5 Popular Salon Layout Ideas
What do old warehouses, strip malls, and BMX bike shops have in common? They’re all perfect locations to open a beauty salon, spa or barbershop. Some of the most unlikely places make great real estate for a hair salon, with plenty of foot traffic, street visibility and a nook for that waiting room you’ve been dreaming of.
But finding a space is just the beginning. The next step is a hard one — mapping your salon layout.
Where should the reception desk go? Should you use wall-mounted styling stations or opt for free standing stations? Never fear. We’ve got some inspiration for you. Check out these five common salon layout designs, including the pros, the cons and recommended equipment for each hair salon floor plan.
Open Concept Salon Layout: Double-Sided Work Stations
Why we love it:
If you’re looking to maximize your space, the open-concept salon layout is for you. The double-sided station layout is all about efficiency, allowing you to elegantly fit multiple operators and services into a small area.
With an open layout and the right furniture, you can easily transform your space from salon into a gathering space for team meetings, classes for stylists and even community events. Plus, double sided stations foster collaboration between stylists and a sense of community and teamwork.
Things to consider:
Compared to wall-mounted stations, storage and space in a double-sided station can be limited, since you are, after all, sharing with another stylist. If you like the idea of an open floor space, but want to have room for each stylist to have full storage, consider an open concept salon with wall-mounted work stations.
View a Sample Floor Plan
Check out our Best Of: Double-Sided Stations
The perfect equipment:
■ Omni Double Styling Station with Mobile Base
■ Maxim Double Sided Styling Station
■ Miami Double Sided Styling Station
Open Concept Salon Layout: Wall-Mounted Work Stations
Why we love it:
If you’re lucky to land in a space with beautiful floors and lighting, don’t hide it with stations! This open floor salon layout is designed to show off your stuff.
Like the layout above, this hair salon floor plan gives you plenty of versatile room. Your open area can act as a waiting space, a drying area, an event space or a retail showcase. With wall-mounted stations, each stylist can bring their own personal touch to their station. Not only do wall-mounted stations have more storage space, they also have a cleaner look, since it’s harder for loose hair and dirt to get caught underneath the station.
Things to consider:
For any salon layout, it’s important to maximize your revenue per square foot, streamlining your furnishings, plumbing, waiting and retail areas to get the most out of your space. If your space is smaller, this layout may not be the most efficient way to maximize revenue per square foot — double-sided stations may give you more bang for your buck.
Check out our top-ranked Wall-Mounted Stations
View a Sample Floor Plan
The perfect equipment:
■ Bali Tall Styling Station
■ Pibbs Lumina LED Salon Mirror
■ Bali Tower Styling Station
■ Pibbs Classic Salon Mirror
■ Allegro Styling Station
■ Maddison 36" Vanity Station & Mirror
Studio/Suite Salon Layout
Why we love it:
If you’ve ever watched Steel Magnolias, you know that a studio salon can make clients feel right at home. (And if you’ve never watched Steel Magnolias, stop reading now. Come back when you’re done.)
A salon suite layout lets you do you, from your decor and equipment to your business decisions, without the hassle of salon ownership. Plus, all of your services are private and super-personalized for every client.
Things to consider:
There are small spaces, and then there are small spaces. Fitting everything you need into a salon suite layout can be a difficult task without the proper guidance. Check out our tips for opening a studio salon.
View a Sample Floor Plan
The perfect equipment:
■ Bali Tower Styling Station w/ Storage Mirror
■ Bali Tall Styling Station & Mirror
■ Bali Color Bar 32"
■ Lexus Backwash Unit
■ Bali Shampoo Back Bar
Narrow Hair Salon Layout
Why we love it:
There’s something charming and intimate about the long and narrow shotgun salon. Close quarters are perfect for collaboration between stylists and fun conversation between clients. This salon floor plan may be hard to work with, but with careful planning and the right equipment, you can turn this long salon into a styling machine.
Things to consider:
Be aware of the footprint size of each styling chair, station and shampoo area in your salon. Ensure that your furniture and retail display layout leverage the flow of the customer’s journey throughout your space. Long mirrors, thin chairs and combined shampoo units can also boost your potential revenue per square foot.
View a Sample Floor Plan
The perfect equipment:
■ Pibbs Lumina LED Salon Mirror
■ Bali Hanger Station with Arm Mirror
■ Onyx Styling Chair
■ Salon Ambience Kite Styling Chair
■ Salon Ambience Iconwash Triple Backwash Unit
Small Salon Layout
Why we love it:
A lot of style can come in a small package. Just like the narrow layout, a small salon floor plan can work in your favor. Just because your space is tiny doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your offerings and services — it just means you have to be smarter about how you arrange them.
Things to consider:
Multi-purpose units are everything in a small salon. Your shampoo backwash can double as a waxing and scalp treatment area. Your lounge can also function as a drying space. With a little creativity, a small space can pay off big time.
View a Sample Floor Plan
The perfect equipment:
■ Bali Hanger Styling Station & Mirror
■ Pibbs Diamond Salon Mirror
■ Alexa Full Length Salon Mirror & Frame
■ Oasis Backwash Unit
Need help?
Buy-Rite Beauty is here to help with your salon layout. Whether you need help planning your plumbing or choosing the right equipment for your salon, contact an expert from Buy-Rite today!