Five Factors to Consider for Salon Lighting

Salon Jaylee Magnolia Plaza featuring SpectraLights
Salon Jaylee Magnolia Plaza featuring SpectraLights
Photographer: Phil Stokes/Pcs Photography & Videography @pcs_photography__

Lighting is one of the most important features of any room, especially a salon. 

It’s an essential tool in achieving proper color calibration and precision, yet it is also a crucial element for creating ambience and a vibe in a salon that guests connect with.

“The combination of overhead lighting and backlit mirrors in our salon allows for both stylists and guests to view the true definition and tone of color.  Everyone is on the same page and expectations can be met promptly,” explains Hannah Longest, managing partner of Salon Jaylee Magnolia Plaza.  “The lighting truly takes the salon atmosphere to the next level.”

5 tips to consider when planning a light strategy:

  1. Function: A lounge/waiting area can have softer light, possibly table lamps or a statement chandelier, because that light is used to create ambience and accent areas. However, workstations, color bars and shampoo areas need natural full spectrum light with the proper Kelvin color temperature so color can be accessed properly. Designed for salon professionals, SpectraLights has the correct combination of lumens, watts, lux and kelvins to create the perfect light for color calibration.SpectraLights LP12 Product ShotSpectraLights LP12 Product ShotCourtesy of Freestyle Systems
  2. Control: Installing various types of light throughout the salon is the best course of action. Also, having the ability to control brightness through dimmer switches, remote controls or three-way bulbs allows the mood to change with the tone and seasons.
  3. Placement: A larger statement fixture in the entrance, a small cluster to accent a corner and light platforms on the ceiling customized to complement decor are some examples of where to place lighting. Overhead lighting does not have to be in the center of the room; a pendant light swaged over from a central ceiling electrical box can look really cool, too. If a second object is twice as far away from the light source as another object, the brightness of the light on the second object is cut down to 25 percent. So awareness of placement and distance that a light source is from its surroundings has significant impact on the light’s effect. Overall and accent lighting can be hung higher than those on workstations (8-10 feet from the floor).
  4. Design: Think pairs or odd numbers. Pairs of matching lamps, sconces or pendants can help define a space, even making it appear larger or cozier. Clusters of odd-numbered fixtures add interest, texture and an unexpected design element. Ceiling light platforms can be set lower to create a more intimate feel or be set up high to make a space feel larger.
  5. Vibe: Warm, inviting light helps create ambiencewhether a salon is dark and moody or bright and minimalistic, the light will play a major role in how people feel when they walk into the space. So, plan out the lighting to meet the aesthetic vision. 
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