You’re not alone—a lot of salon owners struggle with this exact question: “What do I really need to buy to fully set up my nail salon?”
It’s easy to overlook important items when there are so many categories to consider: furniture, tools, daily consumables, cleaning gear, and even tech solutions for managing appointments.
That’s exactly why we created this complete, B2B-friendly shopping list.
Whether you're launching a new location or just restocking supplies, this guide is designed to help you:
✅ Get everything you need in one go
✅ Order in bulk to save time and money
✅ Avoid costly omissions in your setup process
The best part? Everything on this list is tailored for nail salon businesses and curated to match real operational needs—not just aesthetic trends.
Let’s dive right in and make your purchasing process 10x easier.
Let’s be real—your salon furniture sets the vibe for the entire space. It’s not just about style (though we all love a good aesthetic); it’s about how smooth your day-to-day actually runs. The right setup means fewer messes, better posture, and a more comfortable experience for everyone involved.
Here’s what to focus on when you’re building out your workspace:
Your nail table is basically mission control.
A solid one should include:
· A dust collector to keep flying debris under control
· A smooth surface like glass or marble that’s easy to clean
· Drawers or side storage for your tools, polishes, and files
Clean cable routing—because who likes tangled cords?
👉 Looking for ideas? Check out this modern nail table with built-in dust collection.
You’ll need two types:
· Tech chairs that are height-adjustable and easy to roll around
· Client chairs that are comfy, supportive, and match your setup
If your salon is going for a cohesive look, consider matching chair and table colors or materials—it pulls everything together.
It’s the little things that make a big difference:
· A soft hand rest keeps your client relaxed and steady
· Adjustable LED lights help you see every detail, especially when doing intricate nail art
Once you’ve got the furniture in place, it’s time to stock up on the tools that actually get the job done. These are the essentials you’ll use every single day, so it’s worth choosing gear that’s reliable, easy to use, and built to last.
Here’s a breakdown of the must-haves for your toolkit:
No gel manicure is complete without a good curing lamp.
Look for:
· Dual LED/UV capability (works with most gel brands)
· At least 48W power for fast, even curing
· An automatic timer or sensor for hands-free operation
A decent lamp not only saves time—it also helps avoid bubbling or early peeling, which means happier clients.
👉 Need one that’s sleek and salon-tested? Shop our LED nail lamps here.
Whether you're prepping, shaping, or removing product, a quality e-file will make your life so much easier.
What to look for:
· Adjustable speed settings (20,000–30,000 RPM is the sweet spot)
· Low vibration and quiet operation
· Multiple drill bits for different nail types and tasks
🛠️ Tip: If you’re new to electric files, check out this guide from Nailpro Magazine on choosing the right e-file.
Hygiene isn’t optional—it’s a must.
A UV sterilizer or high-temperature cabinet keeps tools clean and client-safe between sessions. Plus, it shows clients you take sanitation seriously (which they’ll love).
👉 We recommend this compact sterilizer cabinet that’s great for salons with limited space.
Don’t forget the little helpers that keep your workflow smooth:
· Nail dust brushes
· Washable mixing palettes
· Liquid dispensers for alcohol or acetone
· Nail clipper sets and cuticle nippers
· Silicone tool holders or desk organizers
Stocking up on these small tools in multiples is a smart move—no one wants to stop mid-service because they’re out of clean nippers.
This is where things get creative—and colorful. Once your furniture and tools are set, it’s time to load up on the supplies that bring your nail services to life. Whether you're offering classic gel manicures, nail extensions, or trending nail art, this section covers the must-haves you don’t want to skip.
Start with a good range of base coats, top coats, and builder gels.
Add a well-curated palette of gel polishes in classic neutrals, nudes, bolds, and a few seasonal trend colors.
Pro tip: Clients love seeing a full color swatch display—it's one of the easiest ways to upsell!
👉 Explore Dongpin's salon-grade nail polish organizer options if you need a clean way to showcase your colors.
From minimalist accents to full-on glam, these items let you build out your nail art menu:
· Rhinestones & crystals
· Gold/silver foil
· Holographic powder & glitter
· Chrome pigment
· Nail stickers and decals
· 3D elements (like bows, shells, or flowers)
It’s a good idea to organize these in labeled containers or drawer organizers—especially if you’re offering custom designs.
Make sure your techs are equipped with:
· Fine-liner brushes for delicate details
· Dotting tools for floral or bubble effects
· Nail pens or paint brushes for hand-painted designs
· Mixing palettes for blending colors or glitters
Not sure what brush does what? Here’s a visual breakdown of nail art brushes by NAILS Magazine that's worth bookmarking.
· Nail glue
· Gel tip extensions or full-cover press-ons
· Nail forms (for sculpting)
· Foil wraps for removal
· Cotton pads & nail wipes
Stock up based on your service types—if you do a lot of removal or overlays, you’ll go through these quickly.
These are the unsung heroes of your salon—used in nearly every service, but often forgotten during big purchase rounds. Running out of them mid-day? Major headache. That’s why it’s smart to stock these in bulk and stay ahead of your restock game.
Below is a handy breakdown of what to keep on hand and what they’re used for 👇
| Item | Purpose | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Files (100/180/240 grit) | Shaping natural nails, gels, acrylics | Keep multiple grits in rotation for different services |
| Buffer Blocks | Smoothing nail surface | Sponge buffers are gentler and work well on natural nails |
| Lint-Free Wipes | Cleaning gel residue, sanitizing tools | Avoid cotton fuzz with these—essential for gel polish |
| Cotton Pads | Polish removal, soaking off gels | Choose thick, absorbent ones that won’t break down |
| Disposable Gloves | Hygiene for techs | Nitrile is ideal—no latex allergies and better durability |
| Face Masks | Dust protection, client-facing hygiene | Keep a box at each station for easy access |
| Table Covers / Towels | Keeps workspace clean between clients | Go for waterproof or single-use options if possible |
| Trash Bins | Quick cleanup & hygiene maintenance | Use small desktop bins + covered larger ones near each station |
| Dust Collectors / Nail Table Vacuum | Control airborne dust during filing | Consider a table with built-in suction for seamless workflow |
Even though these items might seem minor, they’re the backbone of a clean, efficient, and professional nail salon.
Here’s why they matter:
· They reduce cleanup time between clients
· They show your commitment to hygiene (which builds client trust)
· And—most importantly—they make your day smoother when they’re fully stocked and within reach
👉 Need help organizing these supplies? Check out our storage drawer options here.
Let’s talk about first impressions—because they really do matter.
When a client walks into your salon, they’re not just seeing your workstations. They’re noticing how the space feels. Is it clean? Welcoming? Does it feel high-end, cozy, or creative?
A well-designed reception area builds trust before the service even starts—and it doesn't take a huge investment to get it right.
Your front desk is more than a check-in point—it’s your salon’s “hello.”
Choose a desk that:
· Matches your overall style (minimalist, glam, earthy, etc.)
· Has storage for appointment books, POS systems, and intake forms
· Includes branding elements like your logo or signage
👉 Browse Dongpin's modern reception desk designs for inspiration.
Even if clients don’t wait long, a comfy seating area goes a long way.
Consider:
· A cozy bench or sofa with throw pillows
· A small coffee table with magazines or service brochures
· A display rack or stand for nail polish collections or promos
And yes, offering a bottle of water or tea never hurts 😉
Creating a relaxing vibe is easier than you think:
· Use warm LED lights or soft pendant lighting instead of harsh overheads
· Add a diffuser with calming scents like lavender or citrus
· Curate a Spotify playlist with chill beats or acoustic background music
This doesn’t just make your salon more Instagrammable—it also helps clients associate your space with “me-time” and self-care.
Let’s be honest—a beautiful salon is nothing without solid hygiene practices.
Clients notice everything: leftover dust, reused towels, unclean tools. Maintaining a spotless space isn’t just about passing inspections—it’s part of the client experience.
The good news? With the right setup, it’s actually easy to stay clean and compliant.
Start with the basics:
· Alcohol sprays (70%+ isopropyl) for wiping surfaces and tools
· Liquid soap and hand sanitizer at each station
· Barbicide or salon-grade disinfectant for soaking tools like nippers and pushers
Make these visible—when clients see you sanitize between appointments, it builds trust.
Sterilizers help keep reusable tools clean between clients.
You can choose:
· UV sterilizer cabinets (best for metal tools, brushes)
· High-temperature dry heat boxes (for deep sanitizing)
These extras make it easier to keep things tidy:
· Disposable wipes and towels (for client use or table cleaning)
· Tool trays or caddies to avoid clutter during services
· Nail dust vacuum or tables with built-in suction for mess-free filing
💡 Pro Tip: Set up a quick-clean station near the back of the salon where techs can clean tools and wipe down surfaces between clients.
Keep waste invisible (and odor-free):
· Covered trash bins at each station
· Separate containers for regular vs sharp/special waste
Optional: small pedal bins to avoid touching lids
Client profiles, payments, inventory tracking
Popular picks: Square, Vagaro, Fresha
Reduce no-shows, streamline scheduling
Encourage repeat visits with point systems and prepaid packages
By now, you’ve got a full breakdown of what it really takes to stock a well-equipped, efficient, and beautiful nail salon. From the core furniture to the smallest disposable item, this checklist is designed to help you skip the stress and start strong.
Whether you're opening a new location, expanding your space, or just want to streamline what you already have—having everything in one place makes a huge difference.
Here's a quick reminder of what a complete nail salon setup includes:
💺 Comfortable, functional furniture (nail tables, chairs, storage)
🛠️ Reliable tools and equipment (lamps, drills, sterilizers)
🎨 Creative supplies for nail art (gels, brushes, decorations)
🧼 Daily-use disposables and cleaning items
💻 Digital tools that help you stay on top of bookings, inventory, and clients
👉 Need help putting together your full salon order?
We make it easy. At Dongpin, we offer custom quotes, bulk order support, and everything from furniture to fixtures in one place—designed for professionals who care about both style and practicality.
📩 Contact us for a quote or consultation today Or browse our Salon Furniture Collections to get started.
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