The List of Supplies Every Esthetician Needs in Their Studio

Opening a new studio is one of the most exciting parts of your journey as a business owner. Out of all the items you’ve taken under consideration, supplies may not be at the top of your list. 

Building your business plan, finding a location, getting the proper insurance, and branding your studio takes lots of energy. But there’s more!

A new salon doesn’t come with a packing list. Unless you’ve got a spreadsheet with everything already, you need help. 

We’ve taken the guesswork out of kitting out your new studio. Let’s look at what esthetician supplies you need in your new studio! 

How to choose your equipment

As a skilled skincare professional, you need the right tools to do your job. High-quality materials and equipment not only improve outcomes but also make your clients feel taken care of. There are plenty of options for brands and distributors for your specialties. Choosing the right ones makes all the difference.

What type of distributor/brand are you getting your tools from?

Even if you have existing relationships with brands or distributors, shopping around is a good idea. Your new space may have different needs than your old one. Additionally, there might be a better deal on what you need than your current contacts can deliver. 

In some cases, you can purchase equipment directly from the manufacturer. Most of the time, though, you’re building a relationship with a distributor. Look for one that’s been in business for a while and offers a warranty on equipment and tools. 

Larger cities usually have several options for distributors. Areas with smaller populations might have fewer choices. If you must purchase online, find a reputable company you can speak to on the phone. 

Many distributors take time to invest in your business too. When things fall apart, they should be right there to support you and ensure you’re a happy customer. Customer service is one of the first signs that you’re heading in the right direction. Hopefully, you’re beginning a longstanding relationship that benefits you both!

What is your budget?

New businesses are notoriously undercapitalized, which sets them up for failure. Spend time with your budget and make a detailed plan for how you want to spend it. Renovating your space can quickly balloon out of control and leave you needing more funds to build inventory. 

Purchasing low-cost equipment might seem like a good plan during the push to open your doors. We can’t say this enough: you get what you pay for. Cheaper equipment tends to fail and doesn’t have good warranty protection.

How many services do you provide?

Consider how many services you provide when it comes to the equipment you need. More services mean more tools and equipment, which can cost you money. Look for bundles offered by distributors for discounts. 

Another area to focus on is which items you can use across your services. Specialized treatments like laser hair removal and microdermabrasion require specific equipment. Determine if they bring in enough revenue to justify purchasing. If not, growing your business before investing in these services may be a smarter move. 

The basic supplies of estheticians

As we mentioned, there are plenty of pieces of equipment and supplies that every esthetician will use. You’ll probably also need skincare products, but that’s another list!

Here are the basics you’ll need. 

Sanitation equipment is always necessary

One of the first things we look at when entering a salon is sanitation. Most state licensure boards require it. You’ll need sanitation tools for surfaces, tools and implements, and potentially room-scale sanitation.

You’ll want a sterilization cabinet or autoclave unless you use disposable implements. We recommend sanitary pouches for clean tools. Your clients’ trust is essential. 

Protective skin wear like gloves, aprons and masks 

Keeping your clients safe is one thing. Keeping your team safe is another. Close contact with others is an easy way to spread pathogens. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a necessary investment for your team. 

Gloves, aprons, and masks provide an excellent first defense against spreading disease. Additionally, if you’re working with acidic compounds all day, you want to keep your hands safe!

Supplies that every esthetician should have

Plenty of skincare supplies cross modalities and work well for every esthetician. Purchasing high-quality tools ensures a long lifespan for your equipment. Find the right tools that fit your budget and working style. 

Facial beds are necessary for almost every esthetician 

By any estimation, facial beds are one of the most used pieces of equipment in your salon. Unless you’re purchasing specialized equipment, they’re probably the most expensive too. Because they’re such a vital investment, you’ll want beds that will last for years. The right equipment may even survive your whole career, so choose wisely. 

Magnifying lamps are important when working with skin

Working on skin requires up-close-and-personal care. Magnifying lamps aid in providing quality care to your clients and can take some pressure off your eyes.

Important metrics are a 5x diopter magnification lens and LED lighting. Some models allow for dimmer control, too, so consider that for clients with light sensitivity. Lamp arm length is another consideration. You’ll need to know how far your mag lamps must reach, so figure that out first.

Steamers will help make your job easier

You’ll want a versatile steam unit with a good warranty for steam-based facial cleansing. Look for a model that provides directional control along with adjustable heads. Other functions you want may include ozone, an essential oil drip, a security thermostat, an easy clean function, and three steam levels.

Wax warmers are needed for anyone working with wax

Waxing services are the bedrock of many esthetician businesses. Keeping your wax products at the optimal temperature is easy with a quality wax heater. We like a double heater to keep hard and soft waxes ready for use. Ultimately, you’ll want a wax warmer that meets your needs. 

Anything for other hair removal services

Depending on your specialty, you’ll want to keep several tools for hair removal on hand. Waxes, sugaring wax, creams, and threading are all on the table here. Beyond consumable items, you may want a hot towel machine, and tweezers are also easily overlooked but essential.

Advanced esthetician supplies to consider

In many states, advanced techniques require certification. Your licensing board should have a list of approved procedures online. You'll need specific tools if you’re certified to offer specialized esthetic services. 

Laser hair removal is a popular service 

Laser hair removal is a permanent solution to unwanted body hair. Most states require a special license for this procedure. A professional laser hair removal machine is a serious investment. Prices range from several thousand dollars to over 20,000 dollars. If your business is built on laser hair removal, it’s a worthwhile budget line item.

For estheticians specializing in microneedling 

Microneedling is another service that is highly regulated. You’ll need special training and licensing to perform it in most states. These machines are pricey, but not nearly as much as laser hair removal machines.

When purchasing your microneedling machine, pay attention to the details. Microneedling and powder brows require different machinery. Your pigments, mapping tools, as well as pigment cups or rings to hold your pigment as you work will need to be purchased.

Bosses In Beauty answers every question you may have about esthetic work!

Bosses In Beauty is here to provide the best education and information to current and future estheticians around the globe. We hope our supply list gives you a good start on building your esthetics business. 

If you’ve already established yourself as a solo esthetician and are ready for the next level, check out our courses. We’ve helped thousands of estheticians just like you reach their potential.