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Salon Supply Checklist: What You Need to Get Started

salon supplies and furniture

If you’re in the process of opening a salon, thinking of all the equipment you need to check off your list can feel a bit overwhelming. And if you’re thinking about renting a booth at an existing salon, you might be wondering which supplies you’ll need to bring with you. From salon stations, carts and décor to signage and charts required by law, there are a lot of different supplies you’ll need to have on hand before you start seeing clients. When you partner with a reliable salon supplier like Minerva Beauty, you’re setting yourself up for success and simplifying the process. Use our salon supply and booth rent checklists to make sure you have everything you need to operate your business successfully.

Must-Have Equipment for Salon Styling Stations

Your salon styling stations have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic and efficiency of your business. Choose a styling station that matches the vibe of your salon while also creating a comfortable and organized workspace for your stylists. In addition to the styling stations themselves, there are other essential components to the styling station area that you need to have on hand:

If your salon offers blowouts, lash/brow services or makeup you should have extra styling chairs as well as all-purpose salon chairs that recline. Learn how to choose the best styling chairs for your salon based on your services, staff and budget.

fully equipped hair salon with neatly organized supplies

Double-sided salon stations can help make the most of your space. Shop the Waverly Double Sided Styling Station with Round Mirror in many different colors & finishes

Essential Hair Styling Tools & Supplies

While need and preference for specific styling tools will vary from stylist to stylist, there are still certain essential styling tools all styling stations should have. Use this list to make sure you’ve thought of everything:

sectioning clips and cutting tools from salon supply checklist

Shop the Uma Styling Station with ample space for styling supplies

professional stylist drying a client’s hair using a Minerva Beauty hair dryer and round brush

Shop the Minerva BI-5000 Professional Italian Blow Dryer in four different colors

Equipping Your Shampoo & Processing Stations

Your salon’s shampoo and color processing stations should provide a relaxing experience for customers, feel cohesive with the style of the rest of your salon, and allow your stylists to provide the best service possible to the client. Look for equipment and supplies that blend style with efficiency and ease of use.

Shampoo Area Supplies

Processing Area Supplies

Check out our shampoo system buying guide for expert insights on choosing the best shampoo area equipment for your salon.

salon supplies organized on wall-mounted shelves in the shampoo area

Shop the Avant Shampoo System with White Bowl (Ottoman Included) in 8 colors

two infrared hair color processors and salon chairs with covers

Shop the Medusa Infrared Color Hair Processor & Venturi Salon Styling Chair

Outfitting Your Reception Area for Style & Practicality

Your salon’s reception area is the first thing people will see when they walk in your business, so it has to make a good first impression. It should be comfortable for your guests as they wait, while also being easy to clean for your employees. Don’t forget to take advantage of this space to build out an attractive product display to encourage guests to buy those high-margin retail items!

Salon reception supply checklist:

Explore these salon reception design ideas for inspiration on how to decorate your reception area!

new salon equipped with everything on the supply checklist

A striking reception desk is a must-have item on any salon checklist

Salon Cleaning & Sanitation Products

Having the proper salon cleaning supplies in your arsenal is crucial to your business’s success. Not only does it keep your salon compliant and up to code, but it also helps make guests feel comfortable and taken care of. Start with this list of some of the most important cleaning supplies for salons.

Hand sanitizers and antibacterial hand soaps are regulated by the FDA, so be sure to buy all handwashing and hand sanitizing products from a reputable supplier.

Legally Required Supplies for Hair & Beauty Salons

As you know, owning a salon comes with some liability and there are a lot of rules and regulations that govern our industry. As long as you closely follow the rules and regulations set forth by your state’s licensing board, you can operate in a way that’s completely compliant. Be sure you post your licensure, awards and certifications on the wall and stay up to code on all signage and postings. Even though these things are serious topics, you can still put them in a cute frame so that it looks nice in your salon and works with your décor. Some examples of items you may be legally required to display in your salon include:

  • State cosmetology license for all practitioners
  • All signage and posters according to state law
  • Disinfectant and cleaning records charts
  • A list of health and safety rules
  • Hand-washing and sanitizing signage
  • Wet floor signage

Note: This list is by no means comprehensive. Always be sure to reference your state board’s requirements about signage and licensing.

Salon Booth Rent Supply List

If you aren’t opening a salon of your own but renting a booth or chair, you won’t need everything in this salon supply checklist. Instead you can focus on picking up the essential supplies to do your job using the furniture and larger equipment provided by the salon.

It’s always recommended that you have a conversation with the salon owner that you are renting from to get a clear understanding of which salon supplies are communal and what you will be responsible for providing on your own. In general, the only supplies you’ll need to bring to your booth rental are:

  • Cutting tools
  • Styling tools
  • Hair dryer/curler/straightener
  • Hair coloring supplies
  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Salon POS or other credit card processor
  • Service price list

If you are renting a salon suite instead of a booth, you may also need to think about storage equipment such as a salon cart, and possibly even bigger ticket items like a mirror. Whether you rent a booth or a suite, make sure you find out whether things like laundry, utilities and WiFi are included or need to be handled independently as they can significantly affect your operating costs.

A lot goes into opening up a salon or renting a booth in an existing salon. By planning ahead you can minimize the stress and maximize the time you have for serving clients and running your business. Take your time and think through each area of your salon and the services you intend to offer to prepare in advance for those fully booked days!

Keep reading to learn about how to pick the perfect layout for your salon, whether you’re opening a new business or refreshing your current space.

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