The Salon & Steel journal
Practical guides on choosing salon furniture, planning layouts and meeting US installation and sanitation rules, written by our factory team.
Costs and sourcingImporting Salon Furniture From China: A GuideHow to import salon furniture from China: specifications, Incoterms, freight, ISF, customs bonds, duties, packaging rules and landed cost.
Compliance and installationTB117-2013 and Prop 65: Salon Upholstery RulesWhat TB117-2013, California's flame retardant rules and Prop 65 mean for upholstered salon and barber chairs, plus a buyer checklist.
Planning and layoutFurnishing a Salon Suite: Equipment and LayoutThe equipment a salon suite really needs, how to fit it into 90 to 200 square feet, and what to confirm with your landlord…
Costs and sourcingHow Much Does It Cost to Open a Nail Salon?What a nail salon costs to open, with pedicure chair tiers, plumbing and electrical needs, ventilation and a sample equipment budget.
Costs and sourcingHow Much Does It Cost to Open a Barbershop?Barbershop opening costs broken down: build-out, barber chair tiers, stations, licensing, staffing models and working capital.
Costs and sourcingHow Much Does It Cost to Open a Hair Salon?A line-by-line look at hair salon opening costs, from build-out and furniture to licenses and working capital, with published benchmarks.
Planning and layoutNail Salon Layout: Pedicure, Manicure and FlowHow to lay out a nail salon: pedicure plumbing and power, manicure ventilation rules, spacing per station, technician posture and client flow.
Planning and layoutBarbershop Layout: Planning Chairs and StationsHow to plan a barbershop layout: chair spacing, station design, state size and sink rules, ADA aisles, waiting areas and a sample eight-chair plan.
Planning and layoutSalon Floor Plans: Spacing, Flow and ClearancesA step-by-step guide to salon floor plans: legal minimums, station and shampoo spacing, ADA clearances, wet zones, client flow and a sample layout.
Buying guidesEsthetician Bed vs Massage Table: Key DifferencesHow esthetician beds and massage tables differ in client position, working height, width, room needs and regulations, and when one bed can do both.
Buying guidesLash Beds: Comfort and Posture for Long SetsHow to choose a lash bed that keeps clients still and comfortable and lets the artist work upright through long eyelash extension sets.
Buying guidesFacial Beds: Electric vs Hydraulic for Your SpaHow electric and hydraulic facial beds differ in height range, motors, power needs, sanitation and room planning, and which one suits your spa menu.