As an esthetician, having the right equipment and tools sets you apart from the competition. From high-tech devices to specialized products, these investments help you provide exceptional treatments so clients walk away looking – and feeling – their best.

But equipment is expensive. You can’t buy every new headline-making machine. Instead, focus on acquiring what you need to give top-notch service and build up from there.

Looking for a starting point? Here’s an essential esthetician equipment list with everything you need – both to get started and elevate your offerings. 

Esthetician Must-Haves: Client-Facing Furniture 

When you become an esthetician and launch a business, client-facing furniture should be first on your equipment list. Stylish, functional furniture creates a welcoming and professional environment (without sacrificing vibes). And comfortable clients are returning clients. 

Here's an overview of must-have furniture items: 

Reception Desk and Seating 

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Your reception area is people’s first impression of your business, so make it count. The desk should have enough space for your appointment book, business cards, and a computer without reminding clients of a stuffy office space. Don’t forget to add comfortable chairs or a couch in the waiting area to help clients settle in while they wait. 

Comfortable Facial Beds or Chairs 

High-quality facial beds and chairs make it easier to provide esthetician services comfortably. You’ll use them every day, so don’t skimp out. Choose furniture that lets clients fully relax during treatments while giving you access to their face, neck, or other areas. 

If you’re just starting, basic esthetician beds with a fixed height are a more affordable option, but features like adjustable heights help you adjust a customer’s positioning to work more efficiently. Hydraulic and electric beds are luxurious – with the price tags to match at $600+ – but can be raised and lowered, so they’re the perfect upgrade when your business grows.

Storage Space 

Storage like cabinets and shelving keeps your entryway and spa rooms clutter-free. Use shelving to neatly store larger items and products you don't move around often, and opt for a spa or salon cart to organize the facial tools and skincare products you need within arm's reach.

Adequate storage saves you time because it helps you know exactly where everything is (as long as you put it all away). And clients appreciate a clean, well-organized space just as much as you do.

Towels and Linens 

Stocking lots of towels and linens (like bedsheets) helps you maintain hygiene and provide comfort. Choose high-quality, soft, absorbent options in various sizes, including small towels for facials, medium ones for body treatments, and large sheets for covering treatment beds. You can find them at esthetician-specific retailers in bulk for cheaper, but if you only need a few, Target or another big box store does the trick.

If you have enough space, consider investing in a washer and dryer – reusing linens is a huge no-no, and walking to the laundromat is a drag (and expensive). It’s also helpful to keep stain remover, bleach, and other disinfecting tools close by. 

Mirrors 

Mirrors help clients see the results of your hard work. Full-length mirrors let customers view their entire appearance after full-body treatments, and mid-sized ones hung on the wall work perfectly for revealing the results of a facial. But no matter what services you offer, keep handheld mirrors around for quick checks during and after appointments.

If vintage is your vibe, you can look for a timeless piece at your local vintage store or online on sites like Etsy. Big retailers like Target also have affordable large and handheld mirrors in lots of different styles. 

Lighting

You can’t install lash extensions or do facial extractions without something to light the way. Install bright overhead lighting so you can see properly while performing services (LED bulbs are best for energy efficiency with no extra heat), and add portable task lighting and magnifying lamps to treatment rooms for precision tasks. Good lighting is a win-win – it helps you see your work clearly, and clients get to see the beautiful results right away. 

Esthetician Supplies List To Start Your Business 

Depending on the services you plan to offer, here's a list of essential supplies to have on hand by the doors open on your first day: 

Autoclave  

An autoclave machine uses hot steam to sterilize metal spa equipment and skincare tools. It thoroughly disinfects items, leaving no bacteria, viruses, or fungi behind. 

These machines vary in size, but a 14-liter model is ideal for estheticians because you don’t need a huge capacity for tools like tweezers and scissors. You can get a mini autoclave on some websites for under $100, and larger models on wholesale websites typically go for a few thousand. 

Maintaining proper hygiene in your workplace is vital for client and staff safety. If you can’t buy an autoclave, sanitize tools by scrubbing them under warm running water with soap and a brush. But trust us – eventually you’ll want something that does the work for you, so keep this on your wish list.

Towel Warmer

Warm towels are a luxurious aspect of spa treatments that many clients love. Offering this add-on is easy with a towel warmer, which keeps linens waiting at the perfect temperature. A warm towel is perfect for wrapping around a client's face to open their pores before skincare treatments or draping on their shoulders at the end of a therapeutic massage. 

Pro tip: If this machine takes up too much space for you (or it breaks the bank), a dryer can do the trick as well. 

Facial Steamer 

One of the top facial tools for estheticians, a steamer uses water vapor to loosen dirt, soften blackheads, and flush out pores. This is ideal for clients with deep blackheads and acne-prone skin because it makes extractions easier. 

Choose a steamer with features like temperature control, a timer, and versatile positioning. It’s also a good idea to find one with a clear water jar so you can easily see when to refill.  

Skincare Products Refrigerator 

Some professional esthetician products, like masks and serums, need refrigeration. Keeping them cool prolongs their shelf life and enhances effectiveness. And in some cases, products just feel better on the skin when they’re cold. A chilled face mask is a) relaxing, and b) perfect for reducing skin irritation and puffiness. 

Always pay attention to product packaging and instructions. You might not be able to refrigerate everything. And although mini skincare refrigerators are all the rage, you might need a larger model for your business. 

Waxing Supplies 

Calling all waxers! Warmers, strips, and spatulas should be high on your to-buy list, whether you offer leg waxing or delicate eyebrow shaping (or both). Boost clients’ experiences with soothing post-wax products, like creams and oils. 

Do some research on what supplies you need based on what type of wax you’ll be using. While soft wax is recommended for larger body areas, hard wax is ideal for sensitive ones like the face. There’s also a chance you’ll need both for different services. 

Extraction Tools  

Extraction tools remove blackheads and whiteheads without damaging the skin to give clients the clear complexions of their dreams. Extractors include lancets, sharp-sided tools, and comedone extractors (small metal tools with a loop on one or both ends). 

Extraction tools can be sterilized and re-used, but grab a few of each so you always have one available. You can usually buy them in packs, which saves you from rushing to disinfect a tool between appointments.

Brushes and Sponges To Apply Skincare Products 

High-quality masking brushes and sponges distribute products – like face masks and peels – across clients' skin without any scratchiness. These can be cleaned and used again, but have a few in rotation to make sure you’re never short. 

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Advanced Esthetician Tools and Equipment 

Offer cutting-edge treatments with advanced equipment. These specialized tools deliver exceptional results and attract clients interested in skincare innovation. Just make sure you don’t stock up until you have the right training and accreditation.

Laser Hair Removal Machines 

Ready to go a step above waxing? Laser hair removal machines use concentrated light beams to zap and destroy hair follicles, effectively reducing hair growth over time. The catch is that they’re more expensive and require training for effective use.

Not all laser machines are created equal. While alexandrite lasers work best on clients with light skin and dark hair, they aren’t great for darker skin tones. That’s what Nd:YAG lasers are for. 

Also, choose a machine with your preferred spot size – the area of skin the laser covers in one pulse. The bigger the spot size, the faster (and unfortunately, more painful) the treatment. Opt for a laser with a cooling system to help you maintain a comfortable skin temperature and reduce pain. 

Because there are so many types and options, you probably guessed that prices vary. Some handheld options cost $400, and heavy-duty machines cost over $30,000 (yes, you read that right). Do your research and figure out what you can afford for the services you want to offer.

Hydrodermabrasion Machine 

Hydrodermabrasion removes the dead, dry outer layer of skin while simultaneously infusing the skin with hydro-serum. This advanced technology stimulates blood circulation, which helps oxygen flow through the body and promotes heart and brain health. It also reduces signs of aging, like fine lines.

Hydrodermabrasion facials are a fantastic service, but the machines may give you sticker shock. Sizes vary, but many go for over $4,000. You might only want to buy one machine because of the cost and wait for more demand before upping your inventory. You’ll also need to get the proper cleaning solutions, filters, and spare parts.

Microdermabrasion Machine

Like hydrodermabrasion, microdermabrasion removes dead skin. This advanced exfoliation technique uses a minimally abrasive instrument to sand away dead cells and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. 

While smaller machines can cost under $500, larger machines run you thousands. Some models are small enough to fit on your spa cart or counter, and others are so big they’re on wheels. If you do want to offer this service, assess your needs and figure out which machine specs are best for your business.

Cryofacial Machine 

Cryofacial machines use the cold temperature of vaporized nitrogen to rejuvenate the face and neck. This facial treatment boosts collagen production and reduces inflammation, leaving skin looking firmer and more radiant. 

Cryofacials are noninvasive and ideal for customers who want quick, noticeable results, which makes them a popular option. These machines are quite small, but they come at a high price: between $4,000 and $6,000. You also need adequate training to offer this service.

Microcurrent Device

A microcurrent device is a wand that sends low-voltage electrical currents to the facial muscles and skin cells. This lifts the skin, reduces wrinkles, and boosts blood circulation, giving the skin a youthful glow. 

If you plan on offering top-tier professional skin care services, this equipment is worth investing in. A microcurrent facial device is small and quite affordable. Many models are under $500, so the machine will pay for itself fast.

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Empower Your Esthetician Practice with GlossGenius 

As an esthetician, your tools directly impact service quality and client comfort – but that doesn’t stop at brushes and machines. You also need software that helps you manage your business quickly and efficiently.

GlossGenius is the perfect partner to elevate your esthetician practice. Our all-in-one platform offers features like Inventory Management, Client Notifications, and even Loans – perfect for when you’re ready to invest in top-notch equipment. Plus, our Custom Website Builder lets you quickly create a stunning esthetician website to attract new customers.  

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!  

Ready to streamline your business? Sign up for a free 14-day trial with GlossGenius.