Are you about to open your own beauty salon ? Congratulations ! But keep in mind that setting up an institute is not something you can improvise. To guarantee a quality customer experience, it’s essential to invest in the right professional equipment, not forgetting beauty furniture, which plays a key role in the comfort and organization of your treatments. From manicure tools to massage tables and slimming equipment, this step-by-step guide will help you choose the right equipment and optimize every area of your salon.
A highly strategic area, the reception area gives customers an initial idea of the quality of your salon. The key to winning them over and convincing them to wait ? Good, comfortable armchairs. Or even sofas with soft cushions. When it comes to decor, you can rely on :
a pretty coffee table dotted with magazines ;
essential oil diffusers ;
a few softly lit luminaires ;
green plants to add a natural touch ;
a few cleverly arranged shelves to showcase the cosmetics you sell.
All in the style of your beauty salon or spa. But have you defined it yet ? If not, feel free to draw your inspiration from our top 10 most beautiful spas in France!
Finally, you’ll also need a reception counter, also known as a cashier’s desk, to handle your customers’ requests and manage payments. Preferably in wood, if you promote organic and natural cosmetics. But there are also beautiful models in a more industrial style, with reflective metal fronts : they’re ideal for high-tech beauty salons. Whatever your choice, just make sure that your :
is not too cumbersome. There’s nothing like a reception counter that’s too massive to create a stuffy atmosphere and impede circulation ;
functional. Spacious drawers and storage shelves make it easy to organize office supplies, computer equipment and payment devices…
To help you manage your salon, you’ll need a number of professional tools and software packages. We’re thinking in particular of a cash register. Technically, you can opt for a “traditional” cash register. However, the trend is towards the computerized touch cash register, which usually includes :
touch screen ;
an operating system (e.g. Windows, Android);
a receipt printer ;
a barcode scanner ;
a payment terminal, etc.
Compared to a conventional cash register, its functionality is more extensive. For example, it can be used to publish your institute’s annual activity report. However, it requires the use of cash register software of varying degrees of sophistication, depending on your needs. Among other functions, it can handle inventory management, customer follow-up, accounting and more. So take the time to compare existing cash register software before making your choice. Concentrate on certified software, to stay in compliance with the law. To simplify your search, here’s a comparison of the best certified cash register software in 2025.
At the heart of your beauty salon, treatment rooms need to be functional, comfortable and ergonomic. A cart will enable beauticians to have all their equipment within easy reach.
For the ultimate beauty treatment, there’s nothing like an adjustable massage table. Its greatest strength ? To adapt to the morphology of all your customers. This greatly simplifies the work of beauticians as they carry out their best beauty and well-being treatments.
That said, this is not the only criterion to consider when choosing your treatment and massage table.
In particular, we recommend checking :
foam density, to ensure that the mattress doesn’t sag too quickly with use. 30 kg/m3 is a good average for combining comfort and firmness;
dimensions. With a length of 6 feet 1 inch, and a width of between 2’2″ and 2’6″, you’ll be able to comfortably accommodate most customers.
Last but not least, make sure you comply with fire-retardant standards and are free from toxic substances.
Another essential element in the design of your treatment room is good lighting. The ideal solution ? A dimmable ceiling light, so beauticians can adjust the brightness in no time at all. Perfect for creating a relaxing ambience for massages, for example.
For the comfort of your customers, you will need at least :
covers for your treatment table ;
towels, for modelling, cleansing the face before a treatment, drying the hands, etc. ;
headbands and charlottes, to keep hair in place during facial treatments ;
bathrobes and mules, for your customers’ comfort.
Washable or disposable ? The choice is yours, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
washable linen is generally warmer and softer. They can also be easily customized to match your institute’s colors and convey a “high-end” image. On the other hand, maintenance is a bit tricky. You’ll need to wash it at high temperature (≥ 140 °F) very frequently, to comply with professional hygiene standards. You should also expect high energy costs, as washing and drying require high water and electricity consumption.
Disposable linen offers impeccable hygiene, with zero risk of cross-contamination. It’s also a real time-saver… On the downside, it’s much less comfortable to use, and you have to constantly replenish your stock. Not to mention its questionable environmental impact…
That said, there’s nothing to stop you from combining the two solutions. In this case, reserve washable linen for “cocooning treatments” and longer services. Disposable linen, on the other hand, is ideal for express treatments and waxing.
The magnifying lamp concentrates light on a precise part of the skin. In other words, it’s essential for all treatments requiring a minimum of precision, such as eyelash extensions or waxing. What’s best ? Opt for a “hands-free” magnifying lamp, adjustable in the blink of an eye. Also pay attention to the quality of the lighting: some models equipped with LED lamps even offer several levels of brightness.
A Vapozone can be used to prepare the skin for certain facial treatments, by opening pores through the diffusion of ozonized steam with disinfectant properties. This facilitates the hygienic extraction of blackheads and other impurities. Another positive point: this steam device also enhances the absorption of moisturizers.
Investing in a high-frequency device can expand your range of facial treatments. In practice, this type of device uses a light current to gently stimulate the skin. Goals : boost blood circulation, deeply purify the skin through antibacterial action, and help tighten pores. It is generally used on tired or acne-prone skin. It also soothes inflammation and promotes healing.
Very popular, ultrasound aesthetic devices can be used for a variety of treatments, including :
anti-aging treatments (e.g., to combat wrinkles and skin blemishes). Although there are other interesting anti-aging aesthetic devices (e.g. dermabrasion device) ;
attenuation of dilated capillaries ;
Tightens dilated pores ;
anti-acne care, etc.
Choose your aesthetic ultrasound device according to your in-booth needs, the type of treatments you offer and your level of expertise. Start by checking the ultrasound frequency: a low frequency (1 MHz) acts deep down for anti-aging or firming treatments, while a higher frequency (3 MHz) is ideal for surface treatments such as hydration or complexion radiance. Some models also offer interchangeable heads or specific probes for areas to be treated (face, eye contour, décolleté)…
An alternative to manual lymphatic drainage, pressotherapy involves applying pressure using boots, compression belts or sleeves.
The aim is to stimulate lymphatic circulation and venous return. Very practical for relieving the many customers who suffer from heavy legs, for example. Incidentally, pressotherapy equipment can also help to :
firm tissue ;
improve skin texture, while reducing the orange peel effect.
For facial treatments, also include :
spatulas and cups, to remove the right amount of product to be applied (e.g. cream, massage oil, gel) ;
brushes, for gentle application of exfoliating products, for example ;
vegetable sponges, for gentle cleansing of the face after skincare ;
small basins, so beauticians can easily clean their sponges.
If you want to offer slimming treatments, investing in the right professional equipment is essential to guarantee visible results and build customer loyalty at your beauty salon. From cryolipolysis devices to infrared technology, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Ideally, you should opt for non-invasive devices with few contraindications. One such device is the Bodysculptor Reveal. Safe to use, it boasts bioenergetic field technology that acts gently on the silhouette. Top of the range for harmonious, pain-free slimming !
Also worth knowing: Bodysculptor Revealight. The latest addition to the range, it combines the benefits of bioenergetic fields with those of red and infrared LEDs for maximum effectiveness. It won the H. Pierantoni Innovation Award in April 2025. Something to think about, if you want to equip your beauty salon effectively.
A flagship service for some, a torture session for others, hair removal is one of the essential treatments you can offer at your salon. However, it requires specific equipment to ensure maximum customer comfort.
For small, sensitive areas (e.g. mustache, bikini line, underarms), hot wax is ideal. But to offer this type of treatment, you’ll need a professional wax heater. This will enable you to heat the wax evenly, with precise temperature control.
Warm wax (or roll-on) is mainly used to remove hair from large areas. Like arms and legs, for example. There’s little risk of burning. On the other hand, you need to apply non-woven strips over the wax, before pulling with a sharp tug to remove the hair.
For hygienic reasons, use disposable or stainless steel spatulas to apply the wax.
Intense pulsed light treatment offers many advantages over conventional waxing. In fact, it provides long-lasting hair removal with far less pain. This hair removal technique can therefore be a real plus for your beauty salon. But bear in mind that it doesn’t work on downy hair or hair that’s too light in color. Why not ? Because it targets melanin, a pigment responsible for skin and hair color. What’s more, you need to :
make sure there are no contraindications before using it on a client (e.g. dark skin, ongoing skin infection). If necessary, you can invest in a skin diagnosis device ;
follow a training course to be allowed to use this type of device in beauty salons.
If you offer hand treatments, a manicure table is a must. It allows you to seat your customers in the best possible conditions, and provides you with a well-organized workspace. To choose the right one, make sure :
there’s enough storage space to keep all your tools close at hand ;
that its surface is easy to clean.
Some manicure tables even feature a vacuum system to prevent nail dust from accumulating. Or LED lights, very practical for precise poses or nail art.
Providing foot care in the right conditions also requires the right pedicure chair. It allows your customers to sit comfortably, while giving you a good working posture. Some models are reclining or height-adjustable, making your movements easier and reducing fatigue at the end of the day. When choosing a chair, consider not only comfort (soft seat, armrests, adjustable footrest), but also practicality: easy-to-clean upholstery, for example, will save you time.
A dressing table with mirror is a real asset when it comes to treating your customers to make-up. It creates a dedicated space, both practical and elegant, that immediately puts your customers at ease. The mirror, ideally lit, allows you to work with precision while showing your customer the progress of her make-up. In terms of choice, opt for a model with storage space for brushes, palettes and products, and a surface that’s easy to clean. And if you can opt for a mirror with integrated LED lighting, it’s even better to get a rendering faithful to daylight.
Whether it’s for facials, waxing or massages, a good beauty chair – or beauty chair – is indispensable in your salon.
It will enable customers to sit comfortably, while giving you good posture to work without getting tired.
Some models can be reclined or adjusted (backrest, legs, height), making it easy to adapt the position to the type of treatment required. Practical, but make sure the chair is stable enough.
Essential for your customers’ safety, the autoclave sterilizes all reusable instruments (e.g. tweezers, scissors, sander tips, etc.) at high temperature.
Perfect for effectively eliminating bacteria, viruses and fungi.
For maximum efficiency, choose a Class B type.
Finally, opening a beauty salon also requires the purchase of various consumables. These include :
massage oils and essential oils ;
candles for relaxation treatments ;
waxing and post-waxing products ;
protective gloves (e.g. nitrile gloves, to prevent latex allergy), so that hairdressers and beauticians do not come into direct contact with certain chemicals ;
disinfectants ;
various beauty products, creams and other cosmetics, adapted to different skin types and treatments.
We hope this article has given you all the information you need to equip your beauty salon and get your business off to a flying start. Now all you have to do is choose the equipment that best suits your needs… and get started !
