TAKE A SEAT

FROM DURABILITY AND DESIGN TO COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY, HERE’S HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHAIR FOR YOUR CLIENT

The barber chair is the hardest working piece of furniture in your barbershop, so keeping it well-oiled and clean is essential to ensuring its longevity. According to Katie Fielder at Takara Belmont, the first priorities when purchasing a new chair should be quality, reliability and comfort. “The barbershop is a demanding environment; barber chairs endure continuous use, and they are central to every service. Damaged, broken or out-of-service chairs lose barbers money with downtime, and it’s often difficult to service or get parts for cheaper chairs, not to mention the reputational damage this causes.”

Durability, and functionality should also be top of your list, says Lauren Sillence from Salon Supplies. “Look for quality cushioning and a smooth hydraulic pump. Make sure it fits your shop’s style and space, with features like an adjustable headrest and footrest for client comfort. Lastly, choose a reputable brand with good reviews to ensure long-term performance.”

Whether the barbershop is open or closed the barber chair should be the centrepiece of any shop design. “The barber chair should combine form and function,” explains Lisa Feleppa from Comfortel. “Its job is to make everyday services seamless and more professional.”

Finding the model that suits your environment best is key, as clients increasingly visit the barbershop for more than great hair. Nowadays, they want to relax, enhance their well-being and experience a wider range of services including facials, head massage and even hair colouring and nail treatments. Katie shares:

“For me, a barber chair has to look good, but also support my body throughout the day. It needs to feel solid, move smoothly, and let me work without strain. Comfort and adjustability are non-negotiable – both for my client and for myself after a long day.”

“Comfort is key to a happy client while ensuring your chairs can accommodate new service opportunities and allow for menu expansion. Your interior design or theme will also influence your choice, as the chair’s aesthetic needs to complement your setting and colour scheme. Make sure your chairs offer a wide range of functions and additional options that reflect the quality of service you want to provide for a more tailored grooming experience.”

Five of the Best

TAKE A LOOK AT FIVE OF THE BEST CHAIRS ON THE MARKET RIGHT NOW

The Comfortel Batman Barber Chair is a blend of modern matte black upholstery and metal finishes for those looking for something contemporary and traditional.

£849 +VAT

The Scorpion Orebro Barber Chair, available at Alan Howard, includes a fully reclining backrest, an adjustable headrest, a lockable hydraulic pump and a sturdy round black base for stability.

£650 +VAT

The Apollo 2 by Takara Belmont is a classic chair featuring a range of optional features, such as an armrest-ashtray, shave bowl and ring, and a classic heel rest.

From £2550

The Lotus Alpha Wireless Barber Chair from Salons Direct is built for comfort and style. The fully reclining back and leg support and height adjustment makes this a versatile chair.

£1099 +VAT

The Karisma Bernmann from Salon Supplies has a reclining backrest and synchronised footrest, headrest with adjustable height and is also available as the Bernmann Lift with motorised footrest.

£3506 +VAT

IN THE CHAIR

FROM HYDRAULICS TO HEADRESTS, EVERY PART OF A BARBER CHAIR PLAYS A ROLE IN COMFORT, FUNCTION, AND STYLE. WE BREAK DOWN THE FEATURES TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING YOUR CHAIR

There are many elements to consider when selecting a barber chair for your shop. According to Georgia Catharall at Salons Direct, barbers should look for features that enhance both client comfort and daily workflow. “A great barber chair strikes the right balance between comfort, functionality, and durability. It should look good, perform smoothly, and support a full day’s work without compromise. Key elements include a smooth reclining mechanism, adjustable headrest, height adjustability, and a reliable footrest. These features not only help create a more comfortable experience for clients, but they also support the barber’s posture and efficiency throughout the day.”

She adds: “A 360-degree lockable rotation can also improve accessibility and control during services. Durability, ease of cleaning, and overall design should also be considered - after all, the chair is the focal point of any barbershop.”