Starting a home nail salon is a fantastic way to launch or grow your beauty business with low overhead and flexible hours. Whether you're newly certified or transitioning from a commercial salon, setting up a professional and efficient space at home requires careful planning and the right tools.

This step-by-step guide will help you confidently set up your home salon — covering the legal requirements, essential equipment, and must-have supplies.

Why Start a Home Nail Salon?

Running a nail business from home offers several advantages:

• Lower setup and operating costs compared to leasing a commercial space
• Flexible hours that suit your lifestyle or family schedule
• A more personal, one-on-one client experience
• Opportunity to build a loyal local client base

That said, maintaining professional standards of hygiene and service is essential — even in a home environment.

Step 1: Understand Council & Health Regulations

Before welcoming clients into your home salon, it’s important to review the legal and safety requirements for operating a beauty business in your area. In Australia, home salons must comply with local council regulations and state health guidelines.

Key areas to check:

• Business registration & zoning: Some councils require approval for home-based businesses in residential zones.
• Health & hygiene compliance: Nail services involve direct contact and tool sanitation. You’ll need to meet personal appearance service standards.
• Licensing & inspections: You may need a personal services license and be subject to regular council inspections.
• Ventilation & waste disposal: Nail dust and chemicals must be handled safely with appropriate ventilation and disposal systems.

Tip: Contact your local council early in the process. They can advise you on permits, signage rules, insurance, and compliance checklists.

Operating legally protects both your clients and your business — and boosts your credibility as a professional.

Step 2: Set Up a Professional Space

Once your legal bases are covered, focus on creating a clean, comfortable workspace that reflects the quality of service you provide.

Essentials for your home salon setup:

• A well-lit, well-ventilated area
• A sturdy manicure table and ergonomic chair
• Organized storage for tools and supplies
• A clean, welcoming space for clients

Whether it’s a spare room or a converted garage, treat your space like a professional salon.

Step 3: Invest in Tools and Supplies

To deliver salon-quality results, you'll need professional-grade equipment. Here's what every home nail technician should have:

Core Nail Equipment

Essential Tools

• Nail clippers, cuticle pushers, and nippers
• Nail files, buffers, and dusting brushes
• Lint-free wipes, gloves, and face masks
• Disinfectant sprays and sterilisation trays

Nail Products

Step 4: Source Trusted Supplies

For professional nail products in Australia, Salon First is a trusted wholesaler serving qualified beauty professionals.

At Salon First we offer:

• A wide selection of nail products and salon equipment
• Trade-only pricing for registered professionals
• Fast delivery Australia-wide
• Showroom pickup for Melbourne-based customers
• Education and training opportunities

Whether you're building your first kit or restocking your salon, Salon First is a go-to destination for quality and reliability.

Step 5: Build Your Client Base

Once your setup is ready, it's time to promote your home nail salon.

Ways to grow your clientele:

• Set up a professional presence on Instagram, Facebook, and Google Business
• Use booking tools like Fresha or Timely to manage appointments
• Offer introductory specials or referral discounts
• Encourage reviews and share before-and-after photos of your work
• Client trust is built through consistent, professional service — and hygiene is key.

Launching a home nail salon in Australia is a rewarding and flexible business opportunity — but it requires a combination of smart planning, regulatory compliance, and investment in quality products and equipment.

By understanding your council obligations, creating a professional space, and sourcing trusted supplies from suppliers like us Salon First, you’ll be set up for success from day one.