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.
- Short straight shear for precision detail work ($150 - $675)
- Long straight shear for dry cutting and blunt cuts ($150 - $1125)
- Subtle blending/thinning shear ($250 - $525)
- Texturizing shear ($250 - $525)
- Point cutting shear ($250 - $525)
- Razors and blades ($40 - $160)
- Shear storage case ($30 - $55)
- Shear care kit ($9 - $30)
- Cutting comb set ($25 - $50)
- Styling brush set ($80 - $200)
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.
- Hood dryer ($150 - $700)
- Professional blow dryer ($80 - $400)
- Blow dryer nozzles ($14 - $30)
- Blow dryer diffuser ($14 - $30)
- Flat iron ($40 - $350)
- Curling iron/wand ($25 - $150)
- Texturizing iron ($25 - $150)
- Hair clipper ($50 - $200)
- Hair trimmer ($50 - $200)
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 |
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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.
