How Much Does It Cost to Open a Nail Salon in Australia?
"How much does it cost to open a nail salon in Australia?" is one of the first questions every nail tech asks before going out on their own. The honest answer is: it depends on the size, the location and how much you fit out from day one. But the cost categories are the same for everyone, and planning each one carefully is what keeps a new salon from running out of money in its first year.
Use this guide as a checklist when you build your budget.
1. Premises: rent, bond and fit-out
Rent is usually the biggest ongoing cost. Before signing a lease, check:
- Bond and rent in advance — often several months' rent up front.
- Fit-out — plumbing for pedicure chairs, ventilation, lighting, flooring, reception counter and signage.
- Ventilation and extraction for acrylic and gel work, both for comfort and to meet local requirements.
- Council approvals — change of use, signage and any health registration your council requires.
Shopping-centre sites bring foot traffic and walk-ins but cost more; strip shops and suburban centres can be cheaper with a loyal local market.
2. Equipment and furniture
- Manicure tables and chairs for clients and technicians
- Pedicure chairs or spa stations
- UV/LED lamps, e-files, dust collectors
- Steriliser or autoclave and storage for clean tools
- Waiting area seating and retail display
3. Opening stock
Gel and polish ranges, acrylic and BIAB systems, tips, files, buffers, disposables, cleaning products and retail stock for aftercare. Start with the colours and systems your clients ask for most, and expand once you see what sells.
4. Registration, licences and insurance
- ABN and business name registration, and GST registration once you reach the threshold
- Council registration or notification for skin penetration or beauty treatments, where required in your state
- Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- Workers compensation insurance if you employ staff
Requirements differ between states and councils, so check with your local council before you open. See do you need a licence to do nails in Australia?
5. Technology and payments
- An iPad or tablet for the front desk
- Booking and POS software, ideally with online booking, reminders and checkout in one app
- An EFTPOS terminal — rented or bought
- A receipt printer, if you want printed receipts
- Wi-Fi that reaches the whole salon
Choosing one system for bookings, payments and client records from the start saves money and avoids switching later.
6. Staff and wages
If you're hiring technicians, budget for wages from the first day — even before the book is full — plus superannuation and any award requirements. Check the relevant award and pay rates with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
7. Marketing for launch
- A Google Business Profile with photos, hours and a booking link
- An Instagram account with your best work
- Opening offers for the first weeks
- Printed cards or flyers for nearby shops and offices
8. A cash buffer
Most new salons take months to build a regular client base. Keep enough money aside to cover rent, wages and stock for your first months, even if bookings are slow at the start.
Budget checklist
- Lease, bond and fit-out
- Equipment and furniture
- Opening stock
- Registration, licences and insurance
- Booking software, POS and EFTPOS
- Wages and super
- Launch marketing
- Cash buffer
When you get to the technology line, Ukilu combines online booking, check-in, checkout and client records in one app for the iPad — see the nail salon booking app.