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A shed or log cabin beauty salon helps you start your business without big expenses. You already own the space, it’s private, and you can run it on your terms. This guide will show you how to set it up and make it happen, so read on.
How to Turn a Shed into a Hair Salon
(Customer’s Image: BillyOh Devon Log Cabin)
A standard wooden shed isn’t built for people to spend long hours inside. It’s likely a blank shell that needs to be upgraded into a space fit for clients. So, turning it into a hair salon takes more than moving a chair and a mirror.
Let’s talk about the size first. A small structure might only hold one chair and a compact workstation. A larger one could squeeze in a waiting sofa or even a wash basin. Where does your shed fit in? That will set the limit on how much you can do inside.
Comfort comes next. A storage shed has little to no insulation, which means it will be cold in winter and stifling hot in summer. If that’s where you’re at, adding insulation and wall lining is recommended for year-round use.
Then, electricity to power your business, e.g. for hair styling tools and lighting. Not to mention water access, which could mean connecting to plumbing or installing a sink.
It takes effort, but by working through these upgrades, a shed can be a professional yet private salon.
Installing electricity will require hiring a qualified electrician, and a water supply (if needed) will call for a qualified plumber. Both will need to comply with Building Regulations.
How to Set Up a Log Cabin Beauty Salon
(Customer’s Image: Tianan Log Cabin Summerhouse with Side Store)
A log cabin gives you a stronger building to set up a salon compared to a shed. It’s stronger, the walls are thicker, and it can even come with built-in insulation – if you’re looking at new models.
Since much of the heavy work is already done, look at the features the cabin gives you and build around those. There’s usually enough headroom to fit tall mirrors and space to bring in full-size salon chairs. The structure can also take heavier equipment, like a backwash unit, so you’re not limited to dry styling. A partition also gives you the option of creating a treatment room or a private corner.
With a log cabin, you’re starting with a space that already feels closer to a room for clients. And that cuts down the upgrades needed before you can move in your salon equipment. It’s the best choice if you don’t already own a garden room for this type of venture.
Garden Salon Ideas to Furnish and Fit Out Your Space
To get your garden room ready as a salon, you’ll need to sort a few basics in admin, branding, and setup. Here’s a checklist to guide you:
Legal setup
Before opening the doors to clients, check the local rules that apply to you. A garden salon isn’t seen the same way as a storage shed once clients start coming in. Planning permission is likely needed – check with your local council to be safe.
Register the salon as a business to ensure you’re trading legally and avoid fines. Liability insurance is just as important. A client could slip, spill something, or react to a treatment, and you don’t want to cover those costs yourself.
Once the paperwork and insurance are in place, you can move on to fitting out the salon itself!
Branding and identity
(Customer’s Image: BillyOh Devon Log Cabin)
Clients notice the small details before they sit in the chair. A sign by the door helps, but you can go further. For instance, a chalkboard or small display stand can be used to list offers or new services. This catches the client’s eye before they step inside.
Branding goes beyond paint on the walls. Pick one colour for your styling chairs and repeat it on shelf trims or product displays to tie the space. What clients hear and smell matters as much as what they see. The playlist you choose or a simple diffuser can add to the atmosphere.
Salon furniture essentials
(Customer’s Image: BillyOh Devon Log Cabin)
Decide early how many clients you plan to handle at one time. A single chair works for most home salons. But if the shed or cabin is large enough, a second or more chairs means you can take on more bookings.
Keep tools and products organised from the start. A trolley or a unit with drawers can hold dryers, brushes, and colouring gear. Shelves or a cupboard also give you room for clean towels, products, and a separate place for used ones.
Don’t forget a wash unit if you’re offering colour or treatments that need rinsing. A portable basin is a good starter if plumbing isn’t possible. Plus, a backwash chair for clients and a stool for yourself in the corner.
And if you can splurge a bit, add a reception or counter area. Even a small table or desk for booking, payments, and product display will do.
Electricity, water, and comfort
You don’t want to be halfway through a client’s hair when a dryer dies because there aren’t enough sockets. Make sure you have enough for all your tools. These include dryers, straighteners, clippers, and everything you use regularly.
In case you intend to do washes or colour treatments, check your water supply and drainage. It can be tricky in a shed or cabin, but having it ready makes your life a lot easier.
Don’t skip heating and ventilation. For heating, use a small radiator or portable heater that fits the space. Meanwhile, a fan or vent near the wash area to ventilate.
Functional decor and fixtures
(Customer’s Image: BillyOh Devon Log Cabin)
Chances are, the garden room already comes with a floor, but you can always add a small cushioned mat. Place it where you stand the most to make long appointments easier on your feet. It also takes some of the pressure off heavy equipment or furniture.
The walls may already feel cosy, but painting them makes the space feel bigger and brighter. Use light shades in semi-gloss or satin finish—it’s easier to wipe off any splashes or marks.
Fix bright overhead lights to cover the whole room. Place a lamp at each styling or backwash station so you can see every detail, even on cloudy days.
Put shelves or wall racks for towels and products within reach. Hang robes or capes on hooks to keep the floor clear. Finish it off with a few plants to bring greenery to the salon.
The Concept of Shed or Log Cabin Beauty Salon
Owning a salon has been a dream for entrepreneurs with a passion for beauty and wellness. Putting up the business space is a starting point, but the location needs to be carefully chosen. Cities are undoubtedly an out-and-out approach, but the idea of opening a garden salon in the UK is hotting up. A shed or log cabin is preferable as it gives you a permanent place to run your salon.
Decide how to market the business
Consider the range of treatments you’ll offer your customers, such as:
- Lash lift and extensions (such as 3D-6D lashes)
- Foot massage
- Body massage
- Face and body treatments (such as deep cleansing treatment and de-stress facials)
- Waxing treatments (such as eyebrow waxing)
- Eye treatments
- Nail treatments
- Hair-cutting, colouring and styling
- Cosmetic products
Remember, offering high-quality services will help your log cabin beauty salon stand out. These choices also affect the equipment you’ll need.
Next, consider how to make booking easy and help clients find your salon. Make sure you have a local business listing on search engines and social media. Will people book appointments by filling in a form or by calling your phone? It’s all up to you.
The qualifications needed
When opening a beauty salon, specific qualifications are required to offer great services. For one, massage therapy should only be performed by those trained in this expertise. The same applies to aromatherapy facials and so on.
Other qualifications you should acquire include the following:
- Groundwork: Before the opening, ensure you’ve researched local zoning laws and codes. Regulations for commercial businesses might restrict or completely outlaw garden salons. This may be true even if they’re housed in a log cabin specifically designed for business purposes.
- Licensing requirements: These are required to operate legally, and requirements vary by location. Check with your local Department for Business and Trade to find out what type of licence you need. Some require formal training completion, while others mandate passing special exams for certification.
- Additional certification courses: Will your cabin salon specialise in other hairstyling services? For instance, hair extensions and perms? If so, extra certification training is recommended. Aestheticians who perform facial waxing treatments or permanent makeup applications also need licensure.
If you’ve never cut hair (or any similar procedure), you may hire professionals – or train yourself! Check out this technical handbook on hairdressing to learn more.
Invest in security and safety
We cannot emphasise this enough. In a log cabin or wooden shed, your business is one accidental fire away from being completely gone. Don’t let flames or cigarettes anywhere near it. Get a smoke alarm and an extinguisher. Make sure your electrical setup is sound and be mindful of the equipment you’re using, ensuring it’s tested for safety. Get good insurance.
If you’re taking cash payments from customers, do not leave it inside your garden building when you’re not there. A ‘No cash stored’ sign can deter would-be thieves.
To prepare for the worst-case scenario, CCTV can be the ultimate protection for your salon, as it gives you something to show the insurers if you ever need to make a claim.
And as for the locks, you’ll definitely want more than a padlock. For the physical protection of your building, check out our garden room security guide.
A few tips to attract genuine customers
Hiring experienced staff ensures that clients receive excellent service and positive feedback. Effective marketing, including social media, is also crucial. This can attract more customers and generate buzz about your business. Share special offers and talk to your followers to strengthen your online presence.
Make it as easy as possible to book appointments, and for people to change them if necessary. Signpost your salon from the front of your home so people can find it.
Investing in quality furniture and beauty supplies is imperative. Keeping everything clean and safe is key to making clients happy. Plus, make booking appointments and paying as easy as possible.
Round-up
Running a log cabin beauty salon can be rewarding, especially if there’s a big demand in your area. Just remember that building it from the ground up can be expensive and time-consuming. But if you want to avoid all that hassle, going for a bespoke insulated log cabin could be the way to go.
You might find this guide helpful, so have a look: How to Start a Business from a Garden Building
