Nail Salon Opening and Closing Checklist
Short answer: A daily opening and closing checklist keeps your nail salon clean, inspection-ready and running the same way no matter who's on shift. Open by checking sanitation, stations, pedicure spas and the day's bookings. Close by cleaning and logging, restocking, reconciling payments and setting up for tomorrow.
Opening checklist
Before clients arrive
- Turn on lights, music, ventilation and HVAC
- Check that disinfectant containers are fresh and labeled
- Confirm clean tools are stored and ready
- Wipe down stations, chairs and the front desk
- Check pedicure spas are clean and working
- Stock towels, liners and disposables at every station
- Check restroom supplies
Front desk
- Review today's bookings and staffing
- Confirm any reminders that didn't get a reply
- Check voicemail, texts and online messages
- Turn on the POS and card reader
Team
- Quick huddle: today's bookings, open slots, offers and goals
During the day
- Clean and disinfect between every client
- Log pedicure spa cleaning if your state requires it
- Rebook clients at checkout
- Ask happy clients for reviews
Closing checklist
Cleaning
- Clean and disinfect all tools, then store them closed
- Complete end-of-day pedicure spa cleaning and log it
- Wipe down stations, chairs and dryers
- Empty trash and replace liners
- Start laundry or bag linens for service
Front desk
- Reconcile cash and card payments
- Check tomorrow's bookings and confirm reminders
- Note supplies running low
Lock up
- Turn off lamps, dryers and equipment
- Set HVAC and alarm
- Lock doors and check windows
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 callMake it stick
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Print and laminate the list | Easy to follow and check off |
| Assign an owner each shift | Someone is responsible |
| Spot-check weekly | Keeps standards high |
| Keep logs in one binder | Ready for inspections |
Questions
Who should complete the checklist?
Assign it by shift: an opener and a closer. Rotate so everyone knows the steps.
Do I need written checklists if I'm always there?
Yes. Checklists let the salon run the same way when you're not, which is how owners stop working every shift.
Can you build SOPs for my salon?
Yes. Checklists and SOPs are part of our hiring, SOPs and systems service. See also nail salon inspection checklist.
