Related Expert Advice articles
Best Wall-Mounted Salon Stations: 2024 Top Picks
Buy-Rite Beauty offers high-quality wall-mounted stations that not only provide a chic aesthetic but also maximize your floor space. These wall-mounted styling stations optimize space and are easy to clean underneath, unlike freestanding stations. Our industry experts evaluated each station based on five key grading criteria to show the best of the best in wall-mounted stations...
Read More
Best Salon Mirrors: 2024 Top Picks
At Buy-Rite Beauty, we offer high-quality salon mirrors designed for both style and practicality. Crafted with precision, our mirrors provide the right lighting for hairstylists to nail every cut and style with accuracy while achieving the aesthetic that they want. We evaluated a variety of modern and classic designs to choose the top options that meet our crucial grading criteria. This curated collection includes all different shapes, sizes, materials, and colors to give you the largest selection possible...
Read More
How to Open a Salon: Step-By-Step Guide
After months or years of deliberation, you’ve finally decided to make your dreams a reality and open your very own beauty salon. But between choosing your business structure, mapping out plumbing, and much, much more, getting started can feel more like a nightmare than a dream come true. The good news is, you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re starting your business. The even better news? We’ve got a comprehensive guide to make things easier. Below are eight steps to opening a salon, from choosing a name to planning your grand opening day!
Read More
The Essential Hair Salon Equipment List
Opening a hair salon is super exciting, but it can be hard to keep track of everything you need without a hair salon equipment list. The experts at Buy-Rite put together a hair salon equipment list to help you stay organized and ensure that you have everything you need for a successful grand opening...
Read More
Frequently asked questions about
How much space is recommended between salon stations?
| We recommend 4 to 6 feet of space between stations because it strikes the right balance between providing enough room for stylists to work without feeling cramped, while also maintaining a comfortable area for clients. This spacing allows stylists to move freely, access their tools, and attend to clients without obstruction. It also ensures that clients don't feel too close to one another, enhancing their overall experience. |
What are the best stations for small spaces?
| When working with limited space, it’s essential to choose salon stations that are compact, versatile, and offer maximum functionality. Here are the best options for small spaces: 1. Storage-Integrated Wall-Mounted Stations - Storage-integrated wall-mounted stations like the Lumina Mirror w/ Server are perfect for small spaces as they provide all the storage you need behind the mirror without taking up any floor space. These stations combine a sleek, modern design with built-in drawers or cabinets that keep tools and products organized and within reach. By utilizing the wall for both styling and storage, they make the most of vertical space, ensuring your salon remains clutter-free while maximizing efficiency. 2. Mobile Salon Stations with Wall-Mount Mirrors - Mobile stations on wheels offer excellent flexibility, allowing you to move them as needed. When paired with a wall-mounted mirror, this setup maximizes floor space and creates an efficient, clutter-free work area. Mobile stations often come with built-in storage, such as drawers or trays, making them ideal for keeping tools and supplies organized. 3. Wet Stations - Wet stations that combine a shampoo bowl with storage or a styling area are great for small spaces. They allow you to maximize available space by combining multiple functions into one piece. Look for compact wet stations with streamlined designs, integrated storage, and easy access to water connections, making them perfect for smaller salons or suites. |
How do I install a wall salon station?
| When mounting a wall salon station, it’s essential to ensure a secure and stable installation for both safety and functionality. Start by locating the studs in your wall using a stud finder, as mounting directly onto studs provides the best support. Use a level to ensure the station is aligned correctly, and mark the spots for your screws. Select screws and anchors suitable for your wall type (drywall, concrete, etc.), ensuring they can support the station’s weight and any equipment you plan to store. The industry-recommended height for salon countertops is 36 inches from the floor, providing a comfortable working height for most stylists. Double-check the alignment and tightness before securing everything in place. If you’re uncertain, consider hiring a professional to ensure a safe and accurate installation. |
What’s the recommended height for mounting a station?
| The industry-recommended height for mounting a salon station is 36 inches from the floor to the countertop. This height is considered ideal for most stylists, as it allows for an ergonomic working posture, reducing strain on the back and arms during styling services. It’s important to consider the comfort of your team and clients, so if you have taller or shorter stylists, you may want to adjust the height slightly to accommodate their needs. Always ensure the station is securely mounted and at the appropriate height for ease of use and safety. |
How do I choose the right salon station?
| Choosing the right stations for your salon means evaluating space and layout, storage needs, floor plan, design aesthetic, services provided, and your specific clientele to ensure your setup is efficient, functional, and aligned with your brand. 1. Space & Layout: In compact or linear spaces, single-sided stations work best, as they can be wall-mounted or placed against a wall to maximize space. Double-sided stations are great for open layouts, offering workspaces on both sides and accommodating more clients, ideal for high-traffic salons or open floor plans. 2. Storage Needs: Consider stations with built-in storage to keep tools and products organized. Barber stations offer specialized storage for clippers and razors, while rolling stations provide mobile storage, allowing flexibility to reposition tools for different services or dynamic setups. 3. Design Aesthetic: Choose stations that enhance your salon’s style. Sleek single-sided stations lend a minimalist look, while barber stations bring a classic, vintage feel. Rolling stations fit a modern, adaptable aesthetic, and wet stations blend functionality with design, making them versatile in various salon themes. 4. Services Provided: Your primary services influence station choice. For color and styling, look for stations with ample counter space, integrated tool holders, and LED-lit mirrors for better visibility. If your salon includes esthetic or makeup services, stations with adjustable mirrors or added product storage can improve service efficiency. 5. Clientele: Tailor stations to match the needs of your clientele. If you serve a high volume of clients, double-sided stations can increase service capacity. For clients who may need extra support, such as in assisted living or senior-focused salons, wet stations with integrated shampoo bowls offer convenience by reducing the need to move between stations. Barber-specific stations cater to barbershop clients, enhancing their experience with a more tailored setup. By aligning station selection with these factors, you’ll create a salon that’s both functional and welcoming, supporting efficient workflows and a seamless client experience. |
What are the different types of salon stations?
| Salon stations come in various types, each designed to suit different salon layouts, workflows, and service needs. Here's an overview of the main types of salon stations and their ideal applications: Single-Sided Stations Single-sided stations are designed for one stylist and are meant to be positioned against a wall, available in both freestanding or wall-mounted designs. These stations are ideal for salons with a linear layout or limited space, making them perfect for compact salons or private suites where each station can be neatly arranged along a wall. Double-Sided Stations Double-sided stations feature two workspaces back-to-back, allowing two stylists to work simultaneously on opposite sides. These stations are ideal for open-floor layouts or larger salons, maximizing floor space and increasing client capacity without crowding the area, making them perfect for busy, high-traffic salons where efficiency is key. Salon Mirrors Salon mirrors can be integrated into stations or used as standalone elements for styling and client consultations. They are versatile and can complement any station setup, with large mirrors enhancing the perception of space, making them a smart choice for smaller salons looking to create a more open feel. Rolling Stations Rolling stations are portable workstations on wheels that offer flexibility, allowing stylists to easily move their tools and equipment around the salon. These stations are ideal for salons with dynamic layouts or limited space, making them perfect for small or multifunctional areas where reconfiguration is often needed. They pair especially well with standalone salon mirrors that don’t have built-in cabinet storage, providing a versatile and adaptable setup. Barber Stations Barber stations are specialized workstations designed for barbering services, typically featuring built-in tool holders and larger storage areas. These stations are best suited for salons with a dedicated barbering section or standalone barbershops, offering tailored equipment for efficient service. Wet Stations Wet stations are multifunctional units equipped with built-in shampoo bowls, allowing stylists to perform wet services like shampooing and coloring all in one place. These stations are especially valuable in assisted living salons, as they minimize client movement and ensure that all services happen in a single space, reducing mobility challenges. They are also ideal for salon suites where space is limited and dedicated areas for different services aren’t feasible, making them essential for full-service setups that prioritize convenience and efficiency. |
How much space do I need for my salon and stylists?
| When planning your salon layout, a good rule of thumb is to allow 150–200 square feet per stylist. This doesn’t just cover the styling area—it includes enough room for reception, shampoo stations, drying, and other essentials like restrooms and dispensary space. For example, if you’re setting up for 3 stations, plan for around 450–600 sq. ft. With 4 stations, you’ll need 600–800 sq. ft., and so on. This ensures each station is functional, stylish, and gives your clients and team plenty of breathing room. |
What is the difference between a wall-mount and free-standing station?
| The main difference comes down to how they're set up and how much space they take up. Wall-mount stations are attached to the wall, saving space and giving a clean, streamlined look—perfect for smaller salons or suites. On the other hand, free-standing stations don’t need to be fixed to the wall, so you can place them wherever you want. They usually offer more counter and storage space, which is great for flexible layouts or open-concept salons |
