While there are many costs involved in running a salon or barber shop, the pricing and costs of barber chairs are top among the budget considerations. While it is a sizable initial investment, quality barber and salon chairs will return the investment in durability and ease of use. Though the size of salons and barber shops vary, the average number of chairs for a salon is five. Depending on the client volume and staff available, a barber shop may be able to succeed with less.

As with any major purchase, there are many factors that play into the pricing of barber shop chairs and styling chairs. There are a variety of options that will enhance the functionality of the barber equipment, while others will enhance the visual appeal of the chair. Some of the options that affect the pricing and costs of barber chairs are:

1. Are the adjustments made via hydraulics or electric?
2. How elaborate is the style of the salon or barber chair?
3. Is the chair new or used?
   

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Decide between barber chairs with hydraulic or electric bases

The majority of barber chairs are adjusted via hydraulic pumps and usually run between $150 to $1000 for hydraulic salon chairs and $700-2000 for hydraulic barber chairs. Choosing a motorized base will increase this range, on average, from $1000 to $2000 dollars. When choosing between these options, take maintenance costs, such as motor repair, into account.

I recommend: Iowa Beauty & Barber Supply offers a variety of barber chairs with both standard and motorized bases. Keller International offers affordable barber chairs with both electric and hydraulic bases.

Choose salon chairs with style options that fit your budget

This is an area where you can really control the price of your barbershop or beauty salon chair. Simple styles with vinyl upholstery can start in the $100 to $200 range. More elaborate options such as leather upholstery wood paneling, or artistic design can increase that base price from $500 to $2000, depending on the options chosen.

I recommend: A wide selection of unique and reasonably priced salon and barber chairs can be found Salon Equipment USA. For some of the highest quality professional salon and barbershop furniture, the industry turns to Takara Belmont and Belvedere.

Consider purchasing used barber chairs and salon chairs

Buying gently used salon equipment can be a cost-effective option to acquire high end chairs at drastically reduced prices. If you have access to affordable maintenance services, you can make the most of this option by purchasing chairs needing rehabilitating for even lower prices. Be sure to research any used barber chair suppliers before purchasing and make sure to ask for additional information and pictures to ensure you have full disclosure of the condition of the item.

I recommend: American Beauty Equipment and Wholesale Salon Equipment both offer an ever-changing inventory of quality used salon and barber chairs, including models from trusted companies such as Belvedere.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When comparing costs, pay close attention to the quality of the styling of barber chairs for sale. Though you may save money in the initial investment, if the chair doesn't withstand daily use, you will be incurring replacement costs down the road.

Barber chairs are a big investment, but one that will last your salon a long time. If you buy a high-quality, dependable beauty salon chair, there will be no need to replace it anytime soon. Selecting the right cutting chair isn't as easy as picking out the best-looking one, though. There are many factors that go into this decision.

Keep in mind:

1. Barber chairs are among the first thing your customers will notice when they walk in the door.
2. You should choose a beauty salon chair that's functional, comfortable and eye-pleasing.
3. There are hair cutting chairs that fit every budget, whether you're starting a new salon or redecorating a world-renowned one.

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Determine how many barber chairs you need

You may be starting a salon with six stylists lined up or you're planning to work out of your home. Either way, given the cost of salon chairs, you want to buy as many as you need and not any more.

I recommend: Cache Beauty.com and Beauty Design.com offer several styles of barber chairs for sale and other barber equipment you'll need for your business.

Choose between motorized and non-motorized styling chairs

It isn't only the exterior style of a beauty salon chair that sets it apart from others. It's the way it's made. Some hydraulic styling chairs have a footrest raise. Others have the classic hand pump. Then there are motorized styling chairs. You can recline these with the push of a button. But, beware--they will cost you more.

I recommend: Check out Bowman Beauty's selection of barber chairs for sale. They have styles for every salon and budget. Ideal Salons also sells hydraulic lift beauty salon chairs.

Decide what style barber chair would fit in with your motif

Is your salon sleek and modern? Maybe it's a throwback to the barber shops of your grandfather's time. Or, maybe it's geared toward kids' cuts. You can find a cutting chair for every motif and use. Some barber shop suppliers will customize barber chairs, too. If you want a red seat, orange back and blue arm rests, no problem.

I recommend: Factory Direct Impact Incorporated creates custom-designed barber chairs. Iowa Beauty & Barber Supply has 60 styles of barber chairs for sale. They range from classic to funky. Choose vinyl colors here.

Figure out how much money you can spend on barber equipment

Barber shop chairs can be considered one of the most costly investments you'll make. They can range from as little as a few hundred dollars to as much several thousand dollars. It all depends on the look and function you desire.Look for discounts if you buy multiple barber chairs. Some companies will throw in free shipping.

I recommend: Bowman Beauty Supply sells salon chairs and other barber equipment. The company offers free shipping for purchases over $50. Buy-Rite Salon and Spa Equipment stocks more than a dozen styles of barber shop chairs. All are priced below list value. Factory Direct Import Incorporated claims to have the most competitive prices on salon chairs.

Order shampoo or dryer chairs if needed

Shampoo chairs have adjustable backs and allow your clients to lean back into the shampoo bowl. Some even have food rests. There are several different types of dryer chairs. You can buy stand-alone chairs, those with the dryer attached, or stand-alone dryers.

I recommend: Daytona Beauty sells shampoo and dryer chairs. CCI Beauty sells a variety of barbering equipment, including salon chairs, shampoo and dryer chairs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Know that you may have to wait up to six weeks for barbering equipment to be delivered. If you're in a rush, go with a barber chair supplier who can get the product out the door faster.

Barber and salon chairs are an essential, but often overlooked, fixture in today's barber shops and salons. However, in today's saturated market of franchise hair salons, you need to have something to attract clients away from the cookie cutter atmosphere of the chains. An individualized decor centered around unique salon or barber chairs will be a great start to making your business memorable for your customers.

Making the most of barber chairs means, first and foremost, knowing the target demographic for your business. While creating a certain feel may attract one area of the population, it may alienate another. Assess the trends in your area, as well as your own personality, and furnish your business accordingly. When looking for barber or styling chairs to create a certain feel, take the following into consideration:

1. Look for custom designs for a modern or cutting edge feel.
2. Use vintage barber chairs to create a nostalgic atmosphere.
3. Utilize bonus features to give customers added comfort.
   

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Find custom and designer barber equipment and chairs to create a one of a kind look

A designer or custom barber or beauty salon chair can bring a edgy and memorable feel to your business that perfectly fits your personal vision. Some custom salon and barber chair suppliers also offer design services to help customize your entire salon layout.

I recommend: Salon Interiors provides comprehensive services for design and production of both furnishings and decor to achieve a complete look for your salon or barber shop. Interstate Design Industries offers a wide range of unique salon chair designs.

Look for vintage barber chairs for sale to attract nostalgia-loving customers

Aside from benefiting from the possible price breaks when buying used barber chairs, vintage barber chairs can give older customers a sense of comfort and familiarity and have a retro draw for the younger customers that enjoy the vintage scene. They have the added benefit of proven durability.

I recommend: Online antique sites, such as The Antique Advertiser, are great places to look for vintage chairs. You can also look for individual collectors and restorers, such as "Jim the Barber" on Alexisonline, who buys, sells and restores antique barber chairs.

Look for salon and barber shop chairs with unique features

Unique services along with a unique look will also not only bring the customers in, but keep them coming back. Chairs with options like massage and heated foot rests take the customer's comfort experience to the next level.

I recommend: Find barber chairs with luxurious features such as HBNY Marcus Barber Chair with Massage from Pure Spa Direct and the Regalo II from Takara Belmont, which offers back massage and heated foot rests.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't stop halfway. The impact of the perfect barber chair selection will fall flat if the surrounding atmosphere is bland and unmemorable. Use your choice of barber or salon chair to inspire your work stations and salon decor to get the full effect of your desired look and impact.

You may not give much thought to the barber chair sitting in the middle of your salon, but the chair is actually one of the most important aspects of any styling business. Buy the wrong chair and your clients may look elsewhere the next time they need a haircut.
Learn the basics when it comes to barber chairs, and find out what to look for in chair design and comfort. Using the key terms in a search for the best fit barber chair for your business can help save you time and money.

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Swivel

The simple term 'swivel' refers to how a barber chair rotates on its base. Barber chair swivels aren't all created equal. Some rotate 360- degrees, while others have a 180-degree swivel, or adjustable swivel location.

I recommend: Read the explanation and view the example of the swivel barber chair at SoldSmart.com.

Hydraulic base

Barber chairs are usually height-adjustable. The adjusting can be done mechanically, electronically or hydraulically. The hydraulic base is a mechanism on the base of the chair that allows the stylist to push a lever on the chair up and down, which raises and lowers the chair.

I recommend: View the example and definition of the hydraulic-base barber chair at Iowa Beauty.

Removable headrest

The removable headrest is simply a headrest that can be taken off the chair, for easier access to the client's head. Removable headrests usually slip on and off quite easily.

I recommend: Review the removable headrest option and view the explanation of a removable headrest at Factory Direct Import.

Booster

The booster is a seat add-on made to raise the height of the seat for short clients, such as children. Booster seats are designed in sleek styles to match your barber chair and fit on it without slippage for safety.

I recommend: View the booster seat and read details about it at SalonGuys.com.

Recline

'Reclining' is defined as lying back. In the barber chair world, a reclining chair is very important for the stylist using the chair at a washing station. A chair that reclines is also important for barbers who will be shaving men's faces.

I recommend: View the recline chair at Takara Belmont.

Base

The base of the barber chair is the part of the chair that sits on the floor. The size of the base is very important because it is what stabilizes the chair.

I recommend: Read the information about barber chair bases at Keller International, which designs and manufacturers barber chairs along with other salon items.