A beauty parlour and a salon can sell the same hair and beauty services. With a spa, you are looking more towards massage, body treatments and the experience of the visit. There is plenty of overlap.

First Look at the Menu

Put the menus of two businesses side by side. One might say “parlour” on the sign, the other “salon”, yet both menus could list cutting, waxing, makeup and facials. In that case, look at the work and the appointments being offered; the two words are not a quality test.

For makeup, for instance, you need to see the artist's work. For a colour appointment, speak to the colourist. An expensive-looking reception tells you nothing about either person’s work.

So What Makes It a Spa?

A spa gives attention to the experience of the visit as well as the treatment. The International SPA Association describes spas in terms of professional services supporting overall well-being. There is a day-spa category in ISPA’s glossary, too. The appointment is a day visit; you can leave afterwards without staying the night. The time printed against a massage needs a little clarification at booking. Is changing included, or will you receive that many minutes of treatment? It is worth settling that detail with reception.

For a combined business, look at the room arrangements. A bed behind a screen beside the hairdryers may not be the quiet visit you had in mind. The booking can be discussed with that room in view. A useful booking question is: “What do you need to know about me before this treatment?” Have the practitioner talk you through suitability, including any reason they would postpone or decline the service.

A Look at Salon Designer in Pakistan 

Before buying salon equipment, it helps to know what services you'll actually offer. Salon Designers gives a useful picture of the choices involved. Alongside hair styling tools, it lists wash units, chairs, facial beds and manicure and pedicure furniture. There’s a design and construction section too.

Here are three items and their listed prices:

A dryer and flat iron would go on the shopping list for hair styling. Add facials to the menu, and you’ll have other purchases to think about, such as a treatment bed and, depending on the treatments, a steamer. That also means finding room for them.

The figures above are equipment costs from Salon Designers, rather than price customers pay for appointments. They won’t tell you what a whole salon will cost to open. Check salondziners.com for current prices and availability before you buy.

Choosing What to Open

Write down what you can offer at opening. Event makeup? Colour? Facials? Each list leads to a buying decision. Draw a person at the proposed workstation or treatment bed and another doing the work. Mark the tools and supplies within reach of that second person.

Put the styling chair, mirror, trolley and washing position on the hair-service plan. For a massage service, work through the treatment-bed position and room privacy.

Add a cupboard for clean towels and a place for the used ones. Draw those storage points along with the furniture. A qualified local professional can go through the proposed services with you and check the plumbing, power supply, ventilation and access.

On the Salon Designers website, the posted price for the SD Pro Infinite 3000 dryer is PKR 12,500. The Oval LED Styling Mirror is listed at PKR 55,700. Together they cost PKR 68,200 at those listed prices. That buys two items. Add quotes for the remaining furniture, fitting and freight to a budget for building work, rent, deposits and opening supplies.

Planning With Salon Designers

Bring your list of services, measurements and budget to Salon Designers. Salon Designers’ published process begins with gathering requirements and taking site measurements. Next come layout options, 3D visualisation and a clear construction scope. Discuss your opening date, too.

There is a shipping detail to budget for: the website excludes furniture from free shipping. Before paying, get a figure for delivery and fitting. A warranty discussion should cover a broken part as well as the cost of having it repaired or transported.

FAQs

Is a Beauty Parlour Different From a Beauty Salon?

The words can mean the same thing; Cambridge lists beauty parlour as another term for beauty salon. For your appointment, the useful distinction is whether that particular business does the work you want. 

Can I Visit a Spa Without Booking a Hotel?

ISPA’s day-spa category covers services “on a day use basis”. A treatment booking can be a visit in its own right, without an overnight stay.

What Furniture Would I Need to Start?

Start with the furniture needed for your opening appointments. On a drawing, try placing the person giving each service beside the seated or reclining customer; use that drawing to work out where the trolley, supplies and connections belong.

Where Can I Buy Furniture for a Parlour, Salon or Spa?

Salon Designers has an online catalogue and lists Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad branches. Make a shortlist online, then call to arrange a look at the available pieces and get a delivered price for your address.