Choosing the Best Background Music for Your Salon by Joe Cignetti

Music is more than just background noise in a salon. Personally, I know I have been in a salon and the wrong music can start to do my head in. The right music is an essential part of the experience.

The right music can set the tone, create a welcoming atmosphere, and even influence how clients perceive your brand. Whether you want to create a calming retreat, a high-energy fashion hub, or something in between, your choice of background music matters. Here are a few ideas from the team at Glide HT that we thought could assist in making the perfect playlist for your salon.

1. Define Your Salon’s Brand Identity Before choosing your playlist, consider the overall vibe of your salon. Your music should reflect your brand personality:

Luxury, high-end salons: Soft jazz, acoustic, classical, or chill-out lounge music can create an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere.

Trendy, fashion-forward salons: Upbeat pop, indie, or deep house music can keep things fresh and stylish.

Relaxing, spa-like salons: Lo-fi beats, smooth R&B, or instrumental ambient music can help clients unwind.

Bold, edgy salons: Classic rock, alternative, or energetic electronic music can match your salon’s dynamic vibe.

2. Consider Your Clients Your clientele plays a major role in choosing the right music.

Think about:

Age Group: A younger audience might appreciate modern pop or R&B, while an older demographic may prefer classic hits or jazz.

Energy Level: Do your clients prefer a lively, chatty experience or a tranquil escape?

Cultural Preferences: A diverse clientele may appreciate a mix of international or instrumental music to keep the atmosphere inclusive and appealing.

3. Match the Music to the Time of Day Just as lighting and scent can shift throughout the day, your music should also adapt:

Morning: Light and uplifting tunes like acoustic pop, coffeehouse music, or soft indie tracks can create a fresh start.

Midday Rush: A slightly more energetic mix of chill house, upbeat indie, or commercial pop keeps the momentum going.

Evening Wind-Down: As the day slows, switch to smooth R&B, lo-fi, or deep lounge music for a relaxed, cozy atmosphere.

4. Maintain a Balanced Tempo Music that is too slow can make the salon feel dull, while overly fast-paced tracks can feel overwhelming. A tempo between 60-120 BPM (beats per minute) is generally ideal—upbeat enough to maintain energy, but not so fast that it becomes stressful.

Yes, we Googled this point!

5. Keep It Non-Distracting Avoid explicit lyrics which may offend clients.

Instrumental or low-vocal tracks work well to create a pleasant ambiance without overshadowing conversations.

Rotate playlists regularly to keep things fresh and engaging for returning clients and staff.

6. Use Streaming Services & Pre-Made Playlists Instead of manually selecting songs, leverage streaming services that offer curated playlists designed for businesses:

Spotify: Look for “Salon Vibes,” “Chill House,” “Luxury Spa,” or “Acoustic Mornings.”

Apple Music: Playlists like “Lounge,” “Chill Pop,” or “Relax & Unwind” set the right mood.

YouTube: Search for lo-fi, jazz, or ambient background music mixes.

7. Involve Your Team Your stylists spend hours in the salon, so the music should also keep them motivated and comfortable. Encourage feedback and consider rotating playlists throughout the week to keep the environment fresh.
8. Test and Adjust Try different playlists for a week and observe how they impact the salon atmosphere. Are clients more relaxed? Do stylists feel energized? Adjust based on feedback to create the best experience for everyone.

By choosing the right background music, you enhance the overall salon experience, reinforcing your brand identity and making each visit memorable for clients. Whether you’re creating a relaxing sanctuary or a high-energy styling hub, the right playlist can make all the difference.

When you think you have a great playlist please share it with us. We are always looking for new playlists at Glide as commercial radio can be monotonous!