The Official Esthetician Supply List + 6 Software Tools (2024)
As an esthetician, you know that using the right tools in your salon and med spa can make the difference between a lackluster month and one with lots of return clients. In esthetics, the right treatments and services draw in clients and improve satisfaction rates. Something as simple as giving a client a warm towel or using a top-of-the-line facial machine that takes less time to do the job can make a big impression.
This esthetician supply list takes into consideration some of the top tools your salon and spa needs to be successful.
The Must-Have Esthetician Supply List
There are many pieces of esthetician equipment you need to run your med spa correctly. But finding a full list of tools and resources to get started can be tough. Fortunately, this list covers many of the must-have esthetician supplies you’ll need to get started. Add more tools as you grow your business, and you can add additional services to impress long-term clients. Here are some of the things you may need:
Basic Furniture
To get started, you need to fill your med spa with comfortable furniture. Some items to purchase include facial beds, massage chairs, massage tables, stools, and other high-quality furniture designed for the services you provide.
Reception Desk and Seating
In the reception area, you will want to set up a reception desk that is attractive to those walking into your salon or spa. Add plush leather chairs to the waiting room to ensure clients feel comfortable and to make it easier to clean the chairs with disinfectants or sterilizers.
Facial Beds or Chairs
Facial beds or chairs should also be of high quality. If you’re short on space, consider chairs or beds that double as storage carts.
Towels and Linens
Towels and linens are used for most services offered by salons or spas. Choose towels and linens that are soft to prevent scratching.
Mirrors
Showing clients how they look after a facial or wax is easier with the right mirrors. Opt for magnifying mirrors to help you with salon and med spa services, too.
Lighting
Good lighting makes a big difference during treatments. Get the right lighting supplies so you can see clearly, but also consider setting the mood for relaxation with dim lamp lighting in massage rooms.
Esthetician Supplies
Esthetician supplies make it easier to complete services and ensure the comfort of the clinician and the client. Some esthetician supplies to invest in include:
Autoclave
With an autoclave, you can sterilize metal spa equipment, as well as other tools, with hot steam. This tool is a must for maintaining good hygiene in your med spa.
Towel Warmer
Consider buying a linen or towel warmer to have heated towels ready after a service. Warm towels enhance the experience after facials or during massages.
Facial Steamer
To help open the pores, a facial steamer is a good choice. Choose a facial chair or massage table to go with it to make the treatment easier to perform.
Skincare Products Refrigerator
Some skincare products stay viable for longer if they’re refrigerated. On top of that, they feel better going onto the skin cold. Try a skincare refrigerator in your salon and spa.
Waxing Supplies
Waxing helps get rid of unwanted hair. Waxing supplies should be a mainstay in a standard salon or spa. Don’t forget a wax heater, but opt for one with safe temperature controls.
Extraction Tools
Removing blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes is easier with extraction tools. Choose either metal or disposable options for your spa.
Brushes and Sponges To Apply Skincare Products
Rather than using your hands, consider brushes and sponges which help apply skincare products evenly and reduce the risk of spreading bacteria.
Advanced Esthetician Tools
Advanced esthetician tools go deeper than waxing or cleansing the skin. Some you may want to invest in include:
Laser Hair Removal Machines
Laser hair removal machines use lasers to destroy the hair follicle. There are many machine options, but you may want to choose one designed for your primary clientele. For example, alexandrite lasers are great for those with dark hair or light skin, but you may need a different option for clients with dark skin.
Hydro Dermabrasion Machine
Hydro dermabrasion machines get rid of dead skin and infuse the skin with serums. These can be expensive upfront (around $4,000) but give you the option of offering this in-demand service.
Microdermabrasion Machine
Like the hydro dermabrasion machine, microdermabrasion machines are tools to remove dead skin. They’re more affordable (around $500 or more) and can be a good addition to your spa.
Cryofacial Machine
Cryofacials use nitrogen to boost collagen and reduce inflammation. They’re a little expensive—between $4,000 and $6,000—but the service can increase revenue. Just remember that you do need specialized training to use this device.
Microcurrent Device
Microcurrents send electricity into the skin. They can improve circulation and reduce wrinkles, and the machine is normally under $500.
Basic Esthetician Supplies
Some basic esthetician supplies to have on hand include:
Baby Wipes
Clients may need to wipe off, so have these ready for them.
Tissues
Whether to blow their nose or clear tears, tissues should always be on hand.
Hand Sanitizer
Keep your hands clean between services, and ensure your clients can sanitize their hands, too.
Microfiber Washcloths
Microfiber washcloths are perfect for clearing away makeup or residue from the skin.
Cold Cream Makeup Remover
Cold cream makeup remover is gentle, removing makeup before the client’s service.
Astringent/Toner
Astringents and toners help improve the tone of the skin, and they can be a good addition to facial services.
Cotton Rounds
To apply toner or astringent, cotton rounds work well.
Sponges/Wedges
Remember to purchase sponges and wedges to apply product to the client’s face or body.
Tweezers
Get rid of stray hairs with metal tweezers you can sanitize between clients.
Facial Moisturizer
After treatment, leave the skin feeling smooth with facial moisturizers designed for your client’s skin type.
Basic Creams and Facial Health Supplies
Cleanser
Cleansing the skin is the first step of a skincare routine. You’ll need plenty of cleanser on hand to prep your clients’ skin.
Moisturizer
Moisturizer rehydrates the skin for a soft, hydrated feel. Keep moisturizer on hand, especially if you offer services that can dry out the skin.
Serums
Serums are targeted products with active ingredients that give the skin what it needs, like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. Consider keeping several types on hand for different skincare needs.
Boosters
Serums and boosters can give skincare routines a little something extra. Boosters are applied after cleansing and toning the skin.
Masks
Clients may enjoy masks during their facials. Clay masks, in particular, are a popular option.
Exfoliators
Exfoliators, such as exfoliating creams and sponges, help clear away dead skin cells to prepare them for serums or masks.
6 Med Spa Management Tools
Managing a med spa can be complicated at first, but when you have the right software, it becomes more straightforward. Podium’s AI Employee helps with med spa management, as do these med spa management tools:
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Small Business VOIP Phone Service
Handle incoming calls, messages, and texts with Podium Phones. Designed for small businesses, Podium Phones reduces call volume and lets your customers communicate via text. Podium’s AI Employee responds for you, responding to customer inquiries around the clock.
Podium Inbox keeps your customer communications all in one place, consolidating their messages into a single inbox. And, Podium’s AI Employee will handle responding to customers at any time, day or night.
Stay connected across channels with Podium. All incoming messages are routed to a single inbox where your AI Employee can respond at a moment’s notice.
Mobile Payment and Credit Card Processing Solution
Collect payments and centralize customer data with Podium Payments. From financing to setting up subscriptions, you have options with this med spa software.
Customer Service and Experience Automation for Businesses
Improve the customer experience with Podium’s AI Employee. You can send automated follow-ups, text past customers, and focus on conversations, all with automation that takes work off your plate.
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