How to design a hair salon: space planning and furniture arrangement, a practical example for architects and engineers ready to use together with a 3D model
A hair salon design requires technical and organizational factors that make the project a real challenge.
That’s why it is necessary to consider design rules but also to adopt the proper marketing techniques to achieve effective solutions in terms of furniture and space arrangement.
Some important aspects to consider to correctly design a hair salon are:
- interior space planning
- furniture arrangement
The article will also provide DWG CAD drawings and a 3D model of the hair salon design project produced with Edificius, the BIM design software for architects and engineers.
Download the 3D BIM model (.edf file) of the project
Click here to download Edificius, the 3D archirectural BIM design software.
Hair salon design: interior space arrangement
Interior spaces arrangement is fundamental when planning a hair salon and will require that certain regulations and standards are met, especially regarding plant installation systems (hydraulic and electrical). In fact, a correct planning should guarantee customer’s comfort and wellness as well as facilitating work activities.
A hair salon can be divided into 3 main areas:
- entrance – reception / cash desk /waiting area
- work area – hair wash /hair cut-styling
- services – wc / salone storage
Entrance
Space should be organized in order to accommodate the reception area, the cash desk and the waiting room. The cash desk area should also be conceived and organized for displaying and selling hair products with proper shelves. this is usually accomplished by placing a shelf dedicated to displaying the products behind it. Waiting room is a very important space that creates the image of the whole hair salon .
Work area
Hair wash
When designing this area, it is necessary to take into consideration at least 2 specific pieces of furniture known as “backwashing” and, in case, a platform or a raised part, which facilitates staff work. Furnishings should be completed with shelving for storing various products, such as shampoos, lotions, tools and towels.
Lighting is also very important to facilitate the work of the staff: an ideal solution is a spotlight system.
Cut/hair styling station
This area is the core of the salon, where the hairdresser shows off his skills and the client checks the results in the mirror. That is why when designing this area, special attention should be paid to the electrical installation system. Direct lighting should be avoided and you should rather opt for a diffused lighting, which does not create unpleasant shadows.
This area should be provided with at least 3/4 styling chairs and as many mirrors and furniture:
- wall -mounted furniture (recommended for smaller environments)
- island units (for very large environments and more refined and sophisticated customers).
This area can also be used for complementary activities such as beauticians, cosmetologists, manicurists, etc
Services
WC
It is an area that must be compulsory provided in a public place.
Sizes depend on the number of people who can be present at the same time in the salon and by national regulatory requirements. It should be accessible from the inside and a washing facility should also be provided.
Ancillary rooms
The ancillary rooms are environments used to store work tools and equipment, treatment products, cleaning tools, etc. This is sized also according to working needs and in respect of the various national and local requirements.
Hair salon furniture
Furniture plays a key role and it is the element that better represents the character and style of the owner/hairdresser. In addition, it is determined by addressing a specific target customer and to guarantee well-being and comfort.
Furnishing elements should be divided according to the functional areas.
Waiting room: waiting chair, waiting couch and coffee table
Customers who are waiting their turn, should be “treated” with special care. This means that furniture must be designed not only to match the style of the whole place but also that seats must guarantee a sense of comfort. Also, you should find space for a small coffee table for drinks and magazines.
Cash desk/reception: counter and display shelf
The cash desk area is to be considered not only an area for payment, but also for reception. Furnishings should therefore be chosen in order to make a good impact on the customer and at the same time encourage purchasing. That is why it is useful to provide also a counter or wall-mounted display shelves and the proper accent lighting to dra the customer’s attention to the salon display.
Washing points and shelves
It is an extremely functional area, for this reason, it should be extremely organized and it is necessary to install hair washing furniture and shelves for treatment products and towels to allow smooth activities and flows.
Work area (styling station area): wall-mounted or island furniture, mirror and seats
Another functional area that represents the identity of the place and enhances its aesthetics. The wall-mounted or island furniture should be arranged to help staff working without obstacles. Lighting can enhance every single step of a customer journey (especially in presence of mirrors) and daily tasks.
Hair salon design: a practical example
Our practical case study describes a hair salon of around 100 m² designed to have a vintage style and having old barber salons as reference. The floor plan includes the following evironments:
- entrance
- salon
- storage room
- separate toilets
European regulations for hairdresser lead to the following guidelines:
- rooms with constant height ≥ 2.70 m
- hygiene services room height ≥ 2.40m
- hallways height ≥ 2.10 m
- surface for ventilation ≥ 1/10 floor area (if not possible, mechanical ventilation should be envisaged)
- a service room that envisages a single employee should be at least 15 m² and it will increase by 5 m² for each additional employee
- facility floors must have a hom*ogenous and washable surface
Entrance
The entrance is divided into 2 areas, one for the cash desk and the one for the waiting room. The first one is furnished with a reception desk designed both for arriving and for leaving customers; behind it there is a display shelf for products. The waiting area gives a sense of relax and comfort to the customer. In the middle, we can find two couches with a coffee table.
Salon
The salon is also divided into 2 main areas, providing separate services to female and male customers. Each section is divided into 2 other areas: one for washing and one for cutting / styling.
A raised platform has been mounted in the shampoo area for the staff to better perform their tasks. Furthermore, 2 partition walls have been arranged orthogonally together with a product dispensary.
The area for cutting / styling has been set up with 3 workstations.
WC
Toilets and washing facility are separated by gender. A great attention was paid to meet the needs of disabled people.
4 things to keep in mind for a hair salon design
- Divide the environment into different areas, arranging them in a functional manner
- Define the functions for each different area
- Size areas according to standard provisions
- Ensure that certain levels of comfort are met
DWG CAD resources download together with 3D architectural 3D BIM
Download the 3D BIM model (.edf file) of the project
Download the project CAD DWG drawings
