More and more we see cities and townships enforcing more requirements for wheelchair access to service areas throughout the salon.

Recently, during a new salon blueprint review the building inspector was verifying “wheelchair transfer areas”.

In layman’s terms they wanted to see a 32″X48″ space along side of the styling, shampoo, and dryer chairs. This area is to be open so you can push a wheelchair along side and get a person from the wheelchair into a “service” chair.

The styling chairs are easy, they spin there is plenty of space behind the chair.

Shampoo and dryer chairs need 48″ and 32″ wide – the inspector wanted this space along side the chairs. On this particular project it was negotiated between the Architect and Township Official that the “end” shampoo and dryer chairs were designated handicap accessible.

This particular scenario is an example only. Each salon needs to be reviewed on it’s own content by a licensed professional and your city’s officials.

How Many Bathrooms?

Many states have requirements for how many bathrooms are necessary to the maximum amount of people in your salon.

Pennsylvania requires 1 bathroom for every 15 people including employees and clients. Bigger city’s are enforcing this on new construction.

Many new salons are now required to furnish Architectural sealed blueprints verifing all of this information to the city prior to starting any construction.

An Architect will make certain the space meets all local, state and federal codes. They can speak to the officials on your behalf to make certain the building permit process moves along smoothly. (all negotiated when you contract with a licensed Architect)

As salon designers we stay current in our geographical areas to make sure the floor-planning is done to meet local, state and cosmetology requirements.

The Architect can work from our AUTO-CAD file. They can make any changes deemed necessary and then certify them for your Building Department.

Feng Shui is the art of creating an environment that brings balance and harmony to a physical space. Loose translation of Feng Shui is wind and water. Feng represents the wind that carries the chi (energy) throughout a space. Shui is the water that meanders underneath the earth transporting chi.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS -

You have about 30 seconds to give a good impression.

Your entrance gives the first impression to clients and anyone else who walks in by your space’s physical appearance. Is your front entrance and reception area aligned with your business goals and original vision?

CLUTTER -

The front entrance is the catch basin for everything entering and leaving that does not have a permanent spot. Coats, magazines, deliveries, debris all seems to collect in the front of the salon.

The outside of your front door is equally as important. It should not be over looked and picked up and cleaned regularly. Small planters and garden boxes should be fresh and maintained.

Organization is key-

Use decorative baskets for current magazines. Literature holders for your brochures.
A coat closet for everyone to use.
Proper receptacles for trash.
If provided, refreshment area neat and organized. Keep the front entrance clear of clutter and organized.

Feng Shui Color -

A recent article I read was about a woman who moved her salon called on a feng-shui master to advise her on how to make the space most auspicious for her.

She wasn’t surprised when he told her how to arrange the furniture, where to place a fountain and what color to paint the walls. She was a little surprised, however, when he told her that her choice of a black chair was a good thing but a red T-shirt was not.

While red had seemed like a good color for her (her bridesmaids wore it), she always felt it overpowered her (the marriage was short-lived). According to the principles of feng shui, there’s a reason for that.

When the Practitioner analyzed her birth year, month, day and time, he informed her that she is a water person. Red is not auspicious for water people.

It’s all part of personal feng shui, a practice that is just catching on in the Islands. Based on the belief that each color has its own frequency or wavelength, He says a color will send a signal to the eye and then to the brain, triggering an emotion (sadness, happiness, anxiety, calm) or a particular energy (tiredness, vivacity, dullness, creativity).

Each person is born under one of five elements, and these elements determine the individual’s most auspicious colors:

Fire: red, orange, burgundy, pink, purple.
Earth: brown, yellow, off-white, gray.
Metal: white, silver, gold, bronze.
Water: black, blue.
Wood: green, jade.

There are two cycles in the universe, the destructive cycle and the producing or enhancing cycle. Here’s the breakdown of the destructive cycle:

Water puts out fire.
Fire melts metal.
Metal cuts wood.
Wood blocks earth.
Earth controls water.

And the productive or enhancing cycle:

Water generates wood.
Wood makes fire.
Fire makes earth.
Earth produces metal.
Metal condenses water.

It’s all about yin and yang, balancing the elements. A water person, such as this woman, should wear blue or black to energize her water element. Silver, gold and white also work for her because metal condenses water. Earth tones are not good because earth blocks water. Red is bad because fire evaporates water.

Red or black? Water or earth? You, too, can have your personal feng shui analyzed. Consult the experts:

Check back – more to follow

The front desk reception area is the main area to coordinate the day to day operation of the salon. The desk needs to function for appointments, cashing out, client greeting, gift wrapping and information “booth”.

Interior cabinetry, drawers, shelving for computer, printer, keyboards (laptop is more compact and better way to go) Phone system, credit card machines etc.
Retail area is important and in larger salons it can be in one area and smaller spaces it can be combined and integrated with stying area stations. Visible open wall space can be shelved and merchandised very easily.

Styling stations can be a minimum 54″ in length to 66″ depending on the station cabinetry design. Basic 36″- 48″ station can be centered at 54″ each. Stations that integrate reach from behind out of view cabinetry need more distance between each wall unit for easier access.

Back to back stations in many cases use more floor space when used in narrower spaces.

Color stations can be situated tighter (48″ centers) for application and processing area separate from styling area.

Roll about portable hair dryers on wheels make it easier to bring dryers to the client minimizing the need for many dryer lounges on the floor.

Shampoo area backwash units can be used whenever the additional space is available but you need to look into optional cabinetry for clean and soiled towels, shampoo bottles etc.

Conventional shampoo systems require less floor space. Doubling up over the overhead towel cabinets or custom larger ones give more storage.

When utilizing multiple conventional shampoo units using different types of shampoo chairs gives more comfort options to suit various clients. Hydraulic all purpose chairs that recline and pump up are better for older people and children. Spring back shampoo chairs are a good choice for most people.

Color mixing areas gives you a specific area to do just that. Keeps you from running back and forth to a dispensary.

Located close to the color/styling area the color mixing counter (with sink) should stock enough color and developer to last several days. Bowls, timers, gloves, and everything else needed for all types of hair color processes should be on hand.

A dispensary should include lunch, plenty of storage, laundry suitable for the salon and it’s needs. Table, chairs, refrigerators, sometimes dishwashers, microwaves hot water heaters are usually all incorporated in this room or room with in a larger room.

Nail and pedicure areas have certain minimum space requirements from manufacturer to how many units will be used.

Body treatment rooms will vary in size depending on actually function or for multi purpose use.

Proper planning from the start will give your salon the proper space needed for each service and use.

Working with a salon design professional will make the process that much easier and take most of the guess work out of it.

Visit a showroom to be sure the furniture is what you expect it to be, both in quality and design. Purchasing from a full service dealer will ensure their on going commitment to your business and be there when you need service.

Make sure they are close by and reputable. Investigate other costs, delivery, installation etc.

Often full service distributors offer design services, inquire about work they have done. Buying better quality equipment brings in quality employees, clients and quality return from your investment.

Plan on giving yourself an additional month to plan properly.

Always a concern in the salon. However when not planned properly poor lighting takes away from the whole space.

For a well lit, color correct lighting plan there are many types of fixtures and light bulbs to address all service areas throughout any salon or spa.

Various Websites – (use back arrow to navigate back here)

General Electric Lighting For Beauty Salon Link

Salon Owner Testimonial

Duro-Test manufactures natural light bulbs to fit exsting light fixtures

KEEP IN MIND:

When planning the lighting combining various types of lighting adds to a fuller light spectrum.

Natural lighting in the work areas will make it easier to see hair color.

Accent lighting in various areas to highlight design elements and artwork creates interests and looks great
Treatment rooms should have up lighting (sconces) as well as working lights so you can see your client and the work you are performing. Use the up lighting during relaxation periods to keep lights out of clients’ face.

Good lighting over reception area so receptionists have good working light with little shadowing.

Bathrooms and spa waiting areas can have warmer mood lighting as well. Use dimmer switches where needed.
Consult your salon designer and Architect for more professional input.

http://www.wilsonart.com/

For 50 years WILSONART has become a leader in high pressure laminate finishes.

Laminated floor systems for commercial use is a nice look . Care and maintaining is easy and not as expensive as vinyl coated tile floors are. Vinly coated tiles need frequent waxing/buffing.

However with any brand of laminated floor I highly recommend against using it in any wet areas of the salon.

Water does do damage, check all manufacturer warranties and ask a flooring specialist about water damage.

The colors you select will create a mood to stimulate mind and body senses. Whether you want a calm, relaxed atmosphere or an exciting, energetic space, color choices will make the atmosphere fit your intention.

A well thought out color combination will give clients an experience to bring them back over and over.

Here’s a cool site for people looking to create dramatic interior paint schemes. Stay neutral, or go wild…

http://www.colorjack.com/

Take time to navigate through this site the combinations selections are endless.

Does not work with Microsoft Internet Explorer – site will direct you to other web browsers that support this technology.

It is worthwhile, have fun!