The Ultimate Hair Salon Equipment List - Sam Villa Pro

The Ultimate Hair Salon Equipment List

Starting your own salon business is exciting and it’s also a major undertaking. One of the most important steps you can take early on is selecting the right professional salon equipment. Below, we’re detailing some of the must-haves when it comes to owning and operating a salon.

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Starting your own salon business is exciting and it’s also a major undertaking. One of the most important steps you can take early on is selecting the right professional salon equipment.

While many hairdressers already have some foundational tools, it takes more than a few shears and a blow dryer to operate a fully functional, full-service salon. Investing in high-quality, reliable equipment not only elevates your client experience but also helps build your brand and deliver a premium client experience.

That said, most new salon owners are working with a limited budget when beginning. Which means, when you’re launching your business, it’s smart to focus on essential tools over luxuries that will help you generate revenue quickly. You can always invest in additional hair salon supplies as your clientele grows and your budget allows.

Below, we’re detailing some of the must-haves when it comes to owning and operating a salon.

The Ultimate Hair Salon Equipment List

In this hair salon equipment checklist, we’ve summarized the essential items you may need to start a professional barber shop or beauty salon. Depending on the services you plan to offer you may need more or fewer supplies, but this checklist is a great start of all the must-have tools for your new hair salon.

1. Salon Basics

When you purchase or rent your new salon space, you’ll likely be faced with one or several empty rooms. The furniture you select will transform that space from a blank canvas into a thriving hair salon!

These larger pieces are usually some of the biggest line items in a new salon’s budget, so look for durable, well-made items and consider resale sites to purchase gently-used salon furniture to save money.

  • Reception desk ($500 - $6000)
  • Waiting area chairs ($50 - $110 per chair)
  • Waiting area tables ($150 - $500 per table)
  • Styling station ($200 - $1000)
  • Shampoo station / backwash unit ($265 - $850)
  • Salon chairs ($200 - $1000 per chair)
  • Cutting stools ($200-$300 per chair)
  • Salon cart or trolley ($150 - $450)
  • Retail display shelving ($65 - $1500)
  • Lighting ($225 - $3000)
  • Washing machine and dryer for towels ($2000 - $5300)

2. Salon Styling Tools

This is where the magic happens! It’s important to have a wide range of shears, razors, combs and other cutting tools at your fingertips so you can choose the right tool for every style and technique. Well-designed ergonomic tools may also help you prevent health problems like repetitive strain injuries and carpal tunnel.

Pro-tip: Don’t skimp on shear quality! When it comes to your craft, you get what you pay for. Your tools and your skillset are the core of your business, so choose craftsman-quality items that will enable you to do your best work for years to come. The Sam Villa Essential Series collection is an ideal choice for new stylists and salon owners on a budget.

3. Salon Supplies & Accessories

A great haircut and style takes more than a pair of scissors! Choosing professional salon supplies ensures client comfort in your chair and delivers a prestige experience. Keep in mind that some of these supplies will require frequent replenishing.

  • Stylist apron ($12 - $30)
  • Cutting cape ($15 - $35)
  • Salon towels in several sizes ($10 - $25)
  • Hand mirror ($7 - $20)
  • Sectioning clips ($5 - $10)
  • Brush Cleaner ($5-$10)
  • Misting spray bottle ($5 - $15)
  • Disinfectant jar ($16 - $30)
  • Salon latex gloves ($5 - $18)
  • Styling product ($80 - $300)

4. Salon Electric Tools

Offering color work and finishing services may attract a wider client base and elevate your salon brand. At minimum, make sure you have a salon-quality blow dryer, flat iron and 1” curling iron or wand. The other electric tools you need will depend on your clientele and service list.

5. Salon Management & Marketing Tools

Many new salon owners overlook the business side of running a salon, but it’s equally as important as providing great hair services. Staying organized, collecting payments, keeping track of your finances and effectively marketing your business all require specialized software and tools.

  • Business computer ($1200 - $3500)
  • Business phone ($50 - $200)
  • Salon scheduling software ($60 - $325 per year)
  • Salon Point of Sale (POS) system ($200 - $500)
  • Business / appointment reminder cards ($30 - $45)
  • Ring light for client photos to share on social media ($50 - $130)

6. How much is equipment for a hair salon?

It’s no secret that the costs of launching a hair salon can add up quickly. Equipment costs vary greatly depending on your market, services offered, target clientele, salon brand (low, medium or high end) and the supplies you already own.

To get a ballpark figure of how much it costs to open a salon, take a look at the hair salon equipment checklist and price sheet below. (You can remove any line items that do not apply to your business). For all of the startup tools and supplies listed, you can expect to spend between $7,668 and $32,663 on equipment for your hair salon.

Ultimately, an investment in quality equipment is an investment in your future as a stylist– one that could pay dividends for many years to come. Choosing professional equipment will help you attract– and retain– good clients while building a salon business you love.

Equipment Price (low end) Price (high end)
Reception desk $500 $6000
Waiting area chairs (3) $150 $330
Waiting area tables (2) $300 $1000
Styling station $200 $1000
Shampoo station (backwash) $265 $850
Salon chairs (2) $400 $2000
Salon cart or trolley $150 $450
Retail display shelving $65 $1500
Lighting $225 $3000
Washing machine & dryer $2000 $5300
Short straight shear $150 $675
Long straight shear $150 $1125
Blending/thinning shear $250 $525
Point cutting shear $250 $525
Razors and blades $40 $160
Shear storage case $30 $55
Shear maintenance tools $9 $30
Cutting comb set $25 $50
Styling brush set $80 $200
Stylist apron $12 $30
Cutting cape $15 $35
Salon towels $15 $25
Hand mirror $7 $20
Sectioning clips $5 $10
Misting spray bottle $5 $10
Disinfectant jar $16 $30
Salon latex gloves $5 $18
Styling product $80 $300
Hood dryer $150 $700
Professional blow dryer $80 $400
Blow dryer nozzles $14 $30
Flat iron $40 $350
Curling iron or wand $25 $150
Crimping iron $25 $150
Hair clipper $50 $200
Hair trimmer $50 $200
Reception desk $50 $200
Business computer $1200 $3500
Business phone $50 $200
Salon scheduling software $60 $325
Salon Point of Sale software $200 $500
Business/appointment cards $30 $45
Ring light $50 $130
Total $7,668 $32,663

 

Not Ready to Invest in Your Own Salon? Try Artist On Go

If you’re not quite ready to make the investment in opening your own salon, Artist On Go is a smart alternative. This platform allows you to easily find and rent a salon space, offering the freedom to work on your own terms without the upfront cost of building out a salon from scratch.

With stylists embracing more independence than ever, flexibility is key. Artist On Go provides a personalized chair rental solution for both artists and salon owners, now enhanced with the power of AI to answer your questions in real time. Whether you're hoping to attract top-tier talent to your salon or find a space that fits your schedule, AOG makes it simple.

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Starting Over? PBA Disaster Relief Fund Can Help

If you're starting over due to unforeseen events, the PBA Disaster Relief Fund is here to support you. Dedicated to helping beauty professionals recover from natural disasters, this fund has made a significant impact—awarding over $400,000 to 880 professionals in 2024 alone. With 100% of donations going directly to those in need (no PBA membership required to apply or contribute), it’s a powerful way to rebuild lives in the industry.

*To avoid potential scams, please ensure all email communication regarding the Disaster Relief Fund comes from an @probeauty.org email address.