This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a hair salon.
Our business plan for a hair salon will help you build a profitable project
Opening a hair 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 salon has different needs, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Hair Salon Equipment List
Opening a successful hair salon requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your salon up and running.
Hair Cutting & Styling Equipment
- Salon chairs - Comfortable, adjustable styling chairs for client services
- Hair cutting shears - Professional scissors in various sizes for precision cutting
- Thinning shears - Specialized scissors for texturizing and blending hair
- Hair clippers - Electric trimmers for short cuts and detail work
- Combs and brushes - Various types for different styling techniques
- Hair sectioning clips - Holds hair in place during cutting and styling
- Cape and neck strips - Protects clients' clothing during services
- Spray bottles - Keeps hair damp during cutting and styling
- Hair razors - Creates texture and removes bulk from hair
Hair Washing Station
- Shampoo bowls - Specially designed sinks for washing clients' hair
- Shampoo chairs - Comfortable reclining chairs for washing area
- Towel warmers - Keeps towels at comfortable temperature for clients
- Hair products dispensers - Organized storage for shampoos and conditioners
- Towels - High-quality towels for drying and wrapping hair
Hair Drying & Heat Styling
- Hair dryers - Professional blow dryers with multiple heat settings
- Hooded dryers - Floor or wall-mounted dryers for setting styles
- Flat irons - Straightening tools in various plate sizes
- Curling irons - Different barrel sizes for various curl patterns
- Hot rollers - Electric rollers for volume and curls
- Diffusers - Attachments for blow dryers to enhance natural curls
- Round brushes - Various sizes for blowout styling techniques
Hair Coloring Equipment
- Color mixing bowls - Non-metallic bowls for preparing hair color
- Tint brushes - Specialized brushes for applying hair color precisely
- Foil - Aluminum foil for highlighting and color separation
- Color scale - Measures color products for consistent mixing
- Highlighting caps - Alternative method for adding highlights
- Color charts - Reference guides for matching and selecting colors
- Disposable gloves - Protects hands during chemical processes
- Timer - Tracks processing times for chemical services
Chemical Processing
- Perm rods - Various sizes for creating different curl patterns
- End papers - Protects hair ends during perming process
- Cotton coil - Prevents chemical dripping during processing
- Neutralizing bib - Protects client during chemical neutralization
- Processing caps - Covers hair during chemical treatments
- Tail combs - Pointed combs for sectioning during chemical services
Salon Furniture & Stations
- Styling stations - Individual work areas with mirrors and storage
- Mirrors - Large, well-lit mirrors for each styling station
- Storage trolleys - Mobile storage for tools and products
- Reception desk - Professional front desk for client check-in
- Waiting area seating - Comfortable chairs for clients waiting
- Product display shelves - Showcases retail products for sale
- Coat rack - Storage for clients' coats and belongings
Lighting & Electrical
- Station lighting - Proper illumination for each work area
- LED bulbs - Energy-efficient lighting with natural color temperature
- Electrical outlets - Adequate power supply for all equipment
- Extension cords - Professional-grade cords for equipment mobility
- Surge protectors - Protects expensive equipment from power surges
Cleaning & Sanitation
- Barbicide jars - Disinfectant containers for metal tools
- UV sanitizers - Sterilizes tools using ultraviolet light
- Disinfectant spray - Cleans surfaces between clients
- Disposable towels - Single-use towels for sanitary practices
- Hand sanitizer - Available for staff and client use
- Cleaning supplies - General cleaning products for salon maintenance
- Vacuum cleaner - Removes hair clippings from floors
- Broom and dustpan - Quick cleanup of hair and debris
Storage & Organization
- Tool organizers - Keeps cutting tools organized and accessible
- Product storage cabinets - Stores professional hair care products
- Laundry hampers - Collects used towels and capes
- Supply closet shelving - Organizes inventory and supplies
Point of Sale & Business
- Cash register/POS system - Processes payments and tracks sales
- Credit card reader - Accepts various payment methods
- Appointment book - Schedules client appointments efficiently
- Business cards - Professional marketing materials
- Price list displays - Clearly shows service prices to clients
Safety Equipment
- First aid kit - Handles minor injuries and accidents
- Fire extinguisher - Required safety equipment for business
- Eye wash station - Emergency equipment for chemical exposure
- Non-slip mats - Prevents slips on potentially wet floors
Additional Professional Items
- Uniforms/aprons - Professional appearance for staff
- Comfortable shoes - Supportive footwear for long standing hours
- Professional licenses - Required certifications displayed prominently
- Insurance documentation - Liability coverage for business protection
Our financial plan for a hair salon will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most salon owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment, depending on their size and concept. You really can't go below $10,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic chairs, stations, and professional tools just to operate legally and efficiently.
- Small Neighborhood Salon
A small neighborhood salon with 2-3 styling stations needs around $10,000-$25,000, and most of that budget goes toward quality styling chairs and professional tools.
- Medium-Sized Salon
A medium-sized salon with 4-6 stations and additional services typically runs $25,000-$50,000, with more specialized equipment like color processing areas and retail displays.
- Large Full-Service Salon
A large salon or one with extensive services can easily hit $50,000-$75,000, especially when you add things like multiple shampoo stations and advanced styling equipment.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Neighborhood Salon ($10,000 - $25,000)
Small salons focus on essential equipment that can handle daily hair cutting, styling, and basic color services. 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 | 2-3 basic styling stations with mirrors, hydraulic styling chairs, basic storage drawers | $2,500 - $4,500 |
| Cutting Tools | Professional shears, thinning shears, basic clipper set, combs and brushes, sectioning clips | $800 - $1,500 |
| Washing Station | Single shampoo bowl with chair, basic plumbing setup, towel storage | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Drying Equipment | Professional blow dryers, basic hooded dryer, round brushes, flat iron and curling iron | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Color Equipment | Basic color mixing supplies, foil, brushes, processing timer, protective equipment | $500 - $1,000 |
| Reception Area | Simple reception desk, 2-3 waiting chairs, basic POS system | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Sanitation & Safety | Barbicide jars, disinfectant supplies, first aid kit, basic cleaning equipment | $300 - $600 |
| Installation & Setup | Basic electrical work, plumbing connections, mirror installation, initial setup | $1,500 - $3,000 |
Medium-Sized Salon ($25,000 - $50,000)
Medium salons need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle diverse services and higher client volume. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to offer more variety to customers.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Stations | 4-6 premium styling stations with LED lighting, hydraulic chairs with memory foam, ample storage | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Professional Tools | High-end shears and tools for each station, professional clipper sets, specialized styling tools | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Washing Area | 2-3 shampoo stations with comfortable chairs, towel warmers, product dispensers | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Heat Styling | Professional dryers for each station, multiple hooded dryers, premium flat irons and curling tools | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Color Processing | Dedicated color station, professional mixing equipment, highlighting supplies, processing chairs | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Reception & Retail | Professional reception desk, comfortable waiting area, product display units, advanced POS system | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Sanitation Equipment | UV sanitizers, multiple disinfection stations, professional cleaning supplies | $800 - $1,500 |
| Installation & Design | Professional installation, custom lighting, plumbing upgrades, interior design elements | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Large Full-Service Salon ($50,000 - $75,000)
Large salons operate with multiple service areas and specialized equipment. The focus shifts to maximizing efficiency, client comfort, and the ability to handle high volume with diverse services.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Styling Stations | 8+ luxury styling stations with custom cabinetry, LED mirrors, premium hydraulic chairs with massage features | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Professional Tool Sets | Top-tier cutting tools for each stylist, specialized equipment sets, backup tools and maintenance supplies | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| Washing Complex | 4+ shampoo stations with luxury chairs, automated product dispensers, towel warming systems | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Advanced Styling | Professional dryer systems, multiple hooded dryers, steam treatments, full range of heat styling tools | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Color & Chemical | Dedicated color bar with ventilation, professional mixing station, chemical processing area, specialized lighting | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Reception & Retail | Luxury reception area, extensive retail displays, advanced POS with inventory management, client management software | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Sanitation Systems | Commercial-grade sanitation equipment, automated disinfection systems, professional laundry setup | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Custom Installation | Complete professional installation, custom electrical and plumbing, ventilation systems, interior design | $8,000 - $15,000 |