The best barber chairs on the market

Barber chairs are a big part of the experience of visiting a barber shop. They ensure that your clients are comfortable and that you can deliver the best barber services for your clients.

Let's take a closer look at some of the best barber chairs on the market and everything you need to know to choose the one that's right for you.

 

What is a barbers chair?

A barber's chair is a specialised piece of furniture used in barbershops and hair salons for providing grooming services to clients. It's designed to offer comfort, functionality, and adjustability for the barber or stylist and the person receiving the service.

 

What are barber chairs used for?

A barbers chair is a specialised chair designed for barbershops or hair salons. They're an important part of salon equipment designed to be comfortable, adjustable and beneficial for haircuts and hairstyling. Not only are they there for the client's comfort, but they're also there to support your comfort as a barber.

Barber chairs often come with adjustable heights and positioning, cushioned seats and armrests to provide comfort to clients during longer haircuts or grooming sessions. Many chairs also have headrests for added support. They usually feature hydraulic or manual mechanisms so that you can position the client in the best way for services like hair cutting, shaving or beard trimming.

They're usually made with sturdy materials to ensure stability and safety for the client and the stylist. They often have a heavy base to prevent tipping, too. Some might have extra features like swivel capabilities, footrests and even built-in massagers for added comfort and convenience.

 

Do you actually need a barber's chair?

The necessity of a barber's chair depends on the type of grooming services you intend to offer and the standards you wish to maintain in your barbershop or salon. While a specialised barber's chair isn't an absolute requirement for grooming services, it's usually better for your clients, comfort, and business. They usually make your job easier, and your salon space looks more professional, too.

Chairs designed specifically for grooming services and barbering often prioritise safety and ergonomics, reducing the risk of strain or discomfort for both the client and the barber. This can also be important in your consultation process and barber shop insurance.

While it's possible to perform grooming services without a dedicated barber's chair, using one can enhance the quality of service and contribute to a more comfortable and efficient experience for both the service provider and the client.

 

History of the barber's chair

Barbershop chairs have a history dating back to the late 1800s when the introduction of hydraulic pumps led to the first adjustable and reclining chairs. These innovations made barbering more comfortable for barbers and customers, transforming barbershops into social hubs. Brands like Theo A. Kochs, Emil J. Paidar, and Koken were pioneers in crafting these chairs, known for their ornate designs and durability.

Over time, barber chairs evolved with modern features while preserving their classic style. They gained swivel capabilities, electric motors for easier adjustments, and improved ergonomics. Despite these updates, antique barber chairs retain their vintage charm and remain popular for reflecting the rich history and tradition of barbering. Today, barber chairs are an important part of barbershops, blending old-school nostalgia with modern functionality.

 

How to choose the right barber chair

Choosing the right barber chair is important for the comfort of your clients and the efficiency of your work as a barber. Here's what to think about when you're choosing a barber's chair for your salon or barber shop:

• Comfort: look for chairs with cushioning, including a padded seat, backrest and armrests. A comfortable chair means your clients are at ease during longer grooming sessions
• Adjustability: choose a chair that's easily adjustable in height and can be reclined. Hydraulic or manual mechanisms allow you to position the chair to a comfortable working height and angle for different services
• Durable, sturdy materials and stability: a good barber chair isn't cheap, but choose wisely, and it can last a long time. A heavy and robust base prevents tipping, providing safety for the client and the barber
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance: choose chairs made of materials that are easy to clean and maintain. Leather or vinyl upholstery tends to be easier to wipe down and sanitise after each use
• Budget: a wide range of chairs are available, so finding one that balances your budget with your needs is important

It's also important to think about the style and aesthetics of your barber shop and whether you want any extra features in your chair, like a headrest or a massage chair. This will depend on the services you offer and what your clients want.

Before making a purchase, it's useful to test the chair in person if you can. Reading reviews or getting recommendations from other barbers and salon owners can also help you make an informed decision.

 

Common mistakes when it comes to barber chairs

There are some common mistakes to watch out for when it comes to choosing a barber chair. While it can be tempting to go for something that looks good in your barber shop, sometimes this means that you don't get the best chair. It's style over substance, which can mean you end up paying out twice or with clients complaining about discomfort.

Not considering the range of adjustability can be a mistake. Chairs that don't have the proper height adjustment or reclining capabilities might limit your ability to comfortably work with clients, affecting the quality of your services. Your health is important, especially when you have a physical job.

We've already mentioned that budget is important, but focusing on finding the cheapest option can only lead to chairs that aren't the best quality. You know the old saying "buy cheap and buy twice"? This can definitely be the case when investing in salon and barber shop equipment.

Some chairs might have complicated cleaning or maintenance requirements. Chairs with hard-to-clean upholstery or intricate mechanisms can be challenging to maintain, leading to more cleaning and adjusting time. It might not sound like a big deal, but over time can get frustrating. Read reviews, try some out and get some recommendations.

Another easily avoided mistake is ensuring that your chair fits in your space. Just spend 10 minutes or so measuring up before you order. Map out how it would fit into the space if your barbering area is tight on space. Some chairs might be bulkier or larger than expected—it's better to realise that before you order than when it arrives.

 

The best barber chairs on the market

Choosing the best barber chairs can vary based on individual preferences, needs and budget. Here are five barber chairs from reputable brands known for their quality and features:

 

Takara Belmont Legacy 95 Barber Chair

The Takara Belmont Legacy 95 is a classic, high-quality chair with a vintage aesthetic. It features plush cushioning, reclining capabilities, an adjustable headrest and a durable hydraulic base.

Advantages: It's known for its durability, comfort and timeless design. The chair's hydraulic system is smooth and reliable.

Disadvantages: This chair has a higher price point than others. It might be heavier and bulkier than modern designs, potentially occupying more space.

 

Collins Commander Barber Chair

The Collins Commander is a sleek, modern chair with an adjustable headrest, reclining capabilities and durable construction. It often comes with customisable options for upholstery colours and finishes, so it blends style with functionality really well.

Advantages: This chair has a contemporary design with customisable options. It's known for its durability and comfort, with smooth adjustment mechanisms.

Disadvantages: Some users might find the headrest adjustment less intuitive, and the price is a little higher compared to basic models.

 

Pibbs 662 King Barber Chair

The Pibbs 662 King is a versatile chair featuring a reclining backrest, adjustable headrest and durable hydraulic base. It's designed for comfort and durability.

Advantages: This chair offers a good balance between quality and affordability, so it tends to be a pretty good all-rounder. It's also known for its sturdy construction and comfort for clients.

Disadvantages: Some people might find the padding slightly firmer than desired, but this might be a plus point for others. It lacks some additional features found in higher-end models.

 

Belvedere Plush All-Purpose Chair

The Belvedere Plush chair is a multifunctional chair suitable for various salon services, including barbering. It offers reclining capabilities, adjustable headrest and durable construction.

Advantages: This chair has plenty of versatility for different salon services. It's also known for its comfort and durability while offering a classic design suitable for different salon settings.

Disadvantages: This chair doesn't have some of the more advanced features found in specialised barber chairs. It might have a higher price tag due to its multifunctionality.

 

REM Emperor Barber Chair

The REM Emperor chair is known for its modern design, ergonomic comfort, reclining capabilities and adjustable headrest. It often comes with various customisation options.

Advantages: This chair has a contemporary design with customisable features. It also offers comfort and durability with smooth adjustment mechanisms for you and your client.

Disadvantages: Higher price point compared to basic models. Some users might find assembly more complex compared to other chairs.

 

Where to buy barber chairs from?

Barber chairs can be bought from different places, including specialised salon equipment suppliers, online retailers and even directly from manufacturers. Trade shows, industry events and local distributors or wholesalers can also be a great choice when it comes to offers, discounts and convenient delivery.

When buying barber chairs, it's important to consider factors such as warranty, return policies, shipping costs and customer service. Additionally, reading reviews, comparing prices, and evaluating the features of different chairs can help you decide what's right for your business, your clients and your health.

 

Specialist barber insurance through Ripe

Now that you know how to choose the best barber chair, you may want to get specialist insurance to protect your equipment and business. 

Specialist barber insurance arranged by Ripe includes up to £10m Public and Products Liability cover and up to £5m Treatment Risk cover as standard. You can also add cover for your equipment up to the value of £250k, so you don’t have to replace it out of your own pocket if it’s damaged or stolen. 

Discover more about how we can help here, or get an instant online quote today.