Nail Salon Equipment List for Opening Day
Short answer: To open a nail salon you'll need manicure tables and chairs, pedicure spas, nail lamps and dryers, disinfection and sterilization supplies, a front desk with booking and POS, storage and laundry, and your opening inventory of products and tools. Buy what clients see and touch at a quality level that matches your prices, and save where they don't.
Stations
- Manicure tables (with storage and, ideally, source-capture ventilation)
- Tech chairs (comfortable, adjustable, easy to clean)
- Client chairs
- Task lamps at every station
- UV/LED lamps for gel
- Station organizers and trash bins with lids
Pedicure area
- Pedicure spas or chairs
- Tech stools
- Rolling supply carts
- Foot rests and towel storage
Drying and finishing
- Nail dryers
- A small finishing counter or bar
Opening a nail salon?
Salon Roadmap helps nail techs open booked, not empty: location, build-out, licensing and a grand opening campaign. We take on 4 new owners a month.
Book a free strategy callSanitation
- EPA-registered disinfectant suitable for salon tools
- Disinfection containers and covered storage for clean tools
- A cleaning log for pedicure spas if your state requires one
- Gloves, masks and paper towels
- Separate containers for clean and used tools
Front desk and technology
- Reception desk and waiting area seating
- Online booking system
- POS and card reader
- Phone line with call answering
- Tablet or computer
- Retail display, if you'll sell products
Back room
- Shelving and labeled storage
- Washer and dryer, or a linen service
- Staff lockers or cubbies
- A small break area
Opening inventory
- Polish, gel, acrylic and dip systems in your core colors
- Files, buffers, cuticle tools and liners
- Towels and disposables
- Lotions, scrubs and add-on products
What to buy first, and where to save
| Spend more on | Save on |
|---|---|
| Pedicure spas clients sit in | Back-room shelving |
| Comfortable tech chairs | Waiting room decor at first |
| Good station lighting | Extra colors before you know demand |
| Ventilation | Brand-new furniture where used is fine |
Questions
Should I buy new or used equipment?
Used tables and chairs can save money. Be careful with used pedicure spas: check cleanliness, parts and warranty.
How much inventory should I buy to open?
Enough for your core menu and popular colors. Add more once you see what clients actually choose.
Do you help build an equipment list?
Yes. It's part of our build-out and design service, sized to your space and budget.
