This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for an esthetician.
Our business plan for an esthetician will help you build a profitable project
Starting an esthetician practice is rewarding, but knowing what equipment to invest in can be challenging.
The difficult part is selecting the right tools without overspending or missing essential items for your treatments.
Every esthetician practice has unique needs, and equipment costs can quickly add up if you don't plan strategically.
Complete Esthetician Equipment List
Launching a successful esthetician practice requires careful planning and the right professional equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to provide quality skincare treatments.
Treatment Equipment
- Facial steamer - Essential for opening pores and hydrating skin during treatments
- Microdermabrasion machine - Provides deep exfoliation for skin renewal
- High frequency machine - Treats acne and stimulates circulation effectively
- Galvanic machine - Enhances product penetration and provides deep cleansing
- LED light therapy device - Promotes healing and reduces inflammation
- Ultrasonic skin scrubber - Gently removes dead skin cells and blackheads
- Magnifying lamp - Provides detailed skin analysis and precise treatment
- Woods lamp - Reveals hidden skin conditions under UV light
- Rotary brush - Deep cleanses and exfoliates skin surfaces
- Vacuum/suction machine - Extracts impurities from pores safely
- Iontophoresis machine - Delivers active ingredients deep into skin
- Paraffin wax warmer - Provides moisturizing and soothing treatments
- Hot towel cabinet - Keeps towels warm and sanitized for client comfort
- Ozone steamer - Combines steam with ozone for antibacterial benefits
Furniture & Comfort
- Hydraulic facial bed - Adjustable treatment table for client comfort
- Esthetician stool - Ergonomic seating for practitioner during treatments
- Side tables/trolleys - Mobile storage for products and tools
- Client chairs - Comfortable seating for consultation areas
- Reception desk - Professional front desk for client check-in
- Storage cabinets - Organized storage for products and supplies
- Towel warmer - Keeps towels at optimal temperature for treatments
- Coat rack - Convenient storage for client belongings
Skincare Products
- Cleansers - Various formulations for different skin types
- Toners - Balances skin pH after cleansing
- Exfoliants - Chemical and physical options for skin renewal
- Masks - Clay, hydrating, and treatment masks for specific needs
- Serums - Concentrated treatments for targeted skin concerns
- Moisturizers - Hydrating products for all skin types
- Sunscreen - Essential protection for post-treatment care
- Eye treatments - Specialized products for delicate eye area
- Acne treatments - Targeted products for problematic skin
- Anti-aging products - Peptides and actives for mature skin
Tools & Accessories
- Extraction tools - Comedone extractors and lancets for safe removal
- Tweezers - Precision tools for eyebrow shaping and hair removal
- Spatulas - Hygienic product application tools
- Brushes - Various sizes for mask application and cleansing
- Sponges - Natural and synthetic options for product removal
- Cotton pads/rounds - Essential for product application and removal
- Gauze squares - Sterile coverings for sensitive treatments
- Disposable gloves - Maintains hygiene during treatments
- Headbands - Keeps hair away from face during treatments
- Measuring cups - Accurate product mixing and application
Sanitization & Safety
- Autoclave sterilizer - Hospital-grade sterilization for metal tools
- UV sanitizer cabinet - Maintains sterile storage for tools
- Barbicide solution - Disinfects non-metal tools and equipment
- Hand sanitizer stations - Maintains hygiene for staff and clients
- Disposable bed covers - Protects treatment surfaces between clients
- Cleaning supplies - Maintains sanitary treatment environment
- Sharps container - Safe disposal of lancets and needles
- First aid kit - Handles minor treatment-related incidents
Business Operations
- Appointment scheduling software - Manages bookings and client information
- Point-of-sale system - Processes payments and tracks inventory
- Client intake forms - Gathers essential health and skin information
- Treatment record cards - Documents client progress and treatments
- Digital camera - Records before/after photos for progress tracking
- Consultation mirror - Allows client to see skin condition clearly
- Scale - Measures product quantities for custom treatments
- Timer - Tracks treatment duration for consistency
Linens & Comfort Items
- Facial towels - Soft, absorbent towels for treatments
- Sheets - Comfortable covering for treatment beds
- Blankets - Keeps clients warm during longer treatments
- Pillowcases - Hygienic covering for treatment bed pillows
- Washcloths - Small towels for detailed cleansing
- Robes - Comfortable garments for client modesty
Advanced Equipment (Optional)
- Dermaplaning tools - Professional-grade blades for exfoliation
- Chemical peel solutions - Professional-strength treatments for advanced results
- Hydrodermabrasion machine - Combines exfoliation with hydration
- Radiofrequency device - Non-invasive skin tightening treatments
- Oxygen infusion system - Delivers concentrated oxygen to skin
- Cryotherapy device - Cold therapy for reducing inflammation
Our financial plan for an esthetician will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most esthetician practice owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment, depending on their service offerings and practice size. You really can't go below $10,000 for even the most basic setup because you need essential facial equipment and sanitation tools just to operate safely and professionally.
- Basic Home-Based Practice
A basic home-based esthetician practice offering standard facials needs around $10,000-$20,000, with most of the budget going toward a quality facial steamer, basic treatment bed, and essential skincare products.
- Small Spa or Studio
A small spa or studio offering multiple services typically runs $20,000-$45,000, with more specialized equipment like microdermabrasion machines and advanced treatment tools.
- Full-Service Esthetics Practice
A full-service practice with advanced treatments can easily hit $45,000-$75,000, especially when you add specialized devices like LED therapy systems and professional-grade chemical peel equipment.
Equipment Budget Examples
Basic Home-Based Practice ($10,000 - $20,000)
Basic practices focus on essential equipment for standard facial treatments. The goal is getting quality basics that allow you to provide professional services while building your client base.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Equipment | Basic facial steamer with ozone, magnifying lamp with LED light, high frequency machine, rotary brush system | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| Furniture | Hydraulic facial bed with adjustable height, esthetician stool, mobile trolley for products and tools | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Skincare Products | Basic cleanser, toner, moisturizer, masks for different skin types, exfoliants, eye treatments | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Tools & Accessories | Extraction tools, tweezers, spatulas, brushes, cotton supplies, disposable items, headbands | $500 - $1,000 |
| Sanitization | UV sanitizer cabinet, barbicide solution, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, disposable bed covers | $800 - $1,500 |
| Business Setup | Basic appointment scheduling app, simple POS system, intake forms, treatment cards, consultation mirror | $500 - $1,000 |
| Linens & Comfort | Facial towels, sheets, blankets, pillowcases, washcloths, client robes | $300 - $600 |
| Setup & Training | Equipment delivery, basic setup, product training, initial supplies | $500 - $1,000 |
Small Spa or Studio ($20,000 - $45,000)
Small spas need more sophisticated equipment to offer diverse treatments and handle higher client volume. You're investing in professional-grade tools that enhance treatment results and client satisfaction.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Treatment Equipment | Professional facial steamer, microdermabrasion machine, galvanic machine, LED light therapy device, ultrasonic scrubber | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Professional Furniture | Electric facial bed with memory positions, ergonomic stool, multiple trolleys, storage cabinets, reception desk | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Comprehensive Products | Professional skincare lines, specialized serums, multiple mask types, anti-aging products, acne treatments | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Professional Tools | Complete extraction kit, precision tweezers, professional brushes, measuring tools, advanced accessories | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Sanitization Systems | Autoclave sterilizer, UV cabinet, hot towel warmer, comprehensive cleaning supplies, safety equipment | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Business Technology | Professional scheduling software, integrated POS system, digital camera, consultation tools, client management | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Comfort & Ambiance | High-quality linens, spa robes, comfort items, aromatherapy supplies, relaxation accessories | $800 - $1,500 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, comprehensive training, permits, initial inventory setup | $1,000 - $2,000 |
Full-Service Esthetics Practice ($45,000 - $75,000)
Full-service practices operate with advanced equipment and offer comprehensive treatments. The focus is on providing cutting-edge services with professional-grade technology and specialized treatment options.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Treatment Systems | Hydrodermabrasion machine, radiofrequency device, LED therapy panels, oxygen infusion system, advanced galvanic units | $20,000 - $30,000 |
| Specialized Equipment | Dermaplaning tools, chemical peel systems, cryotherapy device, iontophoresis machines, vacuum systems | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Premium Furniture | Multiple electric treatment beds, specialized treatment chairs, luxury storage systems, professional reception area | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Professional Product Lines | Multiple professional skincare brands, specialized chemical peels, advanced serums, medical-grade products | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Sanitization & Safety | Multiple autoclaves, UV sanitizers, hot towel cabinets, comprehensive safety equipment, air purification systems | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Technology Integration | Advanced practice management software, integrated payment systems, digital consultation tools, client apps | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Professional Tools | Complete professional tool sets, precision instruments, advanced extraction equipment, measuring devices | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Installation & Certification | Complete professional installation, advanced training certification, regulatory compliance, system integration | $3,000 - $5,000 |