Your Ultimate Hair Salon Checklist

The hairdressing industry evolves at lightning speed, with its many changing trends and styles, to the point that getting started in this area can feel a little daunting. Don’t worry, we get it! SBS was started by a team of hairdressers who have experienced the great things that the industry offers but also the negatives, too.

So, using our experience, we thought we’d provide something that comes in handy at all stages of your career. Whether you’re planning on opening your first salon or you’ve spent years managing a hairdressing business and think it needs a refresh, we’re here to offer the ultimate hair salon checklist. We’ll explore the best ways to stock your salon, including choosing appropriate brands for all hair types and the finishing touches that make all the difference.

Establishing Your Business and Creating a Brand Identity

The first thing to do, whether you’re starting or refreshing your company, is to establish your business and create your brand identity. There are many different questions you need to ask yourself before making a decision on your brand, including:

• What are your values and morals?
• Who is your target audience?
• What aesthetic and design choices do you like for both the interior of your salon and your marketing avenues?
• What do you offer your clients that is unique?

Once you have the answers to these questions, you’ll have a clearer idea of your brand identity. For example, at SBS, we have a professionally driven focus but are clear on our sustainability and charity morals. Because of this, industry professionals who also care about hairdressing’s impact on the environment choose us, and we build a community of like-minded people who want to make a difference.

Here's your checklist of things to organise when it comes to establishing your business:

• Decide on the best company type
• Choose a salon name, logo, and branding
• Open a company bank account
• Create a website and social media presence
• Find the perfect salon location
• Get your salon set up with the right plumbing, electricals, and interior design
• Obtain the necessary licences, qualifications, and permits
• Set up insurance

There are various other optional things to consider, such as:

• Signage
• Business cards
• Phone system
• Online booking software

Building a Stocklist of the Best Brands

Once you have a clear vision, you can begin to build or refresh your stocklist of brands. Reviewing the brands you use and stock in your salon is absolutely essential. You know the feeling of stepping out of the salon and catching yourself in the mirror or getting a whiff of that freshly washed hair? This feeling is only possible because of the salon professional supplies you use on your clients’ locks.

As well as the quality of the brands you select, you should also consider that your clients will have different hair types and you must be able to accommodate them. Whether someone comes in with seriously damaged hair or they’re a curly girl wanting to embrace their natural ringlets, having the right products to leave them looking and feeling great is key.

At SBS, we have handpicked each and every one of our professional hair care brands to ensure you have the best choice when it comes to eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and premium quality products for your salon.

Here’s your checklist of products you absolutely need in your salon:

• Shampoos
• Conditioners
• Heat protectants
• Frizz and curl treatments
• Hairspray
• Finishing and shine sprays
• Serums and hair oils
• Dyes, bleaches, and other colouring products
• Styling products such as pastes, powders, gels, and waxes

Tools and Equipment

Once you have your shampoos, conditioners, serums, and treatments, you must turn your focus on your equipment. Think hairbrushes, bleaching products, and electrical styling tools. This equipment must be as high quality as the products you use on your clients’ hair and must be durable and long-lasting so you don’t end up needing to re-purchase weeks or months down the line.

One of the best brands for hair dying and bleaching is Hello Bleach. This revolutionary, eco-friendly line of tools is essential in sustainable salons, providing stylish and easy-to-use supplies that make the planet smile, too. From tint brushes to capes and everything in between, Hello Bleach has your salon and client’s best interests at heart. You can purchase the collection right here at SBS, but you must be signed up for our Trade Registration to benefit from this range.

Here's your checklist of tools and equipment:

• Scissors
• Hair straighteners
• Curling irons
• Hair dryers
• Hot brushes
• Hair brushes
• Hair ties
• Clips
• Bobby pins
• Bleaching and colouring hardware, such as whisks, bowls, tint brushes, and balayage boards
• Capes
• Towels

Of course, this list doesn’t include all your chairs, hair washing stations, reception desks, and other built-in fixtures and fittings.

Working with SBS for Training and Professional Industry Support

Speaking of our Trade Registration, that’s the next thing on our ultimate hair salon checklist! Industry professionals can unlock a range of benefits when signed up, including:

• Access to an extensive range of professional hair products online, including those from Hello Bleach.
• Salon networking and collaboration opportunities as part of our Zoom courses, social media groups, and regular social events.
• The chance to constantly learn and evolve with our workshops and in-salon demos lead by our incredible team.

These are just some of the many benefits of becoming a trade customer! There are endless advantages, including regular prize draws and giveaways, SBS rewards, and so much more.

Adding the Finishing Touches

The salon experience goes far beyond the cuts, styles, and treatments you offer clients while they’re sat in the chair. There are many finishing touches to

 consider, such as aftercare support and products they can take home and use in between salon visits. For example, you must be available to answer client questions and offer professional advice before and after their appointment. Whether a client needs to know how long to leave it before their next bleach or they’ve found a shampoo and aren’t sure about the ingredients, offering your support makes all the difference.

Similarly, providing them with professional products to take home is the perfect finishing touch. Luckily for you, we have the best options available right here, including the brand-new-to-SBS Invisibobble. These industry-shifting hair ties have made waves in salons and homes across the country, and we couldn’t be happier to offer them online so you can stock them in your salons. These are the ideal products to have placed at reception, ready for your clients to pick up on their way out!

Here’s your checklist of finishing touches to consider:

• Bobbles, brushes, and other products to sell to clients
• Plants (real or fake) for around your salon
• Ring lights
• Radio or speaker system
• Tea and coffee station
• Mini fridge for cold drinks to offer clients

So, now you have your checklists, it’s time to get started! As mentioned, the team at SBS are happy to help at every stage, providing you with the products and professional support you need to grow your business. Shop online or get in touch today to see what we can do for you.