5 Tips to Perfect Salon Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important features of any room, especially a salon.  It’s an essential tool in achieving proper color calibration and precision, yet it is also a crucial element for creating ambiance and a vibe in a salon that guests connect with.

“The combination of overhead lighting and backlit mirrors in our salon allows for both stylists and guests to view the true definition and tone of color.  Everyone is on the same page and expectations can be met promptly,” explains Hannah Longest, manageing partner of Salon Jaylee Magnolia Plaza in The Villages, Florida. “The lighting truly takes the salon atmosphere to the next level.”

Lighting doesn’t have to be complicated.  Turn to professionals for guidance on appropriate lighting for hair and skin and take these 5 tips into consideration when planning a light strategy.

Function

A lounge/waiting area can have softer light, possibly table lamps or a statement chandelier, because that light is used to create ambiance and accent areas.  However, workstations, color bars and shampoo areas need natural full spectrum light with the proper Kelvin color temperature so color can be accessed properly.  Designed for salon professionals,  SpectraLights has the correct combination of lumens, watts, lux and kelvins to create the perfect light for color calibration – no more walking guests outside!

Control

Installing various types of light throughout the salon is the best course of action.  And, having the ability to control brightness through dimmer switches, remote controls or three-way bulbs allows the mood to change with the tone and seasons.

​Placement

A larger statement fixture in the entrance, a small cluster to accent a corner and light platforms on the ceiling customized to complement décor are some examples of where to place lighting.  Overhead lighting does not have to be in the center of the room, a pendant light swaged over from a central ceiling electrical box can look really cool too.  If a second object is twice as far away from the light source as another object, the brightness of the light on the second object is cut down to 25%. So awareness of placement and distance that a light source is from its surroundings has significant impact on the light’s effect. Overall and accent lighting can be hung higher than those on workstations (8-10 feet from the floor).

Design

Think pairs or odd numbers.  Pairs of matching lamps, sconces or pendants can help define a space, even make it appear larger or cozier. Clusters of odd numbered fixtures add interest, texture and an unexpected design element.  Ceiling light platforms can be set lower to create a more intimate feel or be set up high to make a space feel larger.

Vibe

Warm inviting light helps create ambiance…whether a salon is dark and moody or bright and minimalistic, the light will play a major role in how people feel when they walk into the space.  So, plan out the lighting to meet the aesthetic vision.

Learn more here and contact Freestyle Systems @ 888-99-STYLE or info@freestylesystems.com for more information on SpectraLights.

Salon Lighting Basics

• Lumens: The amount of light being emitted from a light source.
• Watts:  The amount of electricity being used - the higher the lumens per watt, the more energy efficient.
• Lux: The amount of light hitting an object – between 800 to 1500 is ideal for salons.
• Kelvins: The color temperature of the light - 3500K is ideal for salons.

Freestyle Systems is the world’s only provider of weightless, patented, health-conscious blow drying solutions for salons and spas.  Their products elevate décor, aesthetics and function, as well as provide health-first solutions to problems that can threaten stylists’ careers and impact the air quality in the salon.  The Freestylist Support System is the world's first and only weightless blow drying system available with a vented platform to remove harmful air particles.