
