How to Open a Nail Salon

Opening a nail salon comes down to a handful of decisions — and getting the plumbing question right before you order is the one that saves the most expensive mistake.

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What it takes to open a nail salon

• Pedicure stations. Pedicure chairs are the biggest single decision and the longest lead time — the tub is built to order. Settle plumbed vs. pipeless first, because it determines your plumbing scope.
• Manicure stations. One vented manicure table per tech. Built-in dust collection is what keeps acrylic dust out of your air, and it's far cheaper to buy it built in than retrofit later.
• Seating. Tech stools at the right height for each station, plus client seating that works for the service length.
• Support and storage. Pedi carts and trolleys, polish racks, and task lighting that shows true polish color.
• Lash and treatment rooms. If you're adding services, lash beds and facial beds open a second revenue line from the same square footage.

Plan plumbing before anything else

Plumbed pedicure chairs need water supply, drain, and often a dedicated outlet — plus a licensed plumber. If your space can't support that, or you're in a booth rental or suite, no-plumbing chairs deliver the same service without construction. Getting this decision right before you order saves the most expensive mistake in a nail salon build-out. Send us your floor plan and station count and we'll spec it.

Common questions

How many pedicure chairs do I need? Start with your busiest expected hour, not your average. Most small salons open with two to four and add as demand proves out.

Do vented manicure tables really matter? Yes. Acrylic and gel dust is a long-term respiratory issue for techs, and built-in collection captures it at the source rather than after it's airborne.

What about replacement parts? Pedicure chair tops, jets, drains, and table hardware are stocked in our parts collection.