SALON PLANNING TIPS

The following general information may be helpful when planning your new salon. These are guidelines
only. You should consult with your contractor and/or the local authorities as to permit regulations, state and
local building codes, and general requirements for commercial facilities.

SQUARE FOOTAGE:

For planning purposes, the normal square footage required per hair stylist is 150 to 200 square feet … see
the following table:

Nbr of Stylists Square Feet Req’d Nbr of Stylists Square Feet Req’d
3 450-600 6 900-1200
4 600-800 7 1050-1400
5 750-1000 8 1200-1600

These estimates include some provision for the space needed for reception, styling, drying, shampoo,
dispensary, and a single rest room. Additional square footage is required for additional services … see
some of the examples in the attachments drawings.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Electrical needs depend on the size of the salon and the specific services provided. But, in general, you
can anticipate the following needs.

Styling Station, each stylist 110 volts, 20 amps

Hair Dryers, each 110 volts, 10 amps
Electric Shampoo Chair 110 volts, 10 amps
Reception Desk 110 volts, 15 amps
Dispensary Area 110 volts, 20 amps
Pedicure Units 110 volts, 20 amps
Washing Machine, towels 110 volts, 15 amps
Electric Dryer, towels 220 volts, 45 amps
Electric Hot Water Heater 220 volts, 45 amps

These salon-specific electrical requirements are above and beyond the normal electrical needs for heating,
cooling, lighting, and general electrical service. Plus, depending on size, a salon may require more than
one hot water heater.

WATER SUPPLY:
Hot Water Heater Hot Water Heater
Installed Water Supply Storage Capacity Recovery Rate

1 to 2 bowls ¾” line 50 gallons 75 gallons/hour

3 to 5 bowls 1” line 75 gallons 150 gallons/hour
6 to 8 bowls 1 ¼” line 100 gallons 200 gallons/hour

Hydrotherapy Tub 1” line 75 gallons 150 gallons/hour

Or Vichy Shower

*** These are planning guides only … consult local codes and manufacturer’s recommendations.
 Start To Finish
Schedule
Use this as a guide to assist you with building your new salon.
Weeks Prior to Opening: 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
SITE SELECTION AND LICENSING 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Site Location: Lease or Purchase x x
Secure All Permits (State-City-County) x x x
Federal ID and Sales Tax ID x x x
Occupational Licenses (City/County & State) x x x x
UTILITIES 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Utilities (electric, phone, gas) x
Telephone Hookup x
SELECT INTERNET SERVICE x
Set Up and Pay All Utilities/Deposits Etc.
(Telephone, Water, Electricity, Etc.) x
EQUIPMENT 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Select Your offered SERVICES x
Select Your Equipment x x x x
Salon Equipment x x x x
Spa Equipment x x x x
Nail Equipment x x x x
Medi / Dental Equipment x x x x
CONSTRUCTION 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
FootPrint/Layout of Salon (Planning) x x x x
Architect Planning (Planning) x x x x
Interview GC - Bid/Hire Contractors "Build-Out" x x x x
Contractor Bid/Estimates x x x x
Construction per Bids x x x x
HVAC - Plumbing - Electrical x x x x x x x x x x x
Carpenters x x x x x x x x x x x
Electrician x x x x x x x x x x x
Ceiling x x x x x x x x x x x
Paint / Wall Covering & Flooring x x x x x x x x x x x
Fixtures & Equipment x x x x x x x x x x x
Select Colors of Floor Tile, Carpeting, Wall
Covering.
x x x
PREOPENING 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Order Salon Equipment x x x x
Exterior Signage x x x x x x x x x x x x
Reception Furniture x x x x x x x x x x x x
Office/Lounge Equipment x x x x x x x x x x x x
Washer-Dryer-Towels x x x x x x x x x x x x
Magazines, Appointment Cards x x x x x x x x x x x x
Cash Register - Computer/Safe x x x x x x x x x x x x
Dispensary Cabinets x x x x x x x x x x x x
Order Supplies x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Office / Lounge Equipment x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Draperies x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Supplies x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Prepare Opening Advertising x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Opening Advertising x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
PLACE WANT ADS IN LOCAL PAPERS x x x x x x x x x x x x
Interviews x x x x x x x x x x
Train Staff x x x x x x