If you own a beauty salon or a barber shop and you still don’t have a salon floor mat, consider getting one. Your workers would appreciate an anti-fatigue salon floor mat, which would help them minimize the pain caused by constant standing.
Also, there are lots of stylish salon floor mats that can improve your salon’s appearance and therefore make an impact on your customers too. If you own a salon and have to endure standing on one spot for hours then you know how much strain that can have on your legs.
No matter what kind of shoes you have, at the end of the day, your legs will be sore which could lead to long term health problems in the future. The best thing that you can do to avoid all these is to add some cushioning to your legs by adding something to stand on and this is where salon paddings come in.
They’re also called anti-fatigue mats simply because standing on a concrete floor for long even when you are doing nothing leads to exhaustion especially when you don’t have durable COREtec flooring or strong plastic flooring.
TOP 3 Salon Floor Mats (summary)
[icon name=”star” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Saloniture Salon & Barber Shop Floor Mat (Check out on Amazon) (Our Pick)
[icon name=”star” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Kangaroo Anti-Fatigue Comfort Standing Mat (Check out on Amazon)
[icon name=”star” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] BestSalon Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat (Check out on Amazon)
What Is a Salon Floor Mat
This pads are a surface made of rubber, wood, vinyl or some other material which is used to help beauty salon or barbershop workers. It acts as an anti-fatigue surface and helps workers who stand for the majority of their workday.
It helps hairdressers or makeup artists avoid injuries and even illnesses caused by standing for long periods of time. These products are special mats specifically designed to add some cushioning for those who have to stand for long hours.
At the end of the day, your body will become fatigued and in the long term, you may develop back problems. If you are in a job where you have to stand for long, this item will work for you. They are stylish and it’s very easy to get a product that fits into your needs as well as style.
Benefits of Using Salon Floor Mats
There are a lot of reasons to buy a pad for a salon. First of all, it allows hairdressers to move around without having to worry about slipping, which is common in barber and beauty salons.
Depending on the material, a salon floor mat offers comfort, optimal blood circulation, stability and support. It will make you stand straight and ease your back pain.
Also, it will reduce the risk of spine disorder development, which is common for people who work long hours standing.
Apart from health benefits for the workers, it can elevate the space and attract potential customers. If somebody sees a nice looking salon with a stylish floor padding while walking by, it is likely that person will visit you in the future.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider getting yourself one of these products:
Improves Joint Health
Standing for long hours has been linked to lower back pain, foot and joint pain and it would be in your best interest if you were to take measures to prevent that.
One of the ways that you can prevent this from happening is by getting a mat if your job involves standing for more than an hour. Salon mats work by reducing the impact on your joints when you are standing or moving in one place preventing pain and the wear and tear of the joints.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Contrary to popular belief, anti-fatigue mats are not only meant to prevent pain in your legs and wearing of your joints but have other benefits like improving cardiovascular health.
When you stand for long, your leg muscles tend to lock up. This constriction ends up narrowing the veins in the legs such that the heart is forced to work even harder to pump blood around the body and this increases your risk of developing blood clots.
When you add some cushioning to your legs by using a mat for salon, the muscles in your legs and feet core-engage to ensuring that you remain steady.
The micro-movements help in relieving the pain that results from standing for long periods of time, improves blood circulation and you are less likely to feel fatigued at the end of the day. They should be squishy in such a way that your leg muscles are engaged and maintain your balance.
Improves Productivity
At the end of the day, your productivity will be affected by how your body feels. If you are a stylist and have to stand for long, it means that you get tired quickly and this ends up affecting your productivity.
In such a case, you are likely to move slower and have trouble concentrating which creates room for errors. When it comes to issues related to poor postures on concrete or tile floors, you might develop chronic health problems and may worsen back pain and as such you may not be in a position to work every day.
Health Benefits Of Salon Floor Mats
The whole point of getting an anti-fatigue mat besides preventing fatigue is to improve your health and prevent long term health issues.
Less Lower Back Pain
When you stand for so many hours, your back is likely to suffer. Anti-fatigue mats reduce pressure on the spine as well as strain on back muscles resulting in less back pain.
Improved Blood Circulation and Posture
When you are standing, blood flow is better than when you are sitting with your knees bent. However, the problem comes when you stand for long periods. In such a case, your blood veins constrict and the heart is forced to work even harder to help blood reach every part of the body.
When you stand on a mat, the pressure is reduced on your legs and there is little effort required for you to keep standing. Due to this, your veins and muscles relax and as such blood flows more easily and the heart works at a normal rhythm.
Prevents Stiffness in Joints
When you stand for more than an hour, your legs tend to become stiff which leads to not only fatigue but leg and foot pain. Paddings for salons are squishy such that you never have to experience leg stiffness at all because your muscles are relaxed and there is good blood flow through your legs.
Eases Tension in Shoulders and Neck
Just like dog kennel flooring prevents pets litter or a mat that stops cat from littering, floor pads are not just meant to minimize back and leg pain but can be a long term solution to shoulder and neck pain.
When you are standing for long on a hard floor, you are likely to get fatigued easily affecting your concentration and posture in the end. This then ends up causing tension in your neck and shoulders.
Relieves Muscle Tension
If you in the styling business, then you know how tiring it can be standing on one spot for long. Muscle tension is likely to occur in this case because there is poor blood circulation through your legs.
Salon pads insulate you from the hard floor, cold and vibration relieving muscle tension in the process.
Relieves Foot Pressure
The unique design of anti-fatigue mats is meant to force you to make continuous micro-movements that end up relieving foot pressure that may occur when you stand on a concrete floor for long.
Acts as an Insulator Against Cold Floors
These paddings are thick enough to provide not only cushioning against hard floors but insulation against cold floors.
Reduces Accidents from Lack of Concentration and Increases Productivity
When you are tired, your movement is affected and you are likely to move slowly, which affects your concentration and creates room for errors. If you are in the styling business, concentration is key and if it is not there productivity is affected.
Salon Floor Mat Types
If you have never used a mat in a salon before, you will probably be surprised with the range of materials used for manufacturing the product, but also with the variety of shapes, sizes and colors. From plain black rubber to the stylish diamond design beauty salon mats, everybody can pick the right one for their salon and their budget.
If you are looking for professional floor mats, you should think about an anti-fatigue, waterproof and puncture resistant material which will last for many years without discoloration or losing shape and function.
Overall, this pads can be made from rubber, wood, foam, polyurethane, nylon and other materials with different properties, which should be taken into account before buying one.
How Does a Salon Floor Mat Work
A mat for salon floors is designed to be placed underfoot and is ideal for those people who stand for long periods. It helps with circulation minimizing the risk of developing cardiovascular problems, back pain and the wearing and tearing of joints in the long run.
When you stand on one spot for more than an hour, your legs are likely to get stiff and this ends up constricting the veins such that your heart is forced to work even harder to pump blood to the rest of the organs which leads to fatigue and in the long run increases your risk of developing blood clots.
The paddings for salon make use of a combination of ergonomic patterns as well as a cushioning underlay. The cushioning ends up causing subconscious micro-movements and balance checks that stimulate blood flow to the legs as well as the lower extremities resulting in much better blood circulation and reduced fatigue.
The cushioning in these mats insulates your feet from the hard and cold floors, vibration, sound as well as moisture. Their unique design is meant to encourage the person to make continuous micro-movements which prevents a lot of health issues like back pain, stress, foot pain and in the long run heart problems.
Materials Of Salon Floor Mats
When it comes to these mats, several materials are used to make them. Whatever you choose depends on your personal preferences and how long you stand.
Foam
Foam is commonly used in household items. Foam pads for salons provide enough support as well as comfort for those daily jobs without you spending too much.
Foam anti-fatigue mats are usually 1/4” to 3/4” thick and they can easily be customized making them ideal for use on short tasks in the bathroom, kitchen or laundry room.
Foam Rubber
Just like vinyl planks has some benefits compared to laminate flooring, foam rubber is usually more durable than foam. Paddings crafted from this material are designed to withstand heavy use and provide comfort in harsh environments like garages, workshops and manufacturing plants.
You can order foam rubber anti-fatigue mats as individual interlocking pieces ensuring that they fit any workspace to provide support and enough comfort when you are working.
Hard Rubber
Hard rubber mats are popular because they offer not only support but extreme durability compared to the rest. They are, however, less comfortable and work best for manufacturing plants, woodshops and machine shops. The mats have holes that prevent liquids as well as particles from resting on the surface.
How to Choose the Best Salon Floor Mat
You decided that you need a salon mat and you want to buy the product which is the best according to online buyers’ reviews. That tactic might be disastrous because the mat you choose that way might not be the best fit for your needs.
For example, for a beauty salon where the employees wear high heels, you should buy a piece with a maximum surface strength that prevents punctures.
However, you should think about the comfort and anti-fatigue support for the worker too.
If you own a barber shop, you should probably look for a mat with non-slip properties, and if your workers spend a lot of time standing, you might consider opting for an option that has an extra bounce which energizes the body.
If you found an item that combines all the traits you need, think about finishes and appearance. There are numerous mats with stylish finishes and different coloring, but having a product that completely suits your needs is far more important than the looks.
Like durable plastic flooring, salon pad has a protective and backing role, although it can certainly possess both practicality and elegance. When you are buying one, there are several factors that you need to keep in mind so that you can get a mat that meets all your needs and is durable.
Size and Shape
The size and shape are the most important factors to consider. You can easily find different cutouts as well as depression that can fit well around the base of your styling chair whether round or square-shaped.
When it comes to shape, the other thing that you should concern yourself with is whether the mat has sloping sides that can act as a ramp. This is to prevent tripping and to allow you to move trolley carts around with ease.
Material
You want to get an item that is not only easy to clean but durable as well. Salon pads need to be able to withstand heavy and prolonged use as well as being swept several times during the day and stepped on with shoes including heels.
Thickness
While this is just a matter of personal preference, it is recommended that you go for mats that are at least an inch thick to prevent the mat from bottoming out where even though you are standing on the mat, it is so compressed that it feels like you are standing on the hard floor.
Firmness
When it comes to the firmness of this type of the product, you want a mat that is firm enough but not too squishy that your body is forced to work harder to stay upright and not so firm that it feels like you are standing on the bare floor which is what you are trying to prevent all along.
Durability
The last thing you want is an item that thins out after a few months and doesn’t do the job. Just like when you are buying a premium bamboo chair mat or the best glass chair mat, with a salon padding, go for one made of durable material which is comfortable at the same time.
Do Salon Floor Mats Really Help
If a worker has to stand continuously during their shift, there isn’t much difference whether they are standing on a wood floor, carpet, or a floor mat, right? Wrong.
The difference between standing on hard floors such as tile floor and anti-fatigue floor mat is enormous. In fact, workers who are allowed to stand on anti-fatigue salon mats will reduce the level of fatigue and discomfort up to 50% compared to the workers who don’t use them.
Their muscles will contract more subtly since they will adapt to the flexibility of the mat. This movement increases blood flow and the amount of oxygen that reaches the organs, which reduces fatigue and increases the productivity of the workers.
Does More Spending Mean More Quality
When it comes to salon floor mats, more spending doesn’t always mean more quality. You might spend too much on a product only to realize that it’s not comfortable and the issues you have been having are still there.
What you need to do is consider qualities like the size and style, thickness, durability, comfort, the material and firmness and go for one that meets all these.
At the end of the day, your comfort is what matters. At the same time, avoid going for the overly cheap items because chances are that they are made of low-quality material that will just wear out in a matter of weeks or months.
How to Install and Use a Salon Floor Mat
If you love DIY, you won’t have an issue installing a mat in your salon. However, since there are many types and different manufacturers, you should check the installation guide.
Usually, you will just have to properly connect the mat with the flooring and the salon chair and you will be good to go.
Step 1 – Clean the floor
Before you install the mat, ensure that the floor is clean and completely dry to prevent mold growth.
Step 2 – Follow the installation guide
Different mats have different installation methods which is the reason why you need to follow the manufacturer’s guide. One thing that remains constant when installing such a mat is ensuring that it connects well with the salon chair and the flooring.
How to Clean a Salon Floor Mat
One of the main attributes of salon mats is durability. However, that doesn’t mean that these paddings are indestructible. They are prone to damage from some chemicals and puncture (although there are the ones that are extremely durable and recommended for high heels), so you will have to be careful about that.
For the same reasons, any pad should be cleaned with soap and water only, although the manufacturer should provide instructions about chemicals you may use for cleaning it.
You don’t have to clean the mat often, especially if you have a rubber mat, once or twice per year is enough.
There are a couple of things that need to be taken into consideration before choosing an option for your space. Sure, the item you choose has to be comfortable, providing that you will be spending a lot of time standing on it on a daily basis.
However, it’s purpose should also be ensuring a better posture, muscle conditioning and improving your overall health.
Step 1 – Vacuum
You product needs to be vacuumed, swept and dry mopped on regularly depending on how often it gets dirty.
Step 2 – Wet mopping
After a few days or weeks, use a mild detergent or dish soap or baking soda to wet mop the mat to remove stains.
With all that in mind, here are reviews of the top 3 options with pros and cons to make your search for perfect salon floor mat easier.
3 Best Salon Floor Mats Reviewed
1. Saloniture
Working long hours without proper salon mat can cause a lot of stress on your joint and feet. That’s why Saloniture’s is made of high-density foam to ensure comfort and prevent joint and feet problems caused by long standing.
It can be used anywhere you like, from barber and salon chairs to shampoo stations. It’s resistant to tearing, which means it won’t get damaged even if you’re wearing high heels or if you accidentally drop your equipment.
The surface is waterproof and easy to wipe-clean and sweep. It is also very safe to use because of its anti-slip textured surface and tapered edges to prevent tripping.
- High-density foam for extreme comfort
- Puncture and tear resistant, even under high heels
- Anti-slip texture and anti-trip tapered edges
- Waterproof and easy to clean, wipe and sweep
- Takes a lot of time for the corners to lay flat
- Too soft and thin
- The only available color is black
2. Kangaroo
Kangaroo is thick 3/4″ and is made with highest-grade foam. This makes it ideal for eliminating pressure and providing superior support if you are forced to stand over long periods of time.
To ensure safety, it has a textured surface and beveled edges that prevent tripping and slipping. Furthermore, foam underside keeps mat in place. Made only with the most durable and high-quality materials, it doesn’t break down or compress over time.
This makes it perfect for high traffic areas, although it’s not intended to be used with high heels. Cleaning is also easy, as it’s waterproof and can be vacuumed or wiped with a damp cloth.
- Textured surface and advanced beveled edge design that prevents slipping and tripping
- Made of durable and strong materials that won’t break down or compress over time
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Available in multiple colors
- Not intended for use with high heels
- Can’t be used in a bath or shower
- A very strong chemical smell that doesn’t go away easy
3. BestSalon Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat
Salon padding from BestSalon brand is designed to be extremely comfortable. This is achieved because of its thickness of 5/8″ and size of 5′ x 3′.
It’s puncture and high heels proof. Another one of its advantages is easy cleaning and sweeping.
- Puncture proof and high heels resistant
- Easy sweeping and clean up
- Available in 5 sizes
- Doesn’t lay flat on the edges
- 1 year limited warranty
- Available in one color only
Do’s And Don’ts to Do With Salon Floor Mats
- Don’t use a heavy abrasive brush to scrub your anti-fatigue mat.
- Don’t machine wash it as this will end up damaging your investment.
- Do allow the mat to dry completely after cleaning to prevent mold growth.
- Do clean even the surrounding areas to ensure that your mat doesn’t get dirty too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you replace your salon floor mats?
How often you replace your mat will depend on how well you take care of it and the amount of traffic. All in all, these products are meant to last for one to three years depending on the material but if there is high traffic, some of them can last for 6 months or less.
Do you require a salon floor mat for a standing desk?
With a standing desk, standing when you are working can prove tough on your feet which is why you need an anti-fatigue mat.
Conclusion
Salon floor mat is mandatory for any barbershop or beauty salon owner. You have to think about your workers and their well-being. Also, a stylish product can elevate the space, thus making it look more attractive to the customers.
If you choose carefully and buy the best option for your needs, it will serve your business well for a long time. If you work in a salon or own one, for your business to succeed, productivity is key.
Since you will be spending a lot of hours standing, then it is important that you take the necessary precautions to prevent back pain, muscle tension and improve your cardiovascular health. When getting a mat, ensure that it is thick enough, stiff, has the right style and size, is durable and is made of quality material.