This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a nail bar.
Our business plan for a nail bar will help you build a profitable project
Opening a nail bar 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 nail bar has different needs, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Nail Bar Equipment List
Opening a successful nail bar requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your nail bar up and running.
Manicure Equipment
- Manicure tables - Comfortable workstations with proper lighting and storage
- Manicure chairs - Ergonomic seating for both client and technician
- UV/LED nail lamps - Cures gel polish quickly and efficiently
- Nail files and buffers - Various grits for shaping and smoothing nails
- Cuticle nippers - Precision tools for clean cuticle removal
- Cuticle pushers - Safely pushes back cuticles without damage
- Nail scissors - Cuts nails to desired length accurately
- Orangewood sticks - Gentle tools for detailed nail work
- Nail brushes - Cleans nails and removes debris effectively
- Hand towels - Soft towels for client comfort and hygiene
- Finger bowls - Soaks fingers during manicure process
- Nail polish collection - Wide range of colors and finishes
- Base and top coats - Essential for long-lasting nail treatments
- Nail art supplies - Brushes, dotting tools, and decorative elements
Pedicure Equipment
- Pedicure chairs - Spa chairs with built-in foot baths and massage functions
- Foot spas - Separate units for soaking and cleaning feet
- Pedicure stools - Comfortable seating for technicians during treatments
- Foot files - Removes calluses and smooths rough skin
- Pumice stones - Natural exfoliation for dead skin removal
- Toe separators - Keeps toes apart during polish application
- Callus removers - Specialized tools for tough skin areas
- Foot scrubs - Exfoliating products for smooth skin
- Foot lotions - Moisturizes and softens feet after treatment
- Disposable liners - Hygienic protection for foot baths
Sanitation & Safety
- Autoclave sterilizer - Medical-grade sterilization for metal tools
- UV sterilizer cabinet - Additional sterilization and storage option
- Disinfectant solutions - EPA-approved cleaners for surfaces and tools
- Disposable gloves - Protective barrier for technicians and clients
- Hand sanitizer - Quick hand cleaning between services
- Disposable towels - Single-use towels for maximum hygiene
- Sharps container - Safe disposal of sharp implements
- First aid kit - Handles minor cuts and accidents
- Safety data sheets - Required documentation for all chemicals
Furniture & Fixtures
- Reception desk - Professional front desk for client check-in
- Waiting area seating - Comfortable chairs for clients
- Storage cabinets - Organized storage for supplies and products
- Display shelving - Shows retail products attractively
- Mirrors - Large mirrors for client satisfaction
- Lighting fixtures - Proper illumination for detailed work
- Ventilation system - Removes chemical fumes and odors
Point of Sale & Business
- Cash register/POS system - Processes payments and tracks sales
- Appointment booking software - Manages client schedules efficiently
- Credit card processor - Accepts various payment methods
- Receipt printer - Provides transaction records
- Business phone - Handles appointments and inquiries
- Computer/tablet - Runs business software and applications
Products & Supplies
- Nail polish remover - Various strengths for different polish types
- Cotton pads and balls - Absorbs polish remover and applies products
- Acetone - Removes stubborn gel polish and acrylics
- Cuticle oil - Nourishes and softens cuticle area
- Hand cream - Moisturizes hands after treatments
- Nail strengthener - Helps weak or damaged nails
- Quick-dry spray - Speeds up polish drying time
- Nail dehydrator - Prepares nails for polish application
- Polish thinner - Restores consistency to thick polish
Specialized Services Equipment
- Gel polish system - Complete kit with colors and curing lamp
- Acrylic nail supplies - Powder, liquid, and application tools
- Dip powder system - Alternative to gel polish application
- Nail art equipment - Stamping plates, stickers, and gems
- Paraffin wax bath - Luxurious hand and foot treatments
- Hot towel warmer - Provides warm towels for comfort
Cleaning Supplies
- All-purpose cleaner - Daily cleaning of surfaces and equipment
- Glass cleaner - Keeps mirrors and windows spotless
- Floor cleaner - Maintains clean and safe walking surfaces
- Disinfecting wipes - Quick cleaning between clients
- Vacuum cleaner - Removes nail filings and debris
- Mop and bucket - Regular floor maintenance
- Trash receptacles - Proper waste disposal throughout salon
Staff Essentials
- Uniforms/aprons - Professional appearance and protection
- Name tags - Professional identification for staff
- Comfortable shoes - Non-slip footwear for safety
- Tool belts/caddies - Keeps essential tools within reach
Our financial plan for a nail bar will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most nail bar owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment, depending on their size and services offered. You really can't go below $10,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic stations, sterilization equipment, and products just to operate legally and efficiently.
- Small Nail Bar
A small nail bar with basic manicure and pedicure services needs around $10,000-$25,000, and most of that budget goes toward quality chairs and sterilization equipment.
- Medium-Sized Nail Bar
A medium-sized nail bar offering specialized services typically runs $25,000-$50,000, with more advanced equipment like gel systems and luxury pedicure chairs.
- Large Nail Bar
A large nail bar or spa with extensive offerings can easily hit $50,000-$75,000, especially when you add things like multiple pedicure stations and high-end spa equipment.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Nail Bar ($10,000 - $25,000)
Small nail bars focus on essential equipment that can handle daily manicures and pedicures. The goal is getting quality basics without overspending on features you won't use right away.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Manicure Stations | 4 basic manicure tables with LED lamps, comfortable chairs, basic storage drawers | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Pedicure Equipment | 2 basic pedicure chairs with foot baths, simple massage functions, technician stools | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Sterilization | Small autoclave, UV cabinet, basic disinfectant supplies, disposable items | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Tools & Supplies | Basic tool sets, nail polish collection (50+ colors), files, buffers, cuticle tools | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Furniture & Fixtures | Simple reception desk, waiting chairs, basic storage, adequate lighting | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| POS & Technology | Basic cash register or tablet POS, simple appointment book, phone system | $500 - $1,500 |
| Setup & Installation | Equipment delivery, basic plumbing for pedicure chairs, electrical setup | $1,000 - $2,500 |
Medium-Sized Nail Bar ($25,000 - $50,000)
Medium nail bars need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle diverse services and higher volume. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to offer more luxury treatments to customers.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Manicure Stations | 6-8 premium manicure tables with built-in ventilation, UV/LED lamps, ergonomic chairs | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Pedicure Equipment | 4 mid-range spa pedicure chairs with jets, massage functions, foot spas with liners | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Specialized Services | Complete gel polish system, acrylic supplies, nail art equipment, paraffin bath | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Sterilization & Safety | Large autoclave, multiple UV cabinets, comprehensive disinfection station | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Furniture & Ambiance | Custom reception area, comfortable waiting lounge, retail display, ambient lighting | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Technology & POS | Advanced POS system with inventory tracking, online booking software, payment processing | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Products & Inventory | Extensive polish collection (100+ colors), premium products, retail inventory | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, plumbing and electrical work, staff training on equipment | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Large-Scale Nail Bar ($50,000 - $75,000)
Large nail bars operate at luxury spa levels with premium equipment and comprehensive services. The focus shifts to maximizing client comfort, efficiency, and the ability to handle high-end treatments.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Manicure Stations | 10+ luxury manicure tables with built-in ventilation, premium lighting, ergonomic design | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Luxury Pedicure Suites | 6-8 high-end spa pedicure chairs with full massage, chromotherapy, music systems | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Advanced Services Equipment | Multiple gel systems, dip powder stations, nail art studio, hot stone massage equipment | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Medical-Grade Sterilization | Multiple autoclaves, UV sterilization rooms, hospital-grade disinfection systems | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| Luxury Ambiance | Designer reception area, VIP treatment rooms, retail boutique, custom lighting and sound | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Advanced Technology | Comprehensive salon management software, online booking, loyalty programs, digital marketing tools | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Premium Products | Luxury product lines, extensive color collections, professional-grade supplies, retail inventory | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| Professional Installation | Complete buildout, custom plumbing and electrical, ventilation systems, permits and inspections | $5,000 - $8,000 |