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SEARCHFrom air quality to repetitive stress injuries, Blair Hopper shares tips for designing a salon that protects the health and wellness of both team members and clients, in our first installment of Designing Minds.
Both clients and guests are protected from air-bourne particles with the Freestylist with Vented Platform, as shown here at Salon Audace and Blow Dry Bar.
In June, our 2021 SALONS OF THE YEAR will debut, so our minds are turning to salon design. This year, we're inviting some of the industry's top designers and furniture and equiptment manufacturers to take on our reader's top-of-mind questions. In the first installment of this series, Blair Hopper, founder of Freestye Systems addresses the question:
What furniture/design choices should I consider for the health and comfort of my team members? T
Hopper: This past year has really changed the way salons operate their business. They now have to offer healthier options for both their staff and guests to stay competitive and safe during the pandemic as well as afterwards.
The Freestylist with Vented Platform is our contribution to both pandemic and post-pandemic air quality improvement and ergonomics. For a salon that’s 20’ W X 50’ L with 10’ H ceilings, it would take a 1,000 CFM (cubic feet per minute) exhaust fan about 10 minutes to replace all the air in the salon. A more reasonable approach is to purify the air above each station with a quiet 250 CFM exhaust fan to expel chemicals, steam and other allergens immediately. COVID-19 particles float in the air, so it’s easier to suck them out.
The 6’ distance rule was established because heavier particles fall to the ground quickly, within 6’. Lighter particles can stay air-borne for several minutes, that’s why the exhaust fan directly above each station works so well. With about 250 CF of air around a station (5’X5’X10’H), a 250 CFM exhaust fan can remove that air in one minute. When you think of air contamination, particles floating at or above 4’ are the problem because they’re more likely to be breathed in. The added bonus is that this type of fan also helps eliminate odor from services such as color, perms and keratin treatments.
The weight of blowdryers can cause repetitive stress injuries for service providers. The Freestylist with Vented Platform, as shown here at Capozzi & Co. Salon, suspends the dryer so it is weightless. (This photo was taken before the pandemic.)
The Freestylist is the ergonomic mechanism designed to support a hair dryer’s weight while in use, rendering it weightless. It was invented to help stylists avoid and alleviate repetitive stress injuries in necks, shoulders, backs, arms and wrists associated with holding the weight of a dryer. It enables hairdressers to work more comfortably and can substantially prolong their careers. It can now be ordered with a vented platform featuring an exhaust fan. These technologically advanced health-conscious systems will become staples in the industry because they make people feel comfortable enough to spend more time in the salon. Learn more on https://freestylesystems.com/product/lp04-round-vented-light-platform/.
Note: Typically, salon owners and stylists look for lightweight dryers to seek relief from the stress and strain of blow drying, but lighter dryers are made with DC motors. Dryers with AC motors last many times longer but are heavier. So, the advantage of The Freestylist is, a blow dryer can be chosen based on the heat, power, noise level, ergonomics, motor and reliability, rather than on weight.
Good hair starts at the scalp. But most salons aren’t offering services or products that address scalp health. Relish, a new product line from the founders of Signature Formulations, has everything salons need to deliver an effective head spa service and offer guests a robust at-home scalp care line.
Join us in exploring 24 of the nation's most aesthetically pleasing salons. Hear the owners explain what inspired their design choices and see why their guests love visiting these beautiful spaces again and again. See what's new in furniture and equipment, and gather advice in our Inspiration Center. Brought to you by Minerva Beauty and Phorest Salon Software.
New lounge-style design from Minerva delivers spa-grade comfort, modern aesthetics, and fast nationwide shipping.
Each year, Oribe turns its holiday gift sets into works of art and 2025’s “Golden Threads” collaboration with Finnish artist Kustaa Saksi is no exception. Inspired by mythology and master craftsmanship, the limited-edition collection blends luxury with meaning, transforming salon retail into an elevated client experience. See how Flaunt Hair Salon brings the collection to life with immersive displays, team engagement, and record-breaking holiday sales.
Sponsored by Oribe
Owner Reagan Baker creates a whimsical salon that blends old-world charm with modern flair in the heart of Soho. She takes delight in the fact that her clients often discover new aspects of her salon design during subsequent visits.
The new collection features nine electric massage tables, three facial chairs, and a range of spa carts and stools—each designed to deliver superior comfort, functionality, and modern design at an attainable price.
With its luxurious flagship location in Austin, Texas, Mirror Mirror continues its brand exploration into the world of open spaces, high-end finishes, and sumptuous blush tones. This pretty-in-pink space captured the grand prize for our 2024 Salons of the Year.
Inside the spa within the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Darius Davie and Matthew Sears build a two-chair, upscale barbershop that caters to discerning golfers and resort guests.
With a photo lab, design library and storyboarding/collaborations rooms, the JUUT New Artist Salon+Creative Hub addresses the educational needs of all the staff members, no matter where they are in their career journey. Join us as Owner David Wagner takes us on a tour of the expansive space!
Crown Extension Studio Owner Jenna Bowden designs a royalty-inspired luxurious space that caters to extension clients in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The updated space includes 11 stations, a private room for bespoke wigs and hairpieces, three large treatment rooms, two nail stations and two separate areas for makeup and lashes services. Take the tour.
A hairdresser's offspring pay tribute to his legacy with a breathtaking salon renovation that creates a warm environment for clients and staff alike.
A custom van company works with an Austin-based barber to create a fully mobile salon in a Ford Transit.
New interactive tools help salon and spa owners visualize furnishing before purchasing.
Originally a textile mill, the 120 year-old building that houses Six Ten Salon and Boutique brings historic architectural charm to the design, while a mural painted by a local artist brings modern character. Take the tour of this Salon of Distinction from our 2024 SALONS OF THE YEAR.
A bespoke circular front desk, fully reclining wash stations and an Aveda wall that infuses artistry and nature are favorite design elements at the oasis that is Zinke Hair Studio, one of our 2024 SALONS OF THE YEAR.
This year, our annual design competition names a Grand-Prize Winner, a Barbershop of the Year, a School of the Year, a New Talent Salon of the Year and a Specialty Salon of the Year, as well as 19 other gorgeous honorees. Tour each of their spaces, as the owners detail their design choices. Brought to you by Minerva Beauty.
