Salon design
May 25, 2023
15 Best Salon Chairs and How to Pick the Right One
Picking the best salon chairs for your hair studio is not an easy task, considering the number of options on the market. This review will dispel your doubts!
Styling chairs not only contribute to the interior design of the salon but also have a direct influence on your clients’ comfort. Using outdated, damaged, or squeaky chairs will have a negative effect on your customers’ experience and might even prevent them from recommending your studio to others, no matter how good the services you provided were.
That’s why it’s so important to invest in high-quality equipment. Yet, with a plethora of choices and price points available on the market, the search for the best salon chairs can be overwhelming. Not to worry! We’ve put our industry expertise to work and narrowed down the options to a list of 15 top picks. Read on to check it out and discover extra tips on selecting the right styling chairs!
How to Choose the Perfect Salon Chair for Your Hair Studio?
Before we jump into listing the best styling chair options, let’s take a look at the key characteristics that you should pay attention to during the selection process:
Clients’ Comfort
Customers may be spending hours in the salon chair, depending on the service they are getting, so the pieces of furniture that you choose should have a strong focus on their comfort.
Some of the main factors you should be paying attention to when picking out chairs include:
Full lumbar support. Chairs with this feature promote good posture and support the natural inward curve of the lower back by filling in the gap between the lumbar spine and the seat.
High-density foam cushions. The higher density of the foam makes it more resilient, so it will bounce back to its original shape even after hundreds of customers have sat in the chair.
Size-inclusive dimensions. It’s crucial to be able to cater to all kinds of clients, so look for chairs that are spacious enough for people from a variety of weight categories.
Always try to put yourself into your clients’ shoes and think about the elements of the styling chairs that would make them feel as comfortable as possible, such as non-slip footrests and soft armrests.
Convenience for the Stylists
As much as the clients’ comfort is a priority, it’s critical not to forget that the chairs’ design should also be convenient for hair stylists. After all, their day-to-day work is physically demanding and the wrong kind of equipment can result in serious health issues.
Some aspects to keep in mind are:
Hydraulic base. The salon chair should be easily adjustable to match the stylists’ preferences and prevent them from working in an uncomfortable position for hours.
360-degrees rotation. This feature is not a must but can be very important for salons with limited space. If your staff members don’t have a lot of square meters to move around, consider getting chairs that rotate.
Wheels. Depending on your stylists’ preferences and your salon’s layout, wheels can be one of the decisive factors when choosing a salon chair.
Recline. It is extremely important for barber chairs to have the recline feature to ensure that the shaving process goes as smoothly as possible. However, styling chairs can also benefit from being reclinable, as this makes them compatible with hair washing basins.
Ease of maintenance. Overlooking the materials from which the seat and the base of the chair are made and focusing only on the chair’s visual characteristics is a common mistake salon owners make. For easy cleaning and fewer signs of wear and tear, opt for leather and vinyl instead of fabrics. As for the metal elements, stainless steel is an excellent option that will serve you well for years to come.
A hair stylist’s job requires precision and physical endurance. To avoid additional challenges and maximize your staff members’ performance, invest in salon chairs with their needs in mind.
Quality
When shopping for hair salon chairs, never neglect a quality check. Some features to be mindful of are:
The materials from which the chairs are made
Reviews from the customers, especially those that contain photos and have been updated after the equipment has been in use for some time
Manufacturer and brand reputation
Detailed product information and high-resolution images
What’s more, even if you find the perfect chairs that tick every box in a brick-and-mortar store, don’t miss out the opportunity to do some research about them online to make sure you are making the right choice.
Cost
The prices of styling chairs range from approximately a hundred dollars to several thousand per piece. So, the most important thing here is to determine your budget and stick to it.
Here are some quick tips:
Research the options available to understand the average pricing of the items you like.
If you are planning to order salon chairs online, remember about the potential shipping costs and tax duties.
Depending on the time you have at hand, it might be wise to wait for some more expensive chairs to go on sale if their original price is too high for your budget.
You can read more about setting your budget for salon expenses in our detailed guide.
Design
It’s essential for styling chairs to be not only functional, durable, and affordable but also to match the aesthetic of your salon.
If you’re still not sure which style you prefer, check out our hair salon interior design guide for inspiration!
Warranty
The band’s warranty policy says a lot about the quality and durability of the equipment it’s selling. If the salon chair you are considering buying doesn’t have any warranty, it could be a red flag pointing out a product with a short lifespan.
Look for styling chairs with at least a one-year warranty. Also, make sure that the company’s customer service team is responsive and ready to assist you before and after the purchase.
Our Top Hair Salon Chair Picks
Now you know which things to look for in a styling chair to make the right choice of salon equipment. Below, you’ll find our top 15 picks that match the criteria listed above and are sure to serve you well for years to come.
Price: ~ $150
This elegant salon chair is a great affordable option that is designed for the clients’ and stylists’ comfort and can match a variety of interiors. It features a chrome-polished hydraulic foot pump, a convenient footrest, and a premium high-density foam filling.
Pros
Has a wide seat, suitable for plus-size clients
Easy to assemble
Features a footrest
400 lbs load capacity
Made with high-quality black PU leather
Adjustable height with a heavy-duty hydraulic pump
360° swivel function
Cons
Rather heavy (49 lbs/22 kg)
Can be stiff to turn
Doesn’t have wheels
The footrest is not adjustable
Price: ~ $195
This beautiful and sturdy styling chair is ideal for both short and lengthy appointments, as it fits the curved shape of the human back perfectly. It’s an excellent piece of equipment for hair stylists due its impressive adjustability that ensures a smooth working process.
Pros
Ergonomic design
Padded with a high-density foam
Covered with PU leather
360° swiveling
Bottom lever for height adjustment
Cons
No wheels
Non-adjustable footrest
Price: ~$265
The quality-price ratio of this styling chair is hard to beat. Not only is it sturdy and comfortable, but it also has an elegant design that will elevate any space.
Pros
Made of high-class soft PVC leather
360° swivel with locking mechanism
Stylish wooden armrests
7 color variations
Cons
Backrest can’t be reclined
The white-colored option can be easily stained
Wooden armrests can be uncomfortable for lengthy appointments
Price: ~$280
This gorgeous golden styling chair will become a great addition to salons with industrial or glam interiors. However, you can also use it as a statement furniture piece to spice up neutral or muted spaces.
Pros
High-quality PU leather cover ensures durability and easy cleaning
Ring holder for professional tools on the side
Fast and easy to assemble
High-density foam for extra comfort
Cons
Instruction manual not included
Might tip forward when the client stands up
Price: ~ $420
You don’t get to see such an impressive barber chair often! Everything about it screams luxury: from the stunning faux leather cover and exquisite stitching to the fine shape and elegant metal elements. Aside from the visual appeal, this furniture piece is also extremely comfortable for both the clients and the stylists due to adjustable elements and an ergonomic design.
Pros
Up to 500 lbs load weight
Comes in a variety of colors (black, red, red+black, white+black, yellow+brown)
Backrest reclines up to 135°
Suitable for clients of all heights
Has a foldable footrest
Cons
Due to its size, this chair may not be suitable for smaller spaces
Not easy to move around
Price: ~ $260
Purchasing this styling chair is an excellent opportunity to get the best bang for your buck. This budget-friendly furniture piece is sure to leave your clients content by the end of every appointment, no matter how long it was.
Pros
Heavy round base provides stability
Wide seat suitable for heavier clients
1-year warranty for the hydraulic pump
Headrest for additional comfort
Cons
Does not support a lot of weight when reclined
Price: ~ $156
This affordable styling chair comes in a variety of colors and patterns to compliment your hair studio’s interior in the best way possible. Perhaps, your salon needs a delicate pink chair with acrylic diamond decorations? Or maybe you prefer a neat white option with rhombus stitching? Either way, rest assured you’ll be getting a comfortable and durable product!
Pros
4 color options available (aqua green, black, pink, white)
Different stitching patterns to choose from
Features a sturdy wood frame that can handle up to 330 lbs
Detailed manual with installation steps included
Has a 5-inch thick cushion with high-elastic foam
Waterproof and stain-resistant
Cons
Can be tricky to assemble
Can’t be reclined
Price: ~ $265
This salon chair is rather minimalistic yet functional, which makes it an excellent choice for virtually any hair studio. The exquisite rivets on the armrests are a quirky detail that adds a retro feel to this furniture piece.
Pros
Variety of color options (white, black, green, gray, pink)
One-year limited warranty on the hydraulic pump
360° swivel with locking mechanism
Waterproof and resistant to scratches and stains
Cons
No headrest
Can’t be reclined
Price: ~ $130
This styling chair has a beautiful side detail with stitching and acrylic diamond decorations that make it look classy. It is a great find for salon owners who are on a tight budget yet don’t want to compromise their equipment’s quality.
If you are in search of more affordable decor inspiration, make sure you check out our list of 20 Instagram-worthy salon ideas on a budget!
Pros
Very affordable
Comes in white, black, and gold color variations
The high-density foam cushion follows the natural shape of the human back
Fair return and exchange policy
Sturdy, non-slip base
360° rotation
Cons
Can’t be reclined
No headrest
High shipping costs
Price: ~ $115
This is the most affordable furniture piece on this list, but its quality surely doesn’t give that away. Your staff and clients are sure to appreciate its functional design, comfort, and sturdiness!
Pros
Heavy-duty steel frame
Top-quality hydraulic pump for height adjustment
Sturdy circular chrome steel base
Simple installation that takes no longer than 30 minutes
Cons
Doesn’t go high enough for children’s haircuts
Can’t be reclined
Doesn’t have a headrest
Price: ~ $250
If you are looking for a styling chair that is simple yet functional, this one could be the perfect option! According to hundreds of reviews, this salon chair is a high-quality, sturdy, and good-looking furniture piece that will become a great addition to any hair studio.
Pros
360° rotation, 135° recline
Easy-to-clean and wear-resistant leather
Features a removable headrest
Premium steel frame
Top-quality foot pump
Cons
Can be tricky to assemble
Not ideal for heavier clients
Price: ~ $490
It takes just one look at this styling chair to understand how comfortable it is. What’s more, everything about it is so chic - from the inviting faux leather cushions and curved armrests to the wooden frame and gold-colored metal base!
Pros
3 color options (green, black, white)
Removable cushions for easy cleaning
Faux leather cover and high-density sponge filling
Adjustable height
360° rotation
Cons
No headrest
Isn’t reclinable
Price: ~ $400
This furniture piece is a match made in heaven for a glamorous interior. The silver-colored metal elements, acrylic diamond decorations, and armrest cut-out details that this salon chair features make it a real show-stopper.
Pros
330 lbs weight capacity
Features a 5-inch thick cushion with memory foam
3 color options (silver gray, champagne, black)
Removable headrest
Hand levers on both sides of the chair
Footrest with additional support
Cons
The instruction manual can be confusing
Price: ~ $244
A great styling chair with gold-colored metal elements is difficult to come across. This option is sure to meet your expectations when it comes to style, quality, comfort, and durability while having a reasonable price tag.
Pros
2 color options available (black, white)
Top-quality waterproof PU leather
360° swivel and lock
Large base prevents the chair from wobbling
The seat is wide enough for the vast majority of clients
Cons
Pricey shipping
Price: ~ $1,060
A barber chair this grand and detailed is sure to attract a lot of attention. While this product is on the expensive side, it is worth every penny thanks to its sturdy frame, exquisite design elements, and high-quality materials. This gorgeous furniture piece is an excellent investment that will serve salon owners for years and years to come.
Pros
700 lbs weight capacity
Different frame and cover color combinations
The frame and seat are prebuilt, so only the backrest requires assembling
Adjustable headrest and anti-slip footrest
Convenient towel bar on the side
Cons
Rather expensive
Too heavy to move around easily
Have You Found the Perfect Chairs for Your Salon?
And there you have it - a compilation of some of the best salon chairs out there. Whether you have found the perfect match for your hair studio in this review or are planning to continue searching for the right furniture piece, you are now equipped with all the knowledge you need to make an educated decision.
If you still have any doubts left, make sure you check out the Frequently Asked Questions section below. Also, remember to stay tuned to our blog for more practical tips and industry insights!
FAQ
How much do hair salon chairs cost?
The prices of styling chairs range from several dozen to thousands of dollars, depending on the brand, materials used, and a variety of other factors. So, you are sure to find an option to match your budget!
What to look for in a hair salon chair?
Some factors that will help you determine whether a styling chair is good include: comfort for the clients, convenience for the stylists, great quality of the materials, availability of a warranty, excellent design, and an abundance of 5-star reviews.
How high should a salon chair go?
Typically, the adjustable heights of styling chairs vary between 19.5''-31'' (approximately 50 - 80 cm). Most chairs are designed to meet average-height people, which can be inconvenient for shorter or taller hair stylists. If that’s the case for your staff members, focus on finding equipment that has a wider adjustability range.
What is the difference between a barber chair and a styling chair?
While both barber chairs and styling chairs fall under the general term “salon chairs”, there is a critical distinction between them. Barber chairs always have a full-recline feature for easier shaving. The design of styling chairs, on the other hand, is often focused more on 360° rotation and the presence of wheels for better positioning.
How much weight can a hairdresser chair hold?
Hair salon chairs can typically hold the weight anywhere between 250 and 350 pounds. However, it is important that you check the specifications for the specific chair model you are planning to get.
About Noona HQ
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Topic
Salon design
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