Keeping your salon updated is essential for maintaining a fresh, modern, and inviting space that clients love to visit. A well-maintained salon enhances the overall client experience, making people feel comfortable, pampered, and excited to return. A fresh, stylish environment also gives your business a competitive edge, clients notice when a salon looks outdated, and they may be drawn to competitors with a more modern and polished look.
Updating your salon is also a powerful way to boost your social media presence. In today’s digital world, clients love sharing photos of beautiful spaces, and an Instagram-worthy salon naturally encourages free marketing. When clients post pictures of their hair transformations in a trendy and aesthetically pleasing space, it increases brand exposure and attracts new customers.
Beyond marketing, regular updates reflect the growth and success of your business. As your brand evolves, your salon’s look should align with your vision and professional image. A well-designed space not only impresses clients but also uplifts your team. Staff members feel more inspired and motivated when they work in an environment that is stylish, organized, and aligned with current trends.
A modern, refreshed salon can also subtly encourage clients to spend more. A luxurious, well-kept space makes people more willing to invest in additional services or retail products because they associate your business with high quality. If your salon starts showing signs of wear, such as peeling paint, outdated furniture, or cluttered stations—it can impact the way clients perceive your services. Regular updates prevent your space from looking run-down and ensure that your salon maintains a premium feel.
By keeping your salon visually appealing, organized, and stylish, you create an environment where clients feel valued, staff feel motivated, and your brand remains strong in an ever-evolving industry.
So lets look a guide on how often you should update your salon and how.The frequency of updates depends on your salon’s condition, clientele, and budget. Here’s a suggested schedule:
Monthly Mini Refreshes
- Declutter and Deep Clean – Ensure styling stations, reception, and waiting areas stay organized.
- Rearrange Displays – Rotate products and update shelving layouts to keep retail areas engaging.
- Update Small Decor Pieces – Swap out magazines, add new flowers, or refresh a feature wall.
- Check and Fix Minor Wear – Touch up paint, replace broken items, and ensure everything looks polished.
Every 6 Months
- Furniture & Equipment Check – Assess chairs, mirrors, and stations for signs of wear and replace as needed.
- Lighting Enhancements – Update bulbs or add decorative lighting for a fresh ambiance.
- Seasonal Decor Changes – Adjust colours and styling to match the season (e.g., light, airy décor in summer and warm, cozy tones in winter).
Every 1-2 Years
- Repaint or Update Walls – A fresh coat of paint or a statement wall can transform the space.
- Rebrand or Update Salon Signage – Ensure your branding stays modern and reflects your evolving business.
- Upgrade Reception & Waiting Area – Add new seating, a modern coffee station, or stylish retail displays.
- Refresh Marketing Materials – Update service menus, price lists, and promotional posters.
Every 3-5 Years
- Larger Renovations – This is when you might consider replacing flooring, investing in new salon furniture, or remodelling key areas.
- Technology Updates – If needed, upgrade booking systems, mirrors with LED features, or introduce digital screens for promotions.
- Full Branding Refresh – If your salon’s look no longer aligns with your business vision, consider a full aesthetic overhaul.
Freshening up your salon doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We recently renovated our house and small changes and second-hand furniture repainted can make a big impact. Here are some budget-friendly ways to give your salon a facelift:
Refresh the Walls
- Paint Touch-Ups: A fresh coat of paint in a modern colour can instantly uplift the space. Consider soft neutrals or pastels to create a calming atmosphere.
- Accent Wall: Use peel-and-stick wallpaper, a bold paint colour, or even a mural to create a stylish focal point.
- Wall Art: Frame trendy hair-related prints, quotes, or before-and-after client photos.
Update Lighting
- Replace outdated or dim lighting with warm LED bulbs to brighten the space.
- Add fairy lights, LED strips, or pendant lights for a more inviting ambiance.
- If natural light is available, maximize it by using light-coloured curtains or mirrors.
Upgrade Seating & Styling Stations
- Use stylish seat covers or cushions to give old chairs a new look.
- Refresh countertops with contact paper (marble or woodgrain patterns look premium).
- Declutter styling stations and add small decorative trays to organize tools neatly.
Revamp the Reception Area
- Add a statement rug to define the space.
- Display products attractively with new shelving or stylish baskets.
- Introduce a small, trendy side table with a plant or scented candles for a welcoming feel.
Mirror Magic
- Large mirrors make spaces feel bigger and brighter—update old mirrors with stylish frames.
- Consider repositioning mirrors to reflect more light and make the salon appear more spacious.
Greenery & Décor
- Add low-maintenance plants (real or high-quality fake) to bring life to the salon.
- Use decorative vases, modern trays, or ceramic pieces to elevate the aesthetic.
- Place a statement flower arrangement at the reception or coffee table.
Modernize Branding & Signage
- Refresh your salon’s signage with a sleek, modern design.
- Print updated price lists and service menus in a clean, stylish font.
- Add a simple neon sign or vinyl decals with an inspirational quote or salon name.
Upgrade the Music & Scent
- Curate a new salon playlist with relaxing yet upbeat music.
- Use essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or room sprays to create a signature scent for the salon.
Display Before & After Photos (always a favourite)
- Create a stylish “client transformation” wall to showcase your best work.
- Use sleek frames or a digital photo frame to display rotating images.
Small Furnishing Updates
- Invest in a few new throw pillows, stylish stools, or a modern side table to refresh the vibe.
- Use decorative storage boxes to hide clutter while maintaining an elegant look.
Social Media Corner
- Designate a small, well-lit area for Instagram photos of clients’ hair.
- Use a trendy backdrop, ring light, or branded salon hashtag to encourage client engagement.
In a nutshell, Kmart, Target, Bunnings, Facebook marketplace and gumtree are my go too places, I use Pinterest for inspiration and love it! You can type in small things like tiny space, cosy reception area, etc and then start your mood board.
Go and be creative!! Have fun and get your team into it!
