Launching your own barbershop requires careful planning, especially when it comes to acquiring the right tools and equipment. A barbershop goes beyond cutting of hair rather it should be a place that is created by a blend of professionalism, comfort and excellent customer service. Having the right equipment ensures not only efficiency but also sets the foundation for client satisfaction and business success. Below we’ll guide you through the ultimate equipment checklist for starting a barbershop, provide valuable insights on why each item matter.
The foundation of comfort: Barber seats
Your clients comfort should be your top priority hence investing in high quality barber chairs is crucial. These chairs should be comfortable, adjustable and durable to withstand daily use, not forgetting they should have easy to clean materials to maintain hygiene standards. Chairs range from 22,000ksh to 80,000 suiting those with low or high start up costs, look for barber chairs with;
Your clients comfort should be your top priority hence investing in high quality barber chairs is crucial. These chairs should be comfortable, adjustable and durable to withstand daily use, not forgetting they should have easy to clean materials to maintain hygiene standards. Chairs range from 22,000ksh to 80,000 suiting those with low or high start up costs, look for barber chairs with;
- · Hydraulic pumps for height adjustments.
- · Reclining features for services like shaving or beard grooming.
- · Comfortable padding and ergonomic designs for client comfort.
- · Adjustable headrests to accommodate clients of different heights.
- · Water- resistant, easy to clean materials like leather or high-grade vinyl.
- · Steel or chrome-plated bases, they are sturdy and long lasting.
- · 360-degree rotation, to ensure barbers can easily maneuver around the client.
The core tools: Clippers and Trimmers
Good quality and high-performance clippers and trimmers are non negotiable for a barbershop infact they are the backbone of every barbershop. As a barber, these are not just accessories but are extension of your craft, brands like Wahl are popular among professionals for their reliability and efficiently. Some must-haves include:
Good quality and high-performance clippers and trimmers are non negotiable for a barbershop infact they are the backbone of every barbershop. As a barber, these are not just accessories but are extension of your craft, brands like Wahl are popular among professionals for their reliability and efficiently. Some must-haves include:
- · Corded clippers, provide consistent power, making them ideal for prolonged use hence best for busy barbershops.
- · Cordless clippers for flexibility and convenience, ideal for reaching different angles. Look for models with long battery life.
- · Trimmers for detailing edges, sideburns and precise beard work.
- · Compatibility with multiple guard sizes to achieve precision cuts.
- · Clippers with taper levers for seamless blending and fading.
- · Motors that suit your workload. i.e. Magnetic motors; lightweight and low maintenance, suitable for light to moderate use. Rotary motors; powerful and versatile, ideal for cutting thick or coarse hair. And Pivot motors; high torque for heavy duty cutting through slightly slower that rotary motors.
- · Stainless steel blades that are rust-resistant and easy to maintain.
- · Quick charge features and runtime of 60 minutes or more on a full charge.
Complimentary Shaving tool
For the classic barber experience, if you’re planning to offer hot towels shaves or beard grooming, use quality shaving creams and aftershaves and stock up on the right shaving tools and accessories such as;
For the classic barber experience, if you’re planning to offer hot towels shaves or beard grooming, use quality shaving creams and aftershaves and stock up on the right shaving tools and accessories such as;
- · Straight razors or safety razors.
- · Shaving brushes for even application of cream and lather.
- · Warmers for hot towels to enhance the shaving experience.
- · Twist sponges for styling textured hair.
- · Capes, neck rolls and gowns for clients protection.
- · Hairdryers and blowers for styling and cleaning up.
Sanitation and sterilization equipment.
Cleanliness is paramount in a barbershop hence maintaining hygiene and complying with health regulations, you’ll need;
Cleanliness is paramount in a barbershop hence maintaining hygiene and complying with health regulations, you’ll need;
- · UV sterilizers, that are available in both big and small sizes.
- · Barbicide jars for disinfecting combs and scissors.
- · Disposable neck strips and gloves to prevent cross-contamination.
- · Spray disinfectants for surface and chairs.
Mirrors and Lighting.
Mirrors are a crucial component of any barbershop, offering clients a clear view of their grooming experience. Large, well-lit mirrors are essential for both clients and barbers to see every detail of haircut. Consider;
Mirrors are a crucial component of any barbershop, offering clients a clear view of their grooming experience. Large, well-lit mirrors are essential for both clients and barbers to see every detail of haircut. Consider;
- · Full-length wall mounted mirrors for the workstation.
- · LED or ring lights for clear, shadow-free visibility.
- · Backlit mirrors to add a modern aesthetic to your shop.
- · Suitable frame and design that align with your shop’s theme.
- · Mirrors with anti-fog coating are ideal for maintaining clarity in humid environments.
Hair Care products for retail and use.
Stocking high-quality hair care products serves two purposes; enhancing your services and offering additional revenue streams when you sell them as after care products for the services you offer. Must have consumables include;
- · Pomades, gels and waxes for styling.
- · Shampoo and conditioners for pre-service washes. Including 2 in 1 product ideal for busy clients.
- · Beard oils, beard balms and beard washes for grooming.
- · Clays and Hairsprays.
- · Hair color products such as temporary and permanent hair dyes and hair bleach kits.
Waiting area essential: Comfort for clients
Well not all the time when customers walk in your barbershop the workstations will be empty, therefore create a welcoming space for clients to seat as they wait for their time. Ensure comfortable seating area, magazines / TVs for entertainment and a refreshment station if possible.
Well not all the time when customers walk in your barbershop the workstations will be empty, therefore create a welcoming space for clients to seat as they wait for their time. Ensure comfortable seating area, magazines / TVs for entertainment and a refreshment station if possible.
The above listed products are not necessarily to be bought all at once if you’re not financially able to, but they are the essential elements needed for your barbershop to stand out and generate high sales. These products are all readily available at smartplyconnect.com, where we provide a wide range of professional-grade barber equipment and tools to help you get started.
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