In the process of creating your hair salon layout, you have to keep in mind so many requirements, essential elements and important details, that you may not pay enough attention to your salon lighting systems. However, appropriate lighting is more important than you may think - so before accepting the final version of your salon layout design, make sure that the lights are placed in the proper places and that they provide optimal warmth and brightness. Why is it so important and how lighting may affect different areas of your business?
Before we even start talking about the influence on clients’ mood or retail sales, let’s state it clearly - good lightning is a necessity for your employees to do their job. Your receptionist spends all day reading and noting information and if they lack proper lighting, they may get serious eye strain. How to prevent it?
If you can not provide this area of your salon with a strong enough ceilings lights, use a task lighting in the form of a desk lamp. You may also want to consider moving from traditional paperwork to more efficient ways of managing bookings and confirming appointments. Booksy hair & beauty salon software gives you the opportunity to store and manage all the important data on your digital device - which also means that there will be no need for task lighting, as you will simply use a computer or smartphone screen.
Your hairstylists need proper lighting, too! Beauty services are mainly about the visual effect, so your employees have to be able to see clearly what they do. Some hairstyles require a very keen eye and attention to the smallest details. Make sure there are no shadows around your hairstylists’ working area. And let’s not even get started on dyes! In the industry where even the slightest colour nuances matter, you can not let bad lighting ruin your stylists’ work! Choose bulbs that render colour accurately.
Well-thought-out lighting may complement your decor and create a unique atmosphere. Salon layout designs often focus on practical aspects of placing the lighting system, however, being useful does not have to equal unattractive. Think what kind of lights fit your salon’s mood - classic ceilings lights, sconces or maybe the mix of the two? Maybe you should invest in lighted mirrors? Maybe some fairy lights here and there?
Also, do not underestimate the importance of proper warmth. We tend to choose warmer lighting that evokes associations with candlelight, fireplaces and golden hour of late summer days, but it will not fit every salons’ interior. If you are going for a clean, modern vibe, where you favour cool colours and clear contrasts, too much warmth in the lightning will disturb your minimalistic design and make it look old-fashioned.
What is your first association with a cold, overly bright light? Is it a doctor’s office? Maybe a dentist chair or a lab? Most people have negative associations with intense lightning of a cooler hue, so you have to be careful. Yes, it may be practical - you can see very clearly in this type of lighting. Moreover, inanimate objects tend to look very attractive in it - it gives the impression of cleanliness and elegance. Unfortunately, it does not apply to people. Do you remember the last time you were trying clothes in a changing room and how much it lowered your self-esteem? You could see every little blemish, every unruly piece of hair and eye bags you never noticed you have. The clothes looked great, but your face - not so much.
Very cool lighting makes us look somewhat unhealthy - and you definitely do not want your customers to feel they look bad while getting their treatment! They may even rate the final effect much lower than they would if it was not for the horrible lighting. Overall, be conscious of what bulbs do you use and stay away from the coolest ones - at least near mirrors!
As mentioned above, bright lights do people no favours, however, they can be extremely flattering when presenting a product. Accenting lights directed into your retail shelves may be a great idea - it catches attention and makes your products pop. Lit this way, your retail products will look fresh, modern and fancy. Warm lights may be tricky as they make things look rather vintage and old-fashioned, and not everyone wants their retail products to give such vibes. Be aware of those effects!
A good lighting system will enhance the look of your salon, lighten the mood of your clients (pun not intended) and encourage them to take a look at your retail shelves. However, remember that its essential and most important function is allowing your employees to comfortably work on their duties. Make sure that every station is well-lit and the tone of the light is as neutral as possible.
If you want to be able to write down your clients’ data, stock status or any other info anywhere in your salon, regardless of the lighting, consider getting yourself a digital helper instead of a conventional notebook. Get more independent and try Booksy salon software today!
.png)
