“If it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year. I’ll be there for you.”
No, we are not revising the soundtrack of the famous TV series, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. That’s what a salon would say to their potential client, that they’ll be there to cure the stress, stiffness, and uncomfortable feelings if the client has had a tough day, week, month, or year.
A salon is a place where people come for more than just the services. They visit to enjoy an experience. As an esthetician, you need to ensure you create an environment that gives a positive first impression and encourages visitors to return. Don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas for personalizing your salon that could encourage clients to return. Let’s start by impressing the clients.
Image Source: freepik.com/freepik
1. Warm & Inviting Wooden Walls
Before your clients can look at the lights and colors on the ceiling or the design on the floor, the first things that might grab their attention are the walls. Now, you can go for wallpapers or a statement wall; both are good ideas.
But how about introducing the organic texture of wood to your walls? Apart from complementing all the metal and glass surfaces around the salon, wood is known to increase the feeling of relaxation and comfort.
Let’s look at some of the design tips when going for wooden walls.
- Light-toned woods to maintain brightness in a small-spaced salon.
- Darker woods to signal sophistication and complement the neutral-colored furniture.
- Vertical wood panels create an illusion that makes the salon look taller.
The Widows Peak Hair Parlor uses a wooden wall and floor design to create the perfect spot for clients to have a transformation picture taken after the treatment.
2. Clutter-Free and Welcoming Reception Desk
Before the client even enters your salon, the difference between them walking through the doors or going to a rival salon can be a pleasant-looking reception area. Being the first point of contact for your client, the reception area needs to be clutter-free, showing professionalism and convenience.
Here are some tips to keep your reception desks good enough to impress clients.
- Only keep the essential things. Keep all other paperwork and items in drawers or out of sight.
- Keep a check-in tablet to make the check-in process smooth and convenient, preventing delays.
- Some of the minimal décor you can go for includes keeping a single vase, small plant, or something similar
Modern Salon on Instagram features Salon Today in Las Vegas, showcasing how they used a rotating tablet at the reception desk to enhance client convenience.
3. Lit Up Mirrors to Glow Up The Space
What is the first thing clients often like to do after they get the treatment they came in for? Take out their phone and take a picture. Knowing that, you can help them ensure the selfies are good ones, with the mirror lit up along the border. This illumination reduces shadows and enhances color accuracy, all necessary ingredients of taking Instagram-worthy selfies.
Let’s look at some ideas to create the desired experience when you are lighting up the mirror.
- LED backlit mirrors provide soft lights that aren’t too overwhelming.
- Ring-light style mirrors that specifically highlight makeup and lashes.
- Warm white tones create a desirable neutral glow while maintaining true-to-life color.
Veronica, a hairstylist, shows how using a lit-up mirror and the festive pink touch around it can create a pleasant experience for her clients.
4. Floating Shelves For Modern Minimalism
As we have talked about, clutter can create a negative experience at the reception, and the same goes for other parts of the salon. If you want to keep your equipment visible without causing clutter, floating shelves are a good option. This is a simple yet effective way to showcase high-end products, demonstrating professionalism and building trust.
Here are some considerations when opting for floating shelves.
- Go for a symmetrical design to show sophistication and balance
- Use matching shelves, materials, and colors that complement the overall décor.
- Keep limited items on each shelf in a formation to avoid a cluttered appearance.
ShannyNails Studio uses a beautiful triangle-shaped floating shelf to display nail polishes of various colors.
5. Comfortable Waiting Area For Relaxing
Let’s face it: if you have a long queue of clients waiting, a walk-in client may spend more time in the waiting area than in the treatment chair. That’s why it’s important to look after the waiting area, making it comfortable and soothing. And the icing on the cake is that a comfortable waiting area reduces perceived waiting time, ensuring the client stays rather than becoming frustrated and leaving for a nearby rival salon.
Here are some design tips to actually make your waiting area good enough for high-end clients.
- Select chairs, benches, or sofas with supportive cushions and colors that complement the salon’s décor.
- Have side tables that look good and act as a place for people to keep their belongings.
- Install magazine racks with the latest editions, so people can keep themselves involved.
The Nail Magazine gives a tour of The Nail Bar Collective. The founder, Britt Higgens, shows a beautiful waiting area, followed by the rest of the sections.
6. Stylish Space Dividers to Define Your Salon Zones
Having a defined workspace makes it easy for clients to know exactly where to go. This is usually a good idea for open-concept salons, creating functional zones without fully closing off the area. Such dividers can add to the client’s privacy and comfort.
Here are some of the divider options you can choose from.
- Frosted glass or acrylic panels to ensure that the light passes through, and the privacy remains intact.
- Wooden screens or slatted dividers add texture and warmth.
- Freestanding shelving units can act as a storage place, while also defining the space.
Modern Salon features Cove Hair Co., showcasing the design elements and space dividers that separate zones for hair, nails, and other rooms.
7. Green & Eco-Friendly Elements
Using real plants offers natural beauty to the salon and attracts eco-conscious clients. Additionally, you can use faux plants to enhance your salon’s aesthetics. If you’re installing natural items, make sure to maintain them so they don’t go from attractive to looking like weeds that need to be removed.
Some of the go-to sustainable items you can install.
- Use recycled wood, bamboo, cork flooring, and similar natural products.
- Go for energy-efficient LED lighting that enhances the space and reduces the electricity bill.
- Add live plants to enhance the interior’s look and improve air quality in your salon.
Amber Santori shows the Root’d in Dallas salon, with visible plants besides the treatment chair and at the entrance.
The Final Word
Designing a high-end studio is an ongoing process. As style trends evolve and your business grows, your décor can adapt with you. When clients walk into a space that feels intentional, calm, and polished, they immediately sense the level of care you put into your work. Remember, your décor doesn’t have to be extravagant. It only needs to be thoughtful and meet the client’s expectations.
Are you a new esthetician looking for a place you can customize for clients’ comfort and provide a calming experience? Well, you can start your career by renting a space at Select Salon Studios. One benefit is that you keep 100% of your earnings. Want more? The salon will give you more. The studio is equipped with high-quality tools and items necessary for top services. The icing on the cake is that Select Salon Studios also handles your brand marketing and offers tons of amenities, so you can focus on one thing – ensuring the perfect client experience to encourage them to return.
