Are you planning to start a new salon or looking forward to revamping your current one?
Getting the most out of your space, figuring out the layout and curating the right ambience with time and budget constraint may seem like a ‘big ask.’ Here are some tips and tricks to make the process quick and efficient.
Basics to A Good Hair Salon Design
Interior design is not just about picking the right paints and decor. For a salon, checking the water pressure requirements is equally important. These are a few essentials to keep in mind before we dive into figuring the design.
- Test the salon’s water pressure. The sooner this is done, the better. This can be tested with the help of your local water company. If the bar of water pressure in the salon is not at least 1.75 to 2.5, a booster pump will be required.
- Check the way your wall is constructed. If you want certain equipment to be mounted on a wall, the strength of the wall needs to be assessed. Partition walls are not suitable, but a solid concrete or brick wall is perfect.
- Place your wash area as close as possible to the water and waste outlets. Figuring out the location of pipeline and wiring early on will create an essential structure for your layout. Plus, short pipes will be cheaper to install and prevent future plumbing problems.
- Along with harnessing the best of natural daylight, keep in mind your client’s privacy. Sitting with foil in their hair with a clear view to passers-by is not a good look and will make the client uncomfortable.
- Thinking about the surface of the floor is critical as well, especially if your space requires to withstand high levels of noise or create easy access to under-floor services.
Tips and Tricks to Design the Styling Area of your Salon
One of the biggest challenges is figuring out the optimum usage of your space. More styling stations convert to more potential revenue for your salon, but at the same time, you wouldn’t want to overcrowd it. In case you are confused about the right way to use your space, it will be helpful to discuss your options with a professional salon designer early on.
- Leave sufficient space to work. Ideally, styling units should have at least a 1.2m gap between each of them and length of 1.5m between the stylist and the unit. To fit more clients in a tight space, island styling units are the best.
- Stains cannot be prevented and are inevitable in a salon. So having upholstery with a darker shade is a practical solution. If you intend on picking a lighter colour, using clear chair back covers will be handy.
- Mix it up with different styles of light to create the perfect ambience. You could hang task lights over each section to provide the necessary illumination while using a wall-mounted feature lighting for the vibe.
- Check for regulations and permits. Since a salon will require heavy equipment and appliances, make sure the machines comply with the standards and rules for salon business in your country. Sometimes sourcing imported products for cheap may turn out to be faulty, fake or illegal, which could create issues when insuring your salon.
- Decide on your solar scheme. Would you like it to be mixed and out-of-sight or highlight it with a colour bar? Weight out the pros and cons before you reach a decision.
- Want to widen the space of your salon visually? A mirrored wall is all you need to trick the eye and make it seem spacious.
Planning the Layout of your Salon Wash Area
A challenging area which will require the most fittings and heavy appliances while redeeming a calm and relaxing ambience. These are some quick tips to keep in mind while planning the layout. 
- Add partitions to create a tranquil experience for clients even during salon rush-hour.
- Providing sufficient workspace is key. A standard 0.6m in the front and back of a wash unit is required. This provides enough space for the operator to do their job and for the client to stretch their legs.
- The wash area is also the area with the most pipework which, when exposed, is not a flattering look. Placing small cabinets or link units between wash sections will give you some extra storage and cover that ugly pipework. On the other hand, a plinth for wash units is equally effective to get the job done without crowding the space. A false floor can then be used to conceal hot/cold water and waste pipelines.
- Water regulations differ from country to country. It will be helpful to check with your salon furniture and fittings supplier about the details before investing in fittings for plumbing.
Design Ideas for the Salon Reception
The first impression is the last. It wouldn’t suffice to treat the reception design as a mere afterthought. This is the area where customers will be interacting and inquiring about your services. 
- It is vital to make this area sand out and accessible. Using a plinth or different floor level can help define and differentiate each area. Alternatively, you could put the colour scheme you choose to effective use. Different shades of the same colour or other colours can break up the salon without causing any reduction in space.
- Keep it clutter-free. This is the first space that the clients see when they walk through the salon door. You would not want to greet them with a messy salon desk. Decide the items required to keep on hand at the desk and figure out how to conceal the rest.
- Placement is key. If you intend on selling retail inventory along with salon services, avoid placing them behind the reception desk. However, it may seem like a great space to showcase your products, the desk and the receptionist will be an unnecessary barrier. Clients like to have easy accessibility while browsing and buying products which will lead to more sales.
Tips on Selecting your Salon Furniture
Once your layout and design are set, it’s time to shop for furniture and decor. Be it an online store or an established salon furniture supplier, here are some tips that will help you quicken the process.
- Inquire about servicing and guarantees. You might receive a good deal on appliances online, but a local supplier is more likely to honour promises and be on call in case an appliance breaks down.
- Keep a record of written contracts. In case of any issue, a written confirmation is a strong legal binding document to claim promised services.
- Be wary of the material used for furnishings. Fire retardant requirements for upholstery generally apply to only households. Since salons are equipped with heavy appliances, it is better to choose furnishings whose cloths and foams are not easily flammable in case of a fire risk.
- Inquire overhead costs in advance. Other than the price you pay for the furniture, there are hidden additional charges for delivery, installation and storage. Ask your salon dealer to provide estimates of these costs before finalising the paperwork.
If you plan and research ahead and choose reputable suppliers, your dream salon will be all ready to be set up and open for service in no time.
