Barber Chair Key Terms

Stay above the cut by learning barber chair terms

By Jennifer Ehlenfeldt, Freelance Writer

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.

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