The fit-out as your salon’s calling card
Your salon’s fit-out is the first thing clients notice when they walk in. It determines the atmosphere, comfort and overall experience. A well-fitted salon tells a story about your brand and creates an environment where clients feel welcome and relaxed.
But the fit-out goes beyond aesthetics alone. A well-thought-out layout makes your workflow more efficient, reduces fatigue from prolonged standing and ensures everything you need is within reach. The best salon fit-outs combine beauty with functionality.
Whether you are opening a new salon or want to refresh your existing space, good planning is essential. Take the time to think through your fit-out before you start buying and renovating.
Planning layout and walking routes
Start by drawing a floor plan. Mark where the entrance is, where clients wait, where the workstations will be and where your wash area is. The walking route should be logical and flowing, without staff and clients getting in each other’s way.
Consider the workflow: client arrives, goes to the waiting area, is collected for treatment, goes to the wash basin and then to the cutting chair. Ensure this route feels natural.
Also think about technical matters: where are the water connections for the wash basins? Is there sufficient power capacity for hair dryers, straighteners and other equipment? Where will mirrors and lighting go? Plan all of this before ordering furniture.
- Draw a scaled floor plan with all zones
- Place the waiting area near the entrance, not too far from the counter
- Position workstations by daylight where possible
- Allow at least 1.5 metres of space per workstation
- Keep wash basins close to treatment chairs
- Plan storage space for products and towels
Choosing atmosphere and materials
Your salon’s atmosphere should match your brand identity. A trendy youth salon calls for a different look than a luxury ladies’ salon. Choose a colour palette, materials and style that are consistent with the message you want to convey.
Lighting is one of the most underestimated elements in salon fit-out. You need bright, neutral light at workstations for accurate colour work, but softer lighting in the waiting area for a relaxed atmosphere. Invest in good LED lighting with a high colour rendering index (CRI 90+).
Choose materials that are beautiful and practical. The floor must withstand water, hair dye and heavy foot traffic. Walls must be easy to clean. And furniture must withstand daily intensive use without wearing out quickly.
Comfort for client and hairdresser
Salon chairs are your most important investment. A good chair is comfortable for the client and ergonomic for you as a hairdresser. Choose chairs with good hydraulics, adjustable height and a sturdy swivel mechanism. Test chairs extensively before buying them.
Don’t forget the comfort of your staff. Ergonomic workstations, anti-fatigue mats at workstations and a comfortable staff room contribute to the wellbeing and productivity of your team. A hairdresser who works comfortably delivers better work.
Also think about acoustic comfort. A salon with many hard surfaces can become very noisy, which is tiring for both clients and staff. Use sound-absorbing panels, curtains or plants to improve the acoustics.
Don’t forget digital provisions
A modern salon needs good digital provisions. Ensure a reliable internet connection for your salon software, online bookings and point of sale system. An unstable connection means you cannot check out or consult your diary.
Plan sufficient power sockets at the counter for your computer, receipt printer and card terminal. Consider a tablet or iPad as a digital reception where clients can check in. With MyWest everything runs in the cloud, so you only need a device with internet to manage your entire salon.
Offer your clients free Wi-Fi. It is a small investment that improves the client experience, especially during longer treatments. Create a separate network for clients so your business connection is not burdened. Display the Wi-Fi password visually near the waiting area.