15 Best Salon Chairs and How to Pick the Right One

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 Using outdated, damaged, or squeaky chairs will have a negative effect on your customers’ experience and might even prevent them from recommending your studio to others, no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.

1. K-Concept KC-ASC01 Salon Chair

• 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

2. Artist Hand Hydraulic Reclining Barber Chair

• 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

3. BarberPub Classic Hydraulic Barber Chair 

• 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

4. TrumpStar Gold Color Salon Chair

• 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

5. Artist Hand Faux Leather Barber Chair

• 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

6. Funnylife Black & Brown Reclining Salon Chair

• 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

7. Paddie Hair Salon Chair

• 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

8. BarberPub Retro-Style Salon Chair with Rivets

• 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

9. Artist Hand Salon Chair with Side Details

• 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

10. BestSalon Styling Heavy Duty Styling Chair

• 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

11. Artist Hand Classic Reclining Barber Chair

• 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

12. BarberPub Salon Chair with Removable Cushions

• 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

13. BarberPub Antique Style Barber Chair

• 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

14. Baasha Salon Chair with PU Leather and Gold

• 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

15. BarberPub Vintage Barber Chair 

• 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.