4.5 Setting up your workstation

If you are working out of a salon, your treatment area and equipment is most likely already set up for you, and the equipment you need is most likely in place. However, if you are planning on opening up a new salon, working from a room in your home or hiring a space, you will need to consider all of the equipment you will need. At a minimum, if you are setting up your own treatment areas, you will need the following equipment:

• Adjustable chair
• Cape, hair clips and headbands
• A mirror for your client to see their look
• A workstation trolley or table
• Trolley for products, bowls and equipment
• Individual electricity supply

In addition to the equipment listed, you will also need to ensure you have good lighting. Relying on natural light is no good – what happens on a rainy day? Always make sure you have sufficient lighting so that you can see what you are doing and so that the client can see what the tan will actually look like (no stage lights!).

In your treatment area, you will also want to have plenty of towels and preferably access to handwashing facilities. For client comfort, you may want a music playing device to set the ambience of the room. When setting up your space, you also want to think about décor – some indoor plants and gorgeous paintings can really make the treatment area inviting and calming. Here are some extra tips from our expert:

Adjustable makeup chair

You must have an adjustable stool in a salon and a portable makeup stool for any mobile bookings. Never work on a client on a regular chair as you need to be eye level with their eyes, and you don’t want to cause any damage to your back from leaning over.

Bench space and height

It is important that your bench space is at a height where you are not constantly bending over and can access all of your products easily, so you are not constantly bending over.

Lighting at workstation

Must be full natural lighting from all angles or a makeup mirror with lights on each side. Make sure the lightbulbs are clean white, and do not throw any orange. Avoid doing makeup under any down lights, as this will create shadows that are impossible to work with.

Cleaning and disinfection products and equipment Make sure all brushes are washed the night before with enough time to dry completely before you start. Clean each brush with brush cleaner and paper towel in between each client. Wipe down mixing palettes, chair and benches in between each client as dispose of any disposable products you have used. Wash and sanitise hands.

In your workspace, you will also need to ensure you have adequate storage space for your products and equipment. Because you will be using a range of different products throughout the day, it is important that you ‘clean as you go’ and put everything back in its place. When you set up your makeup area, you want to make sure all your products are in easy reach:

Untidy and unclean work areas are not acceptable, and your clients will not be impressed. Furthermore, unhygienic practices could close your business! Keep all of your products stored neatly and in the correct place.

If you are interested in learning more about storing products and setting up your work area, watch the videos linked: