When you’re designing or updating a salon, the wash area often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It’s easy to focus on styling stations and décor, but the shampoo area is where clients slow down, relax, and decide whether the experience feels thoughtful or rushed. A well-planned wash space supports your team, keeps things flowing smoothly, and creates a calm moment clients remember.
If you’re a salon owner—or getting ready to be one—smart space planning for your salon wash area can save you stress, time, and money down the road. We’re here to help you make sure you get it right the first time.
Traffic Flow and Accessibility
One of the first things to think about is how people move through the space. Clients should be able to walk to the wash area without weaving around stylists, carts, or cords. Clear, intuitive pathways make the experience feel comfortable, especially for older clients, pregnant women, or anyone who needs a little extra care getting around.
Accessibility matters too. Wider walkways, gentle turns, and thoughtful chair placement help ensure everyone feels welcome and safe. Planning this upfront is much easier than trying to fix tight spots after the salon is open for business.
Chair Spacing and Ergonomics
It’s tempting to fit in as many shampoo stations as possible, but crowding them together can create daily frustration. Proper spacing is crucial, especially if you’re deciding whether shampoo chairs or head spas are the better choice for your salon. Head spas need a lot more room, so you’ll need to account for this if you decide to go the more extravagant route.
Regardless of your choice, ergonomics are especially important if your team is washing hair all day. The right station height, tilt, and placement reduce back, shoulder, and wrist strain. Over time, these small design choices can make a big difference in staff comfort, energy, and longevity.
Plumbing and Utility Placement
Wash areas rely heavily on both plumbing and electrical access, so thoughtful placement is key. Efficient layouts reduce the need for long pipe runs, minimizing maintenance issues and making future repairs less disruptive.
You’ll also want to put in some storage nearby—towels, backbar products, and tools should be within easy reach without cluttering the space. A tidy, functional wash area helps everything run more smoothly during busy days.
Privacy, Noise, and Atmosphere
When planning a space for a modern salon wash area, not enough people consider the need for a bit of privacy at times. While this doesn’t mean these areas need to be completely closed off, a little separation goes a long way. Low partitions, half walls, or strategic furniture placement can create a sense of privacy without blocking light or making the space feel boxed in.
Sound and lighting also play a role in how relaxed the area feels. Softer lighting, calming colors, and some noise control help turn a routine shampoo into a peaceful break. For many clients, this is the moment they finally exhale—and that’s something they’ll remember.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 