Salon Remodeling & Renovation (New Year, New Look)

In a business based on looks—because, let’s be honest, the majority of your clients are tanning to enhance their appearance—the look of your salon is pretty important. And with busy season on the horizon, now is the perfect time to take on any remodeling projects you’ve been considering.

Now, first things first: What does your salon need? Are you looking at a full-scale buildout, or does the salon simply need some sprucing up? Are you focusing on one particular area (such as the lobby) or taking on the whole space? Once you decide exactly what your remodel will encompass, you can start to make a game plan for getting all the work done.

At the same time, you’ve got to consider your budget. How much are you willing (and able) to shell out to make this happen? Research, research, research before starting any renovation projects—and once you decide what you need and how much you can spend, stick to the plan. This is especially important if you are making major updates and will need contractors to do the work. Any changes to your original plan can end up costing you twice as much if the original deadlines can no longer be met.

Another important factor to consider is whether your remodel will be affected by accessibility requirements or zoning ordinances. If so, make sure you obtain the proper permits at the outset of the project to avoid fines or delays.

Once you’ve made these initial decisions regarding the remodeling scope and budget, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. Let’s examine some of the common areas and aspects of a salon that are incorporated into a remodeling project and how you can ensure that your revamp is successful.

Lobby

Any changes you make to the front of the salon are guaranteed to get noticed, which is why this is such a popular area for renovation. Even little things, such as bringing in a new reception desk, updating your retail displays or changing the waiting-area décor, can alter the feel of your lobby and enhance the overall design theme of the salon.

Reception area. The reception area will be the first thing a customer sees and, therefore, should be well-organized and aesthetically appealing. Having a nice reception area tells customers that you are proud of your business and that they can expect the rest of the salon to be in equally good condition. There are many options when it comes to purchasing a reception desk, from mainstream furniture retailers to modular-wall manufacturers that provide reception counters, desks and displays to match your tanning-room walling. Another popular method of purchase is through Web sites such as eBay and Craigslist—perfect for those who are looking to save money and don’t mind buying something secondhand.

Retail displays. Lotions and other retail items account for a good portion of your monthly income, and a thoughtfully planned display will make selling those products that much easier. Keep the following in mind when designing your displays: