This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a nail salon.
Our business plan for a nail salon will help you build a profitable project
Starting a nail salon is exciting, but determining what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The challenge is knowing exactly what to purchase without overspending or missing essential items that keep your salon running smoothly.
Every nail salon has different requirements, and equipment costs can quickly escalate if you don't plan carefully from the start.
Complete Nail Salon Equipment List
Opening a successful nail salon requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your nail salon up and running professionally.
Nail Care Equipment
- Manicure tables - Comfortable workstations with proper lighting and storage
- Pedicure chairs - Spa-quality chairs with foot baths and massage features
- UV/LED nail lamps - Cure gel polish and nail extensions quickly
- Nail drills - Electric files for shaping and buffing nails precisely
- Cuticle nippers - Professional-grade tools for precise cuticle work
- Nail files/buffers - Various grits for shaping and smoothing nails
- Cuticle pushers - Stainless steel tools for safe cuticle maintenance
- Tweezers - Precision tools for detailed nail art and cleanup
- Nail scissors - Professional cutting tools for trimming nails
- Callus removers - Tools and products for foot care services
- Pumice stones - Natural exfoliation tools for pedicure services
- Foot files - Removes dead skin and calluses effectively
Nail Products & Supplies
- Nail polish collection - Wide variety of colors and finishes
- Gel polish systems - Long-lasting color options for clients
- Base and top coats - Essential for nail polish longevity
- Nail art supplies - Brushes, dotting tools, and decorative elements
- Acrylic powder/liquid - For nail extensions and repairs
- Nail forms/tips - Creates length and shape for extensions
- Nail glue - Bonds tips and repairs broken nails
- Cuticle oils - Nourishes and moisturizes cuticle area
- Hand/foot creams - Moisturizes and protects skin
- Nail dehydrator - Prepares nails for polish application
- Primer - Ensures better polish adhesion
- Acetone - Removes polish and cleans nails thoroughly
Sanitation & Safety
- Autoclave sterilizer - Sterilizes metal instruments completely
- UV sterilizer cabinet - Maintains sterile tool storage
- Barbicide solution - Disinfects non-metal tools safely
- Disposable liners - Hygienic protection for pedicure tubs
- Disposable towels - Single-use towels for each client
- Nitrile gloves - Protects both client and technician
- Hand sanitizer - Maintains hygiene between services
- Disinfectant sprays - Cleans surfaces and equipment
- Disposable foot files - Single-use tools for hygiene
- Instrument trays - Organizes and protects sterilized tools
Seating & Furniture
- Client chairs - Comfortable seating for manicure services
- Technician stools - Adjustable height for proper ergonomics
- Reception desk - Professional front desk for client check-in
- Waiting area seating - Comfortable chairs for waiting clients
- Storage cabinets - Organizes supplies and products efficiently
- Display shelves - Showcases nail polish and retail products
- Nail art display - Shows available designs and services
Lighting & Ambiance
- Task lighting - Bright lights for detailed nail work
- Ambient lighting - Creates relaxing salon atmosphere
- Table lamps - Adjustable lighting for each workstation
- Ceiling fans - Improves air circulation and comfort
- Music system - Background music for relaxing environment
Business Operations
- Point-of-sale system - Processes payments and tracks sales
- Appointment book/software - Schedules client appointments efficiently
- Cash register - Handles cash transactions securely
- Credit card processor - Accepts various payment methods
- Receipt printer - Provides transaction records for clients
- Business phone - Handles appointment calls and inquiries
- Computer/tablet - Manages scheduling and business records
Utilities & Infrastructure
- Ventilation system - Removes chemical fumes and odors
- Plumbing connections - Supports sinks and pedicure stations
- Electrical outlets - Powers all salon equipment safely
- Water filtration - Provides clean water for services
- Air purification - Maintains clean air quality
Additional Supplies
- Uniforms/aprons - Professional appearance for staff
- Disposable capes - Protects client clothing during services
- Cotton pads/balls - Essential for polish removal and cleanup
- Orange wood sticks - Gentle cuticle work and cleanup
- Tissue paper - Separates toes during pedicures
- Plastic bags - Hygienic disposal of used materials
- Paper towels - Quick cleanup and surface protection
- Aluminum foil - Used for gel polish removal process
Our financial plan for a nail salon will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most nail salon owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment, depending on their size and service offerings. You really can't go below $10,000 for even the smallest setup because you need basic stations, sterilization equipment, and supplies just to operate legally and safely.
- Small Nail Salon
A small nail salon with basic manicure and pedicure services needs around $10,000-$25,000, and most of that budget goes toward quality stations and sterilization equipment.
- Medium-Sized Nail Salon
A medium-sized nail salon offering full services typically runs $25,000-$50,000, with more specialized equipment like advanced pedicure chairs and nail art supplies.
- Large Nail Salon
A large nail salon or spa with extensive offerings can easily hit $50,000-$75,000, especially when you add luxury pedicure stations and advanced equipment systems.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Nail Salon ($10,000 - $25,000)
Small nail salons 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Stations | 3 manicure tables with storage and lighting, 2 basic pedicure chairs with foot baths, adjustable technician stools | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Nail Equipment | UV/LED lamps, basic nail drill, professional nail tools, cuticle nippers, files and buffers set | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Sterilization | UV sterilizer cabinet, autoclave for metal tools, barbicide solution, disinfectant supplies | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Products & Supplies | Basic nail polish collection, gel polish starter kit, nail care products, disposable supplies | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Furniture & Seating | Reception desk, waiting area chairs, storage cabinets, product display shelving | $1,500 - $4,000 |
| Business Equipment | Basic POS system, appointment scheduling software, business phone, basic lighting | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Setup & Installation | Equipment delivery, basic installation, initial setup, permits and licenses | $500 - $2,000 |
Medium-Sized Nail Salon ($25,000 - $50,000)
Medium nail salons need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle diverse services and higher volume. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to offer more variety to customers.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Stations | 5 manicure tables with built-in ventilation, 3 mid-range pedicure chairs with massage, ergonomic seating | $8,000 - $15,000 |
| Professional Equipment | Multiple UV/LED lamps, electric nail drills, complete tool sets, nail art equipment, extension supplies | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Sterilization Systems | Large autoclave, multiple UV cabinets, ultrasonic cleaner, comprehensive disinfection supplies | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Expanded Product Line | Extensive polish collection, gel systems, nail art supplies, retail products, spa treatments | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Salon Furniture | Custom reception area, comfortable waiting lounge, storage systems, retail displays | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Technology & Ambiance | Advanced POS system, online booking, sound system, professional lighting, air purification | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, staff training, permits, initial marketing setup | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Large-Scale Nail Salon ($50,000 - $75,000)
Large nail salons operate as full-service spas with luxury amenities and specialized services. The focus shifts to maximizing comfort, efficiency, and the ability to offer premium services that command higher prices.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Stations | 8 premium manicure stations with built-in features, 5 luxury pedicure chairs with full spa features and pipeless systems | $20,000 - $30,000 |
| Professional Equipment | High-end nail drills, multiple LED systems, complete nail art stations, extension and sculpting tools | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Advanced Sterilization | Large capacity autoclave, multiple sterilization units, ultrasonic systems, hospital-grade disinfection | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Premium Products | Luxury nail care lines, extensive color collections, professional-grade supplies, retail inventory | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Spa Furniture | Designer reception area, luxury waiting lounge, private treatment rooms, custom storage solutions | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Technology Systems | Integrated POS and booking system, sound and entertainment systems, advanced lighting, climate control | $4,000 - $6,000 |
| Specialty Features | Nail art displays, retail boutique setup, relaxation amenities, beverage stations | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| Installation & Setup | Complete professional installation, comprehensive staff training, all permits, grand opening marketing | $3,000 - $5,000 |