How to Design a Hairdressing Salon

A hair salon is a place where people can go to receive many services related to hair and beauty. Designing a salon is more than just throwing together a few chairs and styling stations. Salon design is crucial to client comfort and satisfaction and salon success. Preparation is essential, before opening the doors for business.

Instructions

1. Include an inviting reception area facing the front door in order to greet clients immediately they enter. The reception desk should be open and free of any materials that may inhibit clients from immediately seeing the receptionist. Place the salon computer, scheduling book and business cards at the reception desk, so they are readily available for client checkout. Add a price list in a prominent area behind the front desk and visible from the seating area, to assist in avoiding pricing issues.

2. Place the retail station in a prominent location, close to the reception desk, where the receptionist and stylists can easily assist clients with any retail questions. This area should be arranged in sections according to product line. Most product lines have a recommended display set-up, that is researched to optimize sales. This usually comes with the retail product. If not, call the retailer and request a display assistance booklet.

3. Create a comfortable waiting area for clients, that accents the style and colors of the salon. Seating should be wide enough to accommodate all sizes and durable, in order to withstand daily wear and tear. Add small tables with magazines and styling books to make wait time more bearable and give clients a chance to look at possible hairstyle choices. Play some relaxing music at a low level in this area.

4. Choose your colors carefully. Yellow, green and red tones can affect the way hair color appears and might cause confusion in hair color choices and results. Combinations of neutral colors such as browns, beiges and off-whites are a good choice for hair salons. Facial and massage rooms should have soothing tones such as blues or muted pinks to encourage relaxation.

5. Pay attention to lighting. Lighting in certain areas of the salon such as facial and massage rooms is more soothing when soft and muted. If hair services are performed, the lighting is most effective when it is bright and shows true color. Avoid yellow or harsh tones that may affect hair coloring results. Place lighting above station mirrors to give clients a clear view of their service.

6. Add hairstyling stations with mirrors along the walls to allow free space. Place styling chairs a few feet in front and facing mirrors. Freestanding stations might be added throughout the salon depending on space. Leave adequate walkway space for an open effect. Facial and massage rooms should be separate from other salon service areas and towards the back to avoid noise during services. Manicure stations are best placed in areas with adequate ventilation where is less of an issue. Waxing services might be performed at the shampoo or back bar area. Rolling carts can be used for many services.

7. Place hair coloring, perming, straightening, and other products on shelves in the backroom. A large walk-in closet usually works well for these purposes. Keep cleaning products in the backroom in a separate storage area. A microwave, refrigerator and table should be put in this area as well for stylists to keep personal items and prepare and eat meals.

8. Include bathrooms in the back of the salon in an areas the is convenient for clients. This will decrease the chances of unwanted odors becoming apparent as clients initially enter. Add a separate staff bathroom in the back room, if possible.

9. Put the shampoo area in the back of the salon and place cabinets above the sinks to hold towels and extra back bar items. Add a partition or short wall to separate the shampoo area from the rest of the salon, to allow for client privacy.

10. Hang pictures of hair styles or other personal art choices along the walls in complementary colors and tones. Add in any special design touches such as plants or ornaments to give the salon your specific style or theme. Include a music system to play tones that fit the salon environment.

References

• Prlog.org-Salon Lighting
• Belvedere.com

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish