Backwash unit

A backwash unit is an all-in-one shampoo station: a reclining chair with the shampoo bowl built in behind it, plus the plumbing fittings. The client leans back into the bowl while the stylist works from behind, and many units also allow washing from the side.

They take real floor space. Belvedere's Plush backwash is 31 inches wide and 46 inches front to back. Buy-Rite Beauty suggests allowing about 5 to 6 feet of width and 6 to 7 feet of depth per unit, roughly 48 inches between units, and 6 to 12 inches behind for plumbing.

A separate shampoo bowl and shampoo chair is the other route. The salon floor plan maker uses a 28 by 58 inch backwash unit. See how many shampoo bowls per stylist and keep a back bar within reach.