Revamp your hair salon on a budget

Updating your hair salon might seem like a low priority in the current economic climate, but rethinking your salon spending could really make a difference.

Now that everyone is tightening their purse strings, an investment in a key area of the salon can not only improve the clients' impression of the salon, but can also some glamour to gloomy days.

Whether it's an injection of colour, a new piece of furniture or a fresh window display, you only need to change one item to give your hair salon a fresh look.

What would the experts recommend you change? Here are their suggestions.

Decoration

"One of the quickest and easiest ways to give your salon a new look is to choose a wall area, paint it and hang strong imagery banners."

Andy Colbourne, manager at Aston & Fincher

Revamp it: With items starting at £110 each from Aston & Fincher, this is a small change that could give a fresh feel to the salon. For a dramatic impact, consider backlighting the images.

 Reception

"I often notice how shabby reception areas can look in salons. Investing in a stylish reception desk gives an instant impact to existing customers and can tempt new clients through the door. If you're happy with your reception desk, but feel the area around it could do with brightening up consider a new seating arrangement for clients. This can make your salon stand out from the crowd."

Richard Maclucas, from Style Zone.

Revamp it: "The slinky two-seater sofa from the nel and len collection will sit perfectly in an array of stylish environments," says Richard Berry, managing director of the hb group.

Backwash

"We have noticed a marked difference in this area of the salon, which has come to the forefront in terms of style, design and, most importantly, comfort and relaxation. It is becoming more important for the salon owner to focus on this section of the salon."

Wendy Droznika, LSE

Revamp it: Motorised footrests and the option of massage - shiatsu or air massage - are the small touches that make all the difference.

Retail display

Sharp shelving can boost sales by getting products noticed, as well as giving a salon a super-stylish look. Colourful shelving makes a feature of any display and could also be a good choice for minimalist salons that needs a splash of colour.

Revamp it: "The Rainbow display unit boasts four illuminated shelves, and is available in a choice of 39 colours, ideal for adding extra personality to the salon," says Simon Foster, UK manager for Salon Ambience.

Styling chairs

If your styling chairs are a little worse for wear, an update can transform the feel and mood of the salon. There are plenty of options dor you to choose from from a stand-out-from-the-crowd Luna Pod Two Tone chair from Salon Equipment Centre to a classic barber's chair.

Revamp it: "The clean lines and chrome arms of the Miranda chair give a cool, stylish look that won't break the bank"" says Michael Roach, REM sales director.