Mobile nail salon vans

What goes inside a mobile nail salon van?

A ProVanWorks nail van has a service room in the back half of the cargo area and a seating area or storage by the side door. The drawing at the top of this page shows a common layout. The build can include:

• A manicure table facing the client's chair, under the brightest part of the ceiling.
• A pedicure chair with a basin fed by hot water, and a low stool for you.
• A hand-wash sink with running hot water and a soap pump.
• A wall-mounted polish rack and cabinets for tools, towels and products.
• Outlets at the table for a nail drill and a UV or LED lamp, fed by the battery bank.
• A waterproof floor that wipes clean of water, dust and spills.

Tell us whether you do more manicures, pedicures or enhancements, and whether you want two stations, and we'll arrange the room around it.

How does the pedicure basin get hot water?

A ProVanWorks nail van feeds the pedicure basin from a fresh water reservoir in the utility area, heated by a water heater or by the main heater through a heat exchanger, depending on the build. The basin sits close to the reservoir so the hot water line stays short. The basin and the hand-wash sink drain to a grey water tank under the floor, the same size as or larger than the reservoir.

Fill the reservoir through the water inlet with a drinking-water-safe hose, or use water on the spot when you're parked by a tap. The grey water outlet opens with an electric switch; empty it at an approved disposal point or the sanitary sewer, never a storm drain. Ask your local health authority how pedicure basins must be cleaned between clients, and tell us if that affects the basin you want. The salon van water and power diagram shows the whole system.

How is a mobile nail van ventilated?

A ProVanWorks nail van has two fans, one at the front of the cargo area and one at the back, so you can move air through the room while you work with polish, remover, acrylics and gels. Optional windows open for fresh air on mild days. Ask the makers of the products you use what ventilation they recommend, and tell us, so we put your station where the airflow helps most. The front fan also runs the air conditioning for summer.

What lighting does a nail van need?

Nail work needs bright, even light from above, so your hands and tools do not throw shadows on the nail. ProVanWorks spaces ceiling lights close together over the manicure table and can add a task lamp at the station. Optional windows add daylight, which helps clients judge colour.

Why does a nail van need warm floors?

Pedicure clients sit with bare feet, often for an hour, so a cold floor ends the appointment early in winter. A ProVanWorks nail van has heat in the floor and walls from a small diesel, gas or electric heater under the seat, with heat exchangers and a thermostat, and insulation in the walls, roof and floor. The heater runs with the engine off. Insulation thickness is matched to your climate. The cold-weather design page explains how it works.

What power does a nail van need?

A nail drill, a UV or LED lamp, a heated towel cabinet, the lights and the fans all run from the auxiliary battery bank in the utility area. The batteries charge at Level 2 EV chargers through a J1772 inlet, or from shore power through the 50 A inlet (30 A also available) and the 20 A, 120 V inlet. Solar panels and a generator are available as add-ons. Send us a list of what you plug in so we can size the battery bank. Read more about power and EV charging.

Can I pick a ready-designed nail van or have my own built?

Yes, either one. ProVanWorks builds every nail salon van to your specifications, or you can start from one of our already designed systems and change what you need. We use top-quality products and materials in every build. If you'd rather tow your salon, see our mobile beauty salon trailers.

Frequently asked questions

Can a nail van have both a manicure and a pedicure station?

Yes. A ProVanWorks nail van can have a manicure table and a pedicure chair with a hot water basin in the same service room, as the drawing at the top of this page shows.

Can I add lashes to a nail van?

Yes. Many technicians offer nails and lashes from one van. Tell us which services you offer most, and we'll plan the stations, lighting and seating so both work in the space.

Do I need a permit to run a mobile nail salon?

Rules vary by province, state and region. Check with your local health authority about personal service rules before you book clients.

How do I get a price for a mobile nail salon van?

Email info@provanworks.com with the services you offer, whether you need a pedicure basin, what you plug in and where you work. We reply with a layout and a quote. See all our mobile salon vans.