Advice please, on setting up salon from scratch

[Veesom]

Hi,
Almost 20 Years ago I owned a sunbed salon (when tanning beds were THE big thing - we had 7 suncradles and they were CONSTANTLY on for 11 hours per day ...<shudders>...)

Anyway - since then, I becamse a psychologist and counsellor.

Now i want to get back into the beauty business - and I want to get premises and open a salon.

The place that I have seen has ground floor with big window in a busy shopping precinct, and space upstairs to make into rooms.
​

MY IDEA

• reception desk
• some seating and small drinks making facility
• retail (ie bottles of tanning products etc)
• nail stations (acrylics and nail art etc)
• small kitchen / coats for staff.
• three treatment rooms for waxing or other treatments
• large room for running groups or courses.

MY QUESTIONS

1. how many nail stations does a salon have in relation to the number of treatment rooms? -
   • I realise it could be ANY number, but I just want to to guess and tell me YOUR idea of how many nails desks and how many couch rooms you would divide the room into.
2. In the treament rooms, what are the best sellers - e.g. waxing, massage, complimentary therapies, high-end stuff like derma roller etc, -
   • what has been your experience of what is in most demand, in an well populated affluent area that is in a suburb (not city centre)
3. Is it easy to get a manager to run a salon like this? And if so, how much would they expect to be paid?

If you are reading this, please write something - absolutely anything that you say will be gratefully recieved.
Thankyou.

 

[BABSann]

Hi,
Almost 20 Years ago I owned a sunbed salon (when tanning beds were THE big thing - we had 7 suncradles and they were CONSTANTLY on for 11 hours per day ...<shudders>...)

Anyway - since then, I becamse a psychologist and counsellor.

Now i want to get back into the beauty business - and I want to get premises and open a salon.

The place that I have seen has ground floor with big window in a busy shopping precinct, and space upstairs to make into rooms.
​

MY IDEA

• reception desk
• some seating and small drinks making facility
• retail (ie bottles of tanning products etc)
• nail stations (acrylics and nail art etc)
• small kitchen / coats for staff.
• three treatment rooms for waxing or other treatments
• large room for running groups or courses.

MY QUESTIONS

1. how many nail stations does a salon have in relation to the number of treatment rooms? -
   • I realise it could be ANY number, but I just want to to guess and tell me YOUR idea of how many nails desks and how many couch rooms you would divide the room into.
2. In the treament rooms, what are the best sellers - e.g. waxing, massage, complimentary therapies, high-end stuff like derma roller etc, -
   • what has been your experience of what is in most demand, in an well populated affluent area that is in a suburb (not city centre)
3. Is it easy to get a manager to run a salon like this? And if so, how much would they expect to be paid?

If you are reading this, please write something - absolutely anything that you say will be gratefully recieved.
Thankyou.

You would have as many desks for nails as you have space for generally,without being on top of each other.

As for rooms it would depend on what size premises you have. You want enough room for the therapist to be able to move freely,a sink(ideally) trolley and room at both ends of couch


Treatments most popular are definitely waxing,nails, eyelash tinting,facials and massage. Eyelash extensions are popular too.
Make ups aren't the main stay and I've worked in a few salons where it's always been the same so I don't think it will be any different where youre from tbh.

Wages for a manager and staff depend on the area and expertise. I would pay the most you can.if you pay minimal wage don't expect to keep your staff or have the best but that's down to you.

Everywhere is different, do you go to the trade shows, get trade magazines? Are you up on the latest treatments? Do you want to have a spa incorporated or clinic? Why not rent a room out to a Botox nurse? The worlds your oyster really depending on finances.

 

[PixieBeauty]

I keep reading that waxing is where the money's at. It's next on my to do list personally.

If it were me (as you asked for any contributions) I'd always put my money where ppl can't do it themselves so;

Enhancements
Waxing
Massage

All of the above can't be done at home well, and are likely to generate repeat customers IMO xx

 

[Mobile Manicure]

I'm a mobile nail tech in a very affluent suburb and lots of my clients have waxing and lashes done in a salon. You will need to offer intimate waxing. Oh, and threading for the eyebrows.