The pieces of salon equipment you want to splurge on in your salon are the items that are visible to the customer and ones that they can tell a difference whether or not it is in good condition or bad. The salon chairs themselves should be in good working order, void of any tears, scratches and broken springs in the backrest. That certainly would not be good for business! You also want to spend a nice part of your budget on the waiting section of your salon, if you are going for a more swanky and professional look. Having some folding chairs with 2 year old Good Housekeeping magazines lying around might seem the most professional. The hot dryers that fit over your head after you get your hair colored is something that could be bought used, providing it is free of any electrical issues, scratches or paint chips.