Salon Equipment List: What You Need as a Stylist

Published April 9, 2024

So, you’re planning to open up a salon. You’re making your dream happen. As much as the whole talent that goes into hairstyling, a fully furnished and equipped space is what you need to succeed. You can’t run a flourishing business without inadequate tools, half-baked furniture, an unwelcoming atmosphere, and a chaotic management system. 

In this article, we’ll discuss everything on the salon equipment list—office supplies, electric equipment, tools, displays, marketing materials, and more. Our guide ensures comprehensiveness as we help hair stylists put their best foot forward in realizing their dreams. Let’s start. 

Salon Office Supplies

It can be easy to overlook these basics when you’re just starting and fixated on fine-tuning your service. Yet, planning will help your operations run smoothly while avoiding surprise expenses. 

• WiFi 
• Computer/tablet
• Basics: pen, paper, staplers, clips
• Cleaning supplies: trash cans, trash bags, brooms, mops, disinfectant wipes
• Business bank account and necessary documentation

You might not need a traditional break room, yet it’s helpful to have a dedicated space for your staff. Giving employees an area to relax with amenities such as comfortable chairs and a stocked fridge is an excellent step toward attracting and retaining talent. 

Salon Electric Equipment

The decision here lies in the salon-quality services you are going to render and in how many stylists will be working at the same time. 

• Hair dryers
• Heat lamps 
• Blow dryer
• Hair straighteners
• Hair curlers
• Hair clippers
• Ring lights 
• Washing machine and a dryer (for towels) 

Hair Salon Tools and Salon Supplies

Reliable equipment is often expensive for a reason. If you’re on a budget, consider buying just what hair tools you need from the very beginning. Then, as your business grows, purchase all other essential things later. 

• Shears and scissors
• Salon cart
• Rattail combs
• Wide-toothed combs
• Round brushes
• Vented brushes
• Hood dryer
• Paddle brushes
• Hair cutting capes
• Salon towels
• Hand mirrors
• Hair water spray bottles
• Hair clipper
• Aprons
• Salon latex gloves
• Towels
• First aid kit 

Point of Sale (POS) System

Whether it’s a stand for your tablet, small mobile terminal, mounted POS, or full register, your point-of-sale system is so much more than a tool. It is critical for processing payments and further streamlining administrative tasks. It handles everything from sales reporting to customer engagement and inventory management. 

• POS Hardware
• Retail product displays
• Shopping bags
• QR code printouts 

Salon Front Desk, Display, Lighting, and Decor

A large number of beauty businesses reported struggling to balance safety precautions while providing a relaxing environment. It’s vital to consider the look and feel of the salon. From then on, you can plan to create from the beginning to help avoid additional costs after opening. 

• Front desk/reception area
• Lighting
• Signage
• Plants
• Stereo system
• Seating area
• Restrooms

Marketing Materials

Digital marketing can be highly effective. Yet still, a new salon can get a boost from: 

• Business cards
• Stickers, pens, and small giveaways
• Branded merch, such as shirts, tote bags, and hats 

PPE in a Beauty Salon

Personal protective equipment plays a crucial role in beauty salons. It safeguards both the staff and clients from various health risks. 

1. Protection from chemicals 

Beauty salon professionals are frequently exposed to chemicals in hair dyes, bleaches, and other treatment products. These substances can trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions. Prolonged exposure can also cause more severe health dilemmas. 

PPE like gloves and aprons render a necessary barrier between these chemicals and the skin. They lower the risk of contact dermatitis and other skin conditions. 

2. Preventing contamination 

Physical barriers such as masks, gloves, and aprons are vital, too. They prevent direct contact with potentially infectious compounds and are especially important in safeguarding cross-contamination between clients and staff. 

3. Airborne particles and fumes 

Salons often use products that can release airborne particles or fumes. These particles may be harmful if inhaled over time. Properly fitted masks or respirators can help filter out these particles, protecting the respiratory health of salon workers and their clients. 

This type of protection is essential when working with robust chemicals and performing services that generate dust, such as filing nails.