This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a beauty salon.
Our business plan for a beauty salon will help you build a profitable project
Opening a beauty salon is exciting, but figuring out what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The tricky part is knowing exactly what to buy without going broke or missing something crucial.
Every beauty salon has different needs, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Beauty Salon Equipment List
Opening a successful beauty salon requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your salon up and running.
Hair Care Equipment
- Salon chairs - Adjustable styling chairs for client comfort and stylist efficiency
- Shampoo bowls - Comfortable washing stations with adjustable height features
- Hair dryers - Professional hood dryers and handheld blow dryers
- Styling stations - Individual workstations with mirrors, storage, and electrical outlets
- Hair straighteners - Professional flat irons for various hair textures
- Curling irons - Multiple barrel sizes for different styling options
- Hair clippers - Professional grade for men's cuts and detail work
- Scissors (various) - Cutting shears, thinning shears, and specialty scissors
- Combs and brushes - Various types for different hair textures and styles
- Hair color bowls - Mixing bowls and applicator brushes for coloring
- Foil dispensers - Organized storage for highlighting and coloring processes
- Hair steamers - Provides moisture for deep conditioning treatments
- Hooded dryers - Stationary units for setting styles and processing color
Skin Care Equipment
- Facial beds - Adjustable treatment tables for client comfort
- Facial steamers - Opens pores for deep cleansing treatments
- Magnifying lamps - Provides detailed view for precise skin analysis
- Microdermabrasion machine - Exfoliates skin for improved texture
- Ultrasonic scrubber - Removes impurities through gentle vibrations
- High-frequency machine - Treats acne and stimulates circulation
- Galvanic machine - Enhances product penetration during facials
- Extraction tools - Professional implements for safe blackhead removal
- Hot towel cabinet - Keeps towels warm and sanitized for treatments
- Product dispensers - Hygienic storage for lotions and cleansers
Nail Care Equipment
- Manicure tables - Individual stations with proper ventilation and storage
- Pedicure chairs - Comfortable seating with foot baths for treatments
- UV/LED nail lamps - Cures gel polish and nail enhancements quickly
- Nail files and buffers - Various grits for shaping and smoothing nails
- Cuticle nippers - Precision tools for neat cuticle maintenance
- Nail drills - Electric tools for artificial nail maintenance
- Autoclave sterilizer - Ensures proper sanitization of metal tools
- Nail polish display - Organized presentation of color options
Waxing Equipment
- Wax warmers - Professional units that maintain consistent temperature
- Treatment tables - Adjustable height tables with disposable covers
- Wax applicators - Wooden sticks and spatulas for precise application
- Wax strips - Professional grade fabric and paper strips
- Pre and post-wax products - Cleansers, oils, and soothing lotions
Reception & Retail
- Reception desk - Professional front desk with storage and workspace
- Cash register/POS - Processes payments and tracks appointments
- Appointment scheduling software - Manages bookings and client information
- Retail displays - Showcases products for additional revenue
- Seating area - Comfortable waiting area for clients
- Product inventory - Professional hair and skin care products for resale
Furniture & Fixtures
- Salon trolleys - Mobile storage for tools and products
- Storage cabinets - Organized space for supplies and equipment
- Mirrors - Wall-mounted and handheld mirrors for styling
- Lighting - Proper illumination for accurate color matching
- Flooring - Easy-to-clean surfaces that withstand chemicals
- Ventilation system - Removes chemical fumes and maintains air quality
Laundry & Cleaning
- Washer and dryer - Commercial grade for towels and capes
- Laundry baskets - Separate containers for clean and dirty linens
- Disinfectant solutions - EPA-approved sanitizers for tools and surfaces
- Cleaning supplies - Specialized products for salon maintenance
- Towels and capes - Professional linens for client comfort
Safety & Sanitation
- Hand sanitizer stations - Multiple locations throughout salon
- Disposable gloves - Various sizes for staff protection
- Face masks - Professional grade for staff and client safety
- First aid kit - Emergency supplies for minor accidents
- Fire extinguisher - Required safety equipment for business operation
- Chemical storage - Proper containers for hazardous materials
Technology & Software
- Salon management software - Comprehensive business operations system
- Payment processing - Credit card and digital payment capabilities
- Social media setup - Professional accounts for marketing
- Wi-Fi system - Internet access for staff and client convenience
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Plumbing modifications - Multiple water stations and drainage
- Electrical upgrades - Adequate power for all equipment
- HVAC system - Climate control for client and staff comfort
- Water filtration - Clean water for treatments and shampooing
Our financial plan for a beauty salon will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most beauty salon owners spend between $30,000 and $150,000 on equipment, depending on their size and services offered. You really can't go below $20,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic styling stations, chairs, and sanitation equipment just to operate legally and professionally.
- Small Neighborhood Salon
A small neighborhood salon with basic hair services needs around $20,000-$40,000, and most of that budget goes toward styling stations and professional chairs.
- Medium-Sized Full-Service Salon
A medium-sized salon offering hair, nails, and basic skin services typically runs $40,000-$90,000, with specialized equipment for multiple service areas.
- Large Luxury Salon
A large luxury salon or spa with extensive offerings can easily hit $90,000-$150,000, especially when you add advanced skin care equipment and premium fixtures.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Neighborhood Salon ($20,000 - $40,000)
Small salons focus on essential hair care equipment that can handle daily styling, cutting, and basic coloring. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on features you won't use right away.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Stations | 4 complete styling stations with mirrors, chairs, and storage, basic electrical setup, professional lighting | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Shampoo Area | 2 shampoo bowls with chairs, plumbing installation, storage for products and towels | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Hair Equipment | Professional scissors, clippers, blow dryers, flat irons, curling irons, basic color supplies | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Reception Area | Reception desk, basic POS system, waiting chairs, retail display, appointment scheduling software | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Laundry & Storage | Washer/dryer unit, storage cabinets, towels and capes, cleaning supplies and sanitizers | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Safety & Sanitation | Sterilization equipment, first aid supplies, ventilation improvements, safety equipment | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Installation & Setup | Plumbing modifications, electrical work, permits and inspections, initial setup | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Medium-Sized Full-Service Salon ($40,000 - $90,000)
Medium salons need diverse equipment to handle hair, nails, and basic skin services. You're investing in versatility and the ability to offer comprehensive beauty services to build client loyalty.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Service Area | 8 styling stations with premium chairs, 4 shampoo bowls, color processing area with seating | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Nail Service Area | 4 manicure stations, 2 pedicure chairs with plumbing, UV lamps, nail drill systems | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Skin Care Room | 2 facial beds, steamer, magnifying lamp, basic extraction tools, product storage | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Advanced Hair Equipment | Professional color processors, multiple blow dryers, premium styling tools, hood dryers | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Reception & Retail | Custom reception desk, advanced POS system, extensive retail displays, comfortable seating | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Utilities & Infrastructure | Enhanced ventilation, upgraded electrical, improved plumbing, water filtration system | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, equipment training for staff, permits and comprehensive setup | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Large Luxury Salon ($90,000 - $150,000)
Large luxury salons operate with premium equipment and specialized services. The focus shifts to providing exceptional client experiences with state-of-the-art technology and luxurious amenities.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Hair Stations | 12+ luxury styling stations with custom mirrors, premium hydraulic chairs, integrated storage systems | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Advanced Nail Services | 6+ manicure stations, 4+ luxury pedicure chairs with massage features, gel curing systems, nail art equipment | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Full Spa Services | Multiple treatment rooms, advanced facial equipment, microdermabrasion, LED therapy, steam rooms | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Specialized Equipment | Hair extension systems, advanced color technology, professional photography setup, treatment lasers | $10,000 - $18,000 |
| Luxury Amenities | Custom reception area, premium retail displays, relaxation lounges, beverage stations | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Technology Systems | Comprehensive salon management software, integrated sound systems, digital displays, security systems | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Infrastructure & Design | Custom interior design, premium flooring, advanced HVAC, luxury fixtures and lighting | $12,000 - $20,000 |