Proper lighting is of great importance in any space, whether residential or commercial. In hair salons, which are places where beauty services are provided to customers, this importance is doubled. Proper lighting of a women’s and men’s hair salon not only affects the beauty and attractiveness of the space, but also plays a significant role in the performance of hairdressers and customer satisfaction. Therefore, it is necessary to properly illuminate this space using high-quality lighting products. This article from EDC explains the principles of beauty salon lighting and the tips you need to know.

The necessity of hair salon lighting

Here are some reasons why hair salon lighting is important:

Creating a beautiful and pleasant space: Choosing the right lighting from among the types of lighting in interior decoration can give a special look to the interior decoration of the hair salon and create a warm and intimate space for customers. Using decorative lighting can add to the beauty of the space and distinguish it from other hair salons.
Accurate and clear vision for hairdressers: Hairdressers need sufficient and high-quality light to perform delicate and precise work. Improper lighting can cause eye fatigue, poor work quality, and even mistakes. Using local lighting on the hairdresser’s work desk, mirrors, and waiting chairs provides them with clear and accurate vision.
Presenting a true image of colors: Hair, skin, and makeup colors do not appear correctly in improper lighting, and the customer may not be satisfied with the result. Lighting with a high CRI (color rendering index) helps present a true image of colors and prevents customer dissatisfaction.
Customer attraction: Proper lighting in a hair salon can act as an advertising agent and attract customers to the salon. Using dramatic lighting at the entrance to a salon can draw passersby’s attention and draw them into the shop.
Create a sense of calm and comfort: Soft, natural lighting can help create a sense of calm and comfort in customers. This will help customers enjoy their time in the salon and have a positive experience.
Types of Salon Lighting

Salon lighting is generally divided into three main categories:

1. General Lighting

General lighting is used to illuminate the overall space and must have sufficient intensity and uniformity. General lighting is usually done using chandeliers, LED ceiling panels or ceiling lights.

Benefits of general lighting:

Provides general lighting for the space
Creates an open and bright space
Helps with color recognition
2. Local lighting

Task lighting is used to illuminate specific areas such as the hairdresser’s desk, mirrors and waiting chairs. Task lighting is usually done using table lamps, recessed wall lights, mirrored overhead lights or ring lights.

Benefits of task lighting:

Provides a clear and precise view for hairdressers.
Helps to present a realistic image of colors.
Creates an intimate and pleasant atmosphere.
3. Decorative lighting

Decorative lighting is used to create visual effects and enhance the beauty of a space. Decorative lighting is usually done using LED strip lights, strip lights, light strings, hidden lights, or decorative lighting elements.
Advantages of decorative lighting:

Adds to the beauty and appeal of the space.
Creates a unique and special atmosphere.
Helps attract customer attention.

Choosing the right type of lighting for each part of a women’s or men’s hair salon depends on various factors such as the use of the space, the area, the type of decoration, and the taste of the hair salon owner.

Differences in Lighting for Men’s and Women’s Hair Salons

While the general principles of lighting in men’s and women’s hair salons are similar, there are some differences in details that should be noted:

Color Temperature
Men’s Hair Salons: In men’s hair salons, a cooler color temperature of light (around 5,000 to 6,000 Kelvin) is used to create a fresh and lively atmosphere. This light helps men see their appearance better and have a more precise haircut and haircut.
Women’s Hair Salons: In women’s hair salons, a warmer color temperature of light (around 3,000 to 4,000 Kelvin) is used to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. This light helps women see their hair, skin, and makeup color more naturally.
Lighting
Men’s Hair Salons: In general, the lighting in men’s hair salons is slightly higher than in women’s hair salons. This is because men’s hairdressing tasks such as hair and eyebrow trimming require more precision and delicacy. So be more careful when designing the ceiling lighting of a men’s hairdressing salon.
Women’s Hairdressing Salon: In women’s hairdressing salons, softer lighting is used to create a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere.
Spot Lighting
Men’s Hairdressing Salon: In men’s hairdressing salons, spot lighting should focus on shaving and shaving chairs. Spot lighting can also be used to illuminate booths related to ancillary services such as hair coloring.
Women’s Hairdressing Salon: In women’s hairdressing salons, spot lighting should focus on the hairdresser’s desk, mirrors, and manicure and pedicure booths. Spot lighting can also be used to illuminate booths related to specialized services such as makeup and hair styling.
Decorative Lighting
Men’s Hair Salon: In men’s hair salons, decorative lighting is recommended to create a modern and sporty atmosphere. For example, LED strip lights can be used under the counter or product shelves.
Women’s Hair Salon: In women’s hair salons, decorative lighting can be used to create a luxurious and modern atmosphere. For example, crystal chandeliers or ceiling lights with elegant and stylish designs can be used.

Finally, it is important to note that the lighting in the hair salon should be such that it does not bother customers and hairdressers. Avoid creating direct and dazzling light in the eyes and use high-quality lights with low energy consumption.

Principles of Hair Salon Lighting

For basic lighting in a hair salon, the following points should be considered:

Calculating the required light for the space: Hair salon lighting should be bright enough so that hairdressers can do their job easily and customers do not feel tired or irritated. In general, the appropriate level of lighting for a hair salon is between 500 and 1000 lux.
Light color: The best light for a hair salon is natural light and close to sunlight. This helps hairdressers to correctly identify hair, skin, and makeup colors. The best color temperature for hair salons is between 3000 and 4000 Kelvin.
Color Rendering Index (CRI): The color rendering index (CRI), which is one of the lighting parameters, shows how well the light displays colors naturally and realistically. For hair salons, the CRI should be at least 90.
Light uniformity: Beauty salon lighting should be as uniform as possible to prevent shadows and glare.
Light control: The lighting in a hair salon should be controllable so that it can be adjusted according to the needs and tastes of the customer.
Suitable lights for each section of the hair salon

For easier access, the recommended lights and the advantages and disadvantages of each for different areas of the hair salon are summarized in the table below:

Important tips for lighting a beauty salon

Proper lighting in a hair salon is of great importance. Because it affects the quality of the work of hairdressers, customer satisfaction and the overall atmosphere of the salon. For proper lighting of the hair salon, keep the following points in mind:

Using light with high CRI

Using light with appropriate color temperature

Creating uniform lighting

Using local lighting

Using decorative lighting

Using energy-saving lamps

Using dimmer switches

Using a lighting specialist

If you are not sure about the lighting of your hair salon, you can seek help from a lighting specialist. A lighting specialist can provide you with the best lighting design by examining your needs and the salon space. EDC specialists will guide you in choosing the right lamp and basic hair salon lighting.