If you’re opening a salon, the to-do lists in your head are probably never-ending. Trying to keep track of all the supplies you need to purchase before opening is just another mental checklist that might cause something to slip through the cracks.
The last thing you want is to realize you forgot to buy a crucial item on opening day. Make it easier on yourself by using this salon supply checklist and inventory template so you can stay on top of your stock once you’re up and running.
Table of contents
Legal and operational items
Restock frequency: Occasional
These items may be the most important ones to remember. You could get into legal trouble without the correct signage and safety items. Run through this checklist of legal items before opening your salon.
- State cosmetology licenses
- State-required signage and posters
- Hand-washing signage
- Social distancing signage
- Health and safety signage
- Cleaning records
- First aid kit
Each state’s requirements are different for legal signage and operational items, so make sure to check your state’s guidelines. You’ll also want to make sure to renew licenses when needed.
Hair styling tools
Restock frequency: Semi-regular to often
What is a stylist without their tools? Here’s everything you’ll need to stock up on, from tools to coloring essentials!
Tools:
- Curling iron
- Curling wand
- Straightener
- Hair dryer
- Diffuser
- Rollers
- Sectioning clips
- Round hair brush
- Paddle brush
- Wide-tooth comb
- Teasing comb
- All-purpose shears
- Blending shears
- Razors
- Clippers
Coloring essentials:
- Peroxide
- Bleach
- Toner
- Developer
- Semi-permanent hair color
- Demi-permanent hair color
- Permanent hair color
Hair salon equipment
Restock frequency: Occasional to semi-regular
While these pieces of equipment may seem like a no-brainer, it’s nice to have a reference when starting from scratch with your own salon. Consider these essentials as you prepare your salon for success.
Salon equipment:
- Hair styling stations
- Salon chairs
- Floor mats
- Washer and dryer (for towels)
- Hair wash stations
- Hood dryers
- Heat-resistant mats
Salon essentials:
- Towels
- Hand mirrors
- Spray bottles
- Aprons
- Capes
- Gloves
- Hair dye brushes
- Hair dye mixing bowls
- Processing caps
- Foil
- Mixing whisks
- Scale
- Applicator bottles
Furniture
Restock frequency: Occasional
When your clients are spending a lot of time in the chair, they don’t want to be in a drab and uncomfortable salon. To create a beautiful salon aesthetic and keep your clients comfortable, invest in the following pieces of furniture.
- Reception seating
- Coffee table
- Reception desk
- Magazine rack
- Product shelving
- Rolling carts
- Additional lighting
- Break room seating
- Break room tables
- Booster seats
- Ring light
- Power strips
- Storage bins
Cleaning supplies
Restock frequency: Often
A clean salon is a happy salon. Keep your salon looking and feeling like it was professionally deep cleaned with these necessary supplies.
- Vacuum
- Broom
- Dustpan
- Mop
- Laundry detergent
- Trash cans
- Trash bags
- Disinfectant wipes
- Bleach
- Glass cleaner
- Barbicide
- Comb and brush cleaner
- Soap
- Paper towels
- Disinfectant spray
- Disinfectant jars
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet brush
- Plunger
Management items
Restock frequency: Occasional
Your professionalism should extend to every aspect of your business, including your management software and systems. Investing in the following items will ensure your clients are just as impressed with your organization as they are with your services.
- Computer
- Phone
- Wi-Fi
- POS system
- Management/scheduling software
Office supplies
Restock frequency: Semi-regular
You know that feeling you’d get after getting new school supplies? With your own salon, you get to experience that feeling a lot more often by keeping your reception area stocked with the following stationary supplies.
- Pens
- Paper
- Sticky notes
- Stapler
- Paper clips
- Scissors
- Filing cabinet
- Safe
- Face masks
- Calculator
Branded materials
Restock frequency: Occasional
These items aren’t necessary to have when opening, but they’re nice for building brand awareness. Think about boosting your salon marketing strategy by getting your logo and business information printed on these materials.
- Business cards
- Pens
- Stickers
- Branded merchandise
Salon inventory example
Once you have all your supplies and start running your salon, it’s important to keep track of your inventory so you can preemptively reorder what you need. A salon that’s on top of its inventory makes for a successful, well-oiled machine! Here’s a salon inventory template to get you started.
Salon supply FAQ
Have more questions about stocking your salon? Check out these answers to common questions about salon supplies.
Each stylist has their own product preferences, but here’s a list of salon product must-haves:
● Hairspray
● Dry shampoo
● Texture spray
● Shampoo
● Conditioner
● Hair oil
● Heat protectant
● Conditioning treatments
● Mousse
● Gel
● Pomade
You need a business license to sell retail products to clients at your salon. To apply for a business license, you’ll need to go through your state department, which handles licenses through the Small Business Administration.
If your state collects sales tax, you’ll also need to register for a tax identification number through your state’s tax office.
Salons buy their supplies through wholesale distributors so they can buy them for less than the retail price. Most brands sell their products to a distributor that salon owners and other pros buy from. You need a business license, cosmetology license, and tax identification number to buy wholesale.
Running through this salon supply checklist is just one step in launching your salon. If you need an extra hand, StyleSeat can help! We offer scheduling tools and other administrative assistance so you can keep your business running smoothly with less effort.
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