GUIDE TO BUYING A SALON ANTI-FATIGUE MAT

You’re halfway through your day – your back is killing you, your feet are sore, and you’re exhausted. Stylists stand almost all day and need to keep up their energy to do their best work and provide a positive, friendly environment for their clients. Take care of your health, recover your productivity, and change the game with a new anti-fatigue mat! Check out our guide to find the perfect salon anti-fatigue mats for you!

1. Price

Salon mat pricing ranges from low to high, but the cost of salon anti-fatigue mats is not necessarily an indicator of quality. Several factors, such as size, thickness, durability, and brand can create the wide price range. Nevertheless, price is important to consider: set a realistic budget and stick to it. You don’t need to break the bank on your salon mats – size, thickness, and reputation are the most important factors to consider.

2. Style

Choosing the correct style of mat is the most essential factor when finding your perfect salon anti-fatigue mats. First, it is essential to be sure your mat has sloping edges. This will save you and your clients from tripping and falling. Second, decide what shape you want your mat to be. Salon mats come in varying shapes, such as rectangular, hexagon, and circular. What would look best in your space? Third, how big do you want your mat to be? Mats range from 1.5’ x 2.5’ to 4’ x 5’. It can be helpful to measure your space, so you are sure the mat will fit nicely at your station or shampoo unit. Finally, it is crucial to know the shape of cut-out or depression you need. Consider your chair bases and confirm your depression or cut-out is the same shape as the chair base.

3. Thickness

Choosing the thickness of your new salon anti-fatigue mats is a personal preference – but keep in mind that experts do not recommend going any thinner than a ½” mat. If your salon mat is thinner than that, it will easily compress and not provide you with the anti-fatigue benefits you are looking for. Additionally, your mat will be counterproductive if it is too thick, so it is not recommended to purchase any mats over 1” thick. Our research has shown that a mat 5/8” thick is a great balance between the two ends of the spectrum.

4. Material

When deciding which salon anti-fatigue mats are right for you, consider the services you’re providing. There are many qualities in available salon mats you should look for, such as being waterproof or non-absorbent, providing good traction, and being puncture-proof so it can handle heels. Additionally, look for a low-static surface – this will keep hair from sticking to the mat and make it easy to clean. To ensure your new salon anti-fatigue mats will withstand time and use, confirm they are made of a high-density foam, cell polymeric sponge, or polyurethane sponge, which will provide an optimal balance between compression and resistance.

5. Warranty

A company’s warranty can show a lot about the durability and quality of your new salon mat. A standard warranty on a salon anti-fatigue mat is anywhere between 1 to 5 years. If the mat you are looking at does not have a warranty – beware! This could be a sign of a short lifespan and low-quality materials.

The search for the perfect salon anti-fatigue mats can often leave you with more questions than answers but follow our tips and you will be well on your way to finding the salon mat that is just right for you! Buy-Rite has been in the salon and spa equipment business for over 80 years and three generations, and our expert sales associates are ready to partner with you to find your ideal salon anti-fatigue mats today!