In the process of creating your hair salon layout, don’t forget to prioritize salon lighting as a key component of your client experience. Salon lighting design is more important than you may think - so before accepting the final version of your salon layout, make sure that the lights are placed properly for 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’ moods or retail sales, let’s state it clearly - good salon lighting is a necessity for your employees to do their jobs. Your receptionist spends all day reading and noting information and if they lack proper lighting, they may get serious eye strain. So what do we do to optimize the salon lighting for your admin team?
If the reception area of your salon doesn’t have enough ceiling lights, use task lighting by adding a chic 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 allows you to store and manage all the important data on your digital device.
Your hairstylists need proper lighting, too! Beauty services are mainly about visual effects, 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. The best beauty salon lighting ideas ensure there are no shadows around your hairstylist’s working area. And let’s not even get started on dyes! In an industry where even the slightest color nuances matter, you can not let bad lighting ruin your stylists’ work! Choose bulbs for your salon lighting that render color 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 be unattractive. Think what kind of lights fit your salon’s mood - classic ceiling lights, sconces, or maybe a mix of the two? Should you invest in lighted mirrors? Would fairy lights here and there add some ambiance to your salon lighting?
When designing your salon lighting, don’t underestimate the importance of proper warmth. We tend to choose warmer lighting that evokes associations with candlelight, fireplaces, and the golden hour of late summer days, but it will not fit every salon’s interior. If you are going for a clean, modern vibe, where you favor cool colors and clear contrasts, too much warmth in the lighting 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's 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 them - 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 had. The clothes looked great, but your face - not so much.
Very cool lighting makes us look somewhat unhealthy - and you 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 were 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 favors, however, keep in mind when designing your salon lighting that 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!
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