How to choose the right styling chair for your salon
The wash unit is often considered the most important piece of furniture in a salon. But if you think about it, your clients usually spend more time in a styling chair. Choosing the right chair is therefore about much more than style—it’s about striking the right balance between comfort, ergonomics, practicality, and design.
Client comfort is key. A chair with the right proportions, supportive padding, and a comfortable backrest helps clients feel relaxed throughout their appointment. Armrests add to their sense of wellbeing and make it easier for them to shift position when needed. Temperature also plays a role: a more enclosed chair will retain warmth, while an open chair feels cooler. Consider your climate and the atmosphere of your salon—do you keep the temperature high or low, and are you in a warmer or colder environment? These factors all affect how comfortable your clients feel.
For the hairdresser, the styling chair is a tool that directly impacts how you work. A smooth swivel base gives freedom of movement around the client, while hydraulic height adjustment is essential for working at the correct level. Being able to raise or lower the chair easily reduces strain on your back and shoulders and helps conserve energy throughout the day. Always check the height range of the chair, as pumps can be changed if the standard range doesn’t suit your needs. Just as important is how the client is positioned. A well-designed styling chair keeps them upright and centred so that you have clear access to the hair. Back height should also be considered: too high and it can restrict access, too low and the client may not feel supported. A brake on the base is another valuable feature, allowing you to lock the chair in place so the client remains steady while you work. When the client sits securely, the stylist avoids unnecessary stretching, bending, or adjusting—making every service smoother for both.
Practical considerations are also worth keeping in mind. The weight of the chair should feel balanced: heavy enough to be stable and safe, but light enough to move when the salon needs cleaning or reorganisation. The base design—whether round, square, or star—affects both stability and how the chair fits within your space. Ease of cleaning also depends on the chair’s shape. Smooth, simple lines make wiping down quicker, while gaps between the seat and backrest or under the armrests can make it easier to push out hair instead of it getting trapped. These small details save time day-to-day and help keep the salon tidy.
Colour choice is more important than many people realise. The shade of your salon chair is part of your brand identity. Neutral tones create a timeless, professional look, while bold colours make a statement and reinforce personality. Maintenance comes into play here too. Darker colours require less attention, while lighter finishes brighten a space but may need more regular cleaning. High-quality upholstery will help the chair keep its appearance for longer, and chair covers can also be a useful accessory in busy salons.
In the end, the styling chair is far more than just a seat. It is a tool that supports the creativity of the stylist, shapes the client’s experience, and reflects the identity of the salon. By paying attention to comfort, ergonomics, positioning, practicality, and design, you are not just buying a piece of furniture—you are investing in the quality, efficiency, and reputation of your salon.