30+ Salon Equipment Essentials + Professional Tips

No matter if you’re an independent stylist renting a commercial space or a business owner opening your own studio, obtaining all the hair salon essentials can be a daunting experience. After all, the process of selecting the right products from the variety of brands, price points, and channels available can take days. And how does one remember every item that needs to be bought?

If this struggle seems familiar, this guide is for you. Here, we will take you through all the hairdressing equipment, tools, and accessories you need to run your salon efficiently and provide you with recommendations on where to get them, making the shopping process easier than ever!

The Complete Salon Essentials Checklist

The best way to avoid forgetting to purchase an essential piece of equipment when opening a hair salon is to create a list of items in advance and follow it carefully.

We have done the hard work for you and got the checklist ready so that you don’t have to spend hours on research. The products are divided into four categories and feature links to our personal favorites for your reference. 

Salon Furniture

It is important to carefully select furniture for your salon to ensure it is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. Here are some essentials you will need to get for the entrance area:

• Reception desk. The front desk will probably be the first thing your clients see when they enter your salon, so make sure you invest in the right piece. Remember that the reception desk should match your studio’s design while being comfortable for the employees.

• Waiting area sofa. Your clients will need a place where they can sit while waiting for their appointment. Sofas, benches, and chairs are all great options to consider.

• Coffee table. It is also important for your salon’s waiting area to have a table with some magazines and decorative pieces to ensure the best experience for your visitors.

• Retail stand. A display shelf that features hair products for sale can be an excellent source of side income for your salon. Make sure it catches the clients’ eyes and can fit in enough items.

Another critical zone to focus on is the work area. Make sure you get furniture that is specifically designed for professional needs to ensure it’s ergonomic and durable. Here are the must-haves every hair studio owner should purchase:

• Hair styling stations. This is the centerpiece of the work area where the hair stylists will do their magic. Make sure it is a perfect match for your salon design-wise and has enough storage space for all the items the staff members need within reach.

• Salon chairs. Choosing the perfect salon chair model isn’t an easy task, as there are many factors to consider, such as design, quality, price, convenience for both the staff and clients, and the availability of a warranty. Check out our detailed guide to find out how to make the right choice!

• Backwash units. This piece of equipment will be involved in nearly every hair appointment, so it’s critical to pick a durable and comfortable option. Pay extra attention to the backwash unit’s adjustability for it to be suitable for as many different customers as possible.

• Tool carts. A hair stylist’s job would have been a lot trickier without mobile carts that allow them to keep essential tools at hand. Make sure you get a tool cart that is lightweight yet sturdy and has wheels.

Now you’re all set with salon furniture - read ahead to find out what other items need to be included in your hair studio essentials checklist!

Electric Equipment

No hair salon would be able to function without electric equipment. However, the list of items you need to purchase will vary depending on the array of services you offer. Here are some of the essentials you shouldn’t leave out:

• Hood dryer. This salon staple is used to dry hair quickly and evenly. When browsing for a great hood dryer option, pay extra attention to the device’s wattage, temperature control settings, and the presence of a timer.

• Heat lamp. This equipment piece will help you to significantly speed up chemical treatments and hair dyeing processes. Make sure the model you pick has enough wattage, a sturdy base, wheels, and an adjustable stem.

• Hair dryer. A good professional blowdryer will have high wattage (approx. 3600W), a cool shot button, straightforward temperature control, and multiple nozzle attachments.

• Hair straightener. The design of a hair straightener should enable versatile styling and support an optimal temperature that doesn’t damage the hair. 

• Hair curler. The majority of professional hair stylists recommend opting for a titanium hair curling iron, as it is the most durable and lightweight material. 1-inch barrel size is the usual go-to option, as it makes working with a variety of hair lengths and textures easy.

• Hair clippers. Professionals typically pick cordless hair clippers to ensure they can move around with them freely. It is also important to make sure you select a device that is made of durable materials and boasts extended run-time, high speed, and light weight.

• Washer-dryer combo. Your salon is sure to accumulate a pile of used towels every day, so it’s essential to be able to get them washed and dried quickly. A machine that combines both of these functions will help you save both money and space.

Remember that quality devices always come with a warranty, so the absence of it should be a red flag when shopping for eclectic equipment.

Tools

Every hair stylist has their personal preferences when it comes to their toolkit. However, the key essentials one can’t go without are:

• Shears. Such scissors that are used for hair thinning should be corrosion-resistant and durable. Opt for a model that has a comfortable shape and additional finger support to ensure the hair stylists’ comfort.

• Scissors. Hair-cutting scissors should be ergonomic, versatile, and lightweight so that a hair stylist can use them for extended periods of time without experiencing discomfort.

• Combs. Wide-toothed and rattail combs are must-haves in a hair salon, yet you might need to purchase more options depending on your range of services. The key characteristics that you must keep in mind when selecting professional combs are heat resistance and durability.

• Brushes. Paddle, vented, and round brushes are considered hair styling basics. Professional brushes are heat-resistant, have a comfortable grip, and feature ball-tip bristles that don’t damage the scalp.

• Towels. It’s highly recommendable to get a big set of matching towels to be able to rotate them conveniently.

• Hand mirror. This tool comes in handy when a hair stylist needs to show the client the result of their hard work. Make sure you choose a hand mirror that is wide and has a comfortable handle.

• Spray bottle. Hair stylists often use spray bottles to dampen their clients’ hair during the appointment. Since it’s a tool that will be in use all the time, it’s worth investing in a durable option that was specifically designed for professional use.

• Hair clips. Section clips are irreplaceable in a hair stylist’s field of work. Opt for pro options that provide a non-slip hold and are made of high-quality materials.

• Salon cape. Aside from the practical side of protecting your clients’ clothes from the by-products of the hair styling process, salon capes also add up to the space’s ambiance. Note that if you are going for a classy and professional look, it’s worth purchasing a set of matching capes.

• Apron. Aprons will help your staff members keep their clothes clean while adding uniformity to their appearance. There’s a wide selection of apron styles available on the market, so take time to pick the option that matches your salon concept best!

• Disposable gloves. Hair stylists deal with chemicals on a daily basis, so it’s best to have plenty of disposable gloves available at your salon for them to use.

With the listed set of tools, you can rest assured that the work process at your salon will be running smoothly.

Software and Marketing Tools

Last but not least, you need to take care of the technical part of hair salon equipment. Here are the pieces you will most definitely need:

• Appointment booking and salon management software. Keeping track of clients and their bookings manually often turns into a nightmare, so installing reliable hair salon management software is a must. Noona is a free appointment scheduling app designed for busy professionals. Our all-in-one platform combines a powerful calendar, point-of-sale system, and online bookings under a single, easy-to-use interface. Sign up to optimize your salon’s operations!

• Laptop. Your front desk will require a laptop for the administrator to assist your clients fast and efficiently.

• Smartphone. Having a smartphone at hand will enable you and your staff members to receive calls from the clients and keep in check with the salon management software on the go.

• Salon POS system. Getting a POS terminal will enable you to accept card payments from your customers.

• Cash register. Many people still prefer using banknotes, so don’t forget to put a cash register in place.

This concludes the list of hair salon must-haves - the next step is to purchase the items from the list.

Key Principle for Salon Equipment Shopping

Now that you have the complete hair salon essentials checklist at hand, you are all set! All you have to do is tweak it to your studio’s specific needs and follow it when shopping for the tools and equipment.

If you are on a tight budget, remember that there are cost-effective options worth considering, such as purchasing second-hand items, DIYing some elements, using equipment rental services, or tracking major sales dates. Yet, no matter which option you choose to opt for, keep in mind that investing in high-quality pieces will pay off in the long term.