Off Stage- Design The Salon Prep Room for Great Performances

I equate the prep rooms of the spa or salon to being off stage at a theatre performance.  You never know what goes on behind the scenes, but when the actors appear on stage, it is as if the show never had a problem–the show must go on.  The same should be said for all spas and it starts in the preparation area.  There are some key elements and things to consider for a great prep area as follows.

 

1. You need a preparation area for staging for salon, and for spa.  These areas depending on the size of your spa may require 2-3 staging areas, not including your spa attendant prep room.
2. Laundry facilitator with room for new laundry (towels, etc) and removal area for used laundry
3. Trash facilitator with each room or station containing trash receptacles to empty in prep area
4. Sanitation and Sterilization (Salon & Spa- for all instruments, brushes, tools, etc.), Autoclave, packs, and sprays used to sanitize.
5. Sinks (deeper) for washing brushes, mixing bowls, manicure bowls, and other items used in services
6. Temporary storage for re-stocking each station, whether nails, hair, or spa.  This temporary storage is a great facilitator for controlling professional inventory with large drawers for back bar supplies.
7. Refrigerator
8. Large Hot Towel Cabinet
9. Telephone
10. Computer
11. Microwave if needed for spa/salon protocols

In designing the preparation rooms, it is important to note which service are you staging for?  How many therapists will be utilizing this area?  When you watch the therapists prepping for services, what can facilitate speed and ease of preparation.  Lastly, my ergonomics….is the computer at the right height…can everyone reach the hot towel cabinet….and can the client see your preparation area?? 

You see that is why they call it on stage and off stage.  Preparation area (unless you are creating a visual show like mixing color) should be off stage.  Great performances are created by having a prepared staff off stage.