Choosing the right salon styling chairs is about more than finding a design you love. Your chairs are used every day, so they need to look beautiful, feel comfortable and work well for both your clients and your stylists.

Whether you’re opening your first salon, replacing your existing furniture or planning a complete refurbishment, there are a few things worth considering before making your decision.

From comfort and functionality to upholstery, sizing and design, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about professional styling chairs to help you choose with confidence.

Contents: Your Styling Chair Questions Answered

Looking for something specific? Jump straight to the section you need.

1. What Is a Salon Styling Chair?
2. What Features Should You Look for in a Styling Chair?
3. What Makes a Salon Styling Chair Comfortable?
4. What Size Styling Chair Do You Need for Your Salon?
5. What Is the Best Upholstery for Salon Styling Chairs?
6. How Do You Choose the Right Styling Chair Colour and Design?
7. Where Can You Try Salon Styling Chairs Before Buying?

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1. What Is a Salon Styling Chair?

A salon styling chair, also known as a hairdressing chair, is a professional chair designed for cutting, colouring, blow-drying and styling hair.

Unlike an ordinary chair, a styling chair is designed to keep clients comfortable while allowing hairdressers to move around them and work at a suitable height.

Most professional styling chairs feature a padded seat, supportive backrest, armrests, a swivel function and an adjustable hydraulic base.

However, not all styling chairs are the same. Some offer additional cushioning, while others feature reclining backrests, adjustable headrests or different base designs.

The right chair will depend on the services you offer, the space available and the experience you want to create for your clients.

2. What Features Should You Look for in a Styling Chair?

When choosing a styling chair, think about how you’ll use it throughout a typical working day.

Features such as height adjustment, reclining functions and the chair’s base can all make a difference to how practical it is for your salon.

How Does a Hydraulic Styling Chair Work?

Most professional styling chairs feature a hydraulic pump, which allows the stylist to raise or lower the chair using a foot-operated pedal.

This makes it easier to position clients at a comfortable working height for different treatments, without the stylist constantly bending or stretching.

A smooth, reliable hydraulic mechanism is particularly important in busy salons where chairs are adjusted throughout the day.

What’s the Difference Between Hydraulic and Electric Styling Chairs?

Hydraulic chairs use a foot-operated pump to adjust the seat height, while electric chairs use powered motors to control certain movements.

For everyday cutting, colouring and blow-drying, hydraulic styling chairs offer practical functionality. However, electric chairs can provide additional positioning options, which may be useful for salons offering a wider range of services.

For example, the Hollie Electric Reclining Chair and the Cherri Electric Reclining Chair available at Salon Equipment Centre feature electrically adjustable backrests and leg rests, as well as an adjustable hydraulic lift base allowing the client’s position to be adjusted with ease. Both designs also feature padded armrests for additional comfort.

These features are worth considering if your salon offers treatments where clients benefit from being able to recline or adjust their seated position.

Do All Salon Styling Chairs Recline?

No, not all styling chairs recline.

Traditional styling chairs are designed to keep clients comfortably seated in an upright position during hair appointments.

Reclining chairs allow the backrest to move backwards, and some also feature integrated footrests or adjustable headrests.

A good example is the Lexi Reclining Chair, which features a reclining backrest, integrated footrest and an extendable, removable headrest.

This makes it a versatile option for businesses offering different services, as the chair can be adjusted to suit a variety of suitable treatments.

Does the Styling Chair Base Matter?

Yes! The base supports the chair and contributes to its stability, size and overall appearance.

Round and square bases are popular options. Round bases create a softer look, while square bases offer a more structured, contemporary finish.

Neither shape is automatically more stable than the other, as this depends on the base’s construction and dimensions.

Bases are also available in finishes such as black, chrome, silver and gold, helping you coordinate your chairs with your other salon furniture.

3. What Makes a Salon Styling Chair Comfortable?

Comfort should be one of your biggest priorities when choosing styling chairs.

Some clients may only be seated for a quick haircut, while others could spend several hours in the chair during colouring or hair extension appointments.

A comfortable styling chair should offer supportive cushioning, a suitable backrest and enough room for clients to sit comfortably throughout their visit.

Why Are Padding and Back Support Important?

The cushioning and shape of a styling chair can make a noticeable difference to how comfortable it feels.

Supportive padding is particularly beneficial during longer appointments, while the backrest helps support the client’s seated position.

Some chairs also feature additional cushioning around the lower back, known as lumbar support.

For example, the Ferni Styling Chair features deluxe padded cushioning and additional lumbar support, making it a great example of a design that prioritises client comfort.

Armrests and foot support are also worth considering, as they help clients maintain a relaxed seated position.

How Can Styling Chairs Improve Comfort for Hairdressers?

It’s not just your clients who benefit from a well-designed chair!

Hairdressers spend much of their working day standing and moving around clients, so choosing a chair with a suitable height adjustment range can make everyday appointments more comfortable.

The shape of the chair is also important. Very wide armrests or bulky backrests can make certain areas more difficult to access.

Ideally, your styling chairs should provide plenty of comfort for clients while allowing stylists to work efficiently.

Why Should You Try a Styling Chair Before Buying?

Comfort can be difficult to judge from photographs alone.

Sitting in a styling chair allows you to feel the cushioning, check the seat dimensions and see how supportive the backrest is.

You can also test the height adjustment and swivel function to get a better idea of how the chair will work in your salon.

That’s why visiting a showroom can be so beneficial, particularly when you’re comparing several different designs.

4. What Size Styling Chair Do You Need for Your Salon?

Before choosing your styling chairs, it’s important to consider the space available in your salon.

Your furniture needs to fit comfortably within your layout while leaving enough room for clients, stylists and everyday salon activity.

What Are the Standard Dimensions of a Styling Chair?

There isn’t one standard size for professional styling chairs.

Dimensions vary depending on the design, padding, armrests and base.

When comparing chairs, pay attention to the overall width, seat width, depth, height adjustment range and base dimensions.

Overall width includes the entire chair, including its armrests, while seat width refers to the actual space available for the client to sit.

Two chairs may look similar but offer very different seating space, so it’s always worth checking the measurements carefully.

You should also check the manufacturer’s recommended weight capacity to make sure the chair is suitable for its intended use.

How Much Space Should You Leave Between Styling Chairs?

There isn’t one measurement that works for every salon.

The right amount of space depends on your furniture, room layout and accessibility requirements.

Think about how your salon operates throughout the day.

Can your stylists move comfortably around each client? Is there enough room for a trolley? Can clients get in and out of their chairs easily?

Remember to consider the chair’s full dimensions, particularly if it swivels or reclines.

What Styling Chairs Work Best in Smaller Salons?

If you’re working with a smaller salon, choosing chairs with more compact dimensions can help you make better use of your space.

Look at the overall width, base dimensions and the room needed for stylists to move around each station.

A more streamlined design may help create a spacious, practical layout without compromising on comfort.

Planning your styling stations before purchasing furniture is a great way to make sure everything works together.

5. What Is the Best Fabric for Salon Styling Chairs?

Salon styling chairs need to look beautiful, but they also need to handle everyday salon life.

Hair dye, styling products, loose hair and occasional spills are all worth considering when choosing upholstery.

Why Is Vinyl Upholstery Practical for Salons?

Vinyl is a popular choice for professional styling chairs because its smooth, wipeable surface makes everyday cleaning more straightforward.

Compared with many absorbent woven fabrics, suitable vinyl upholstery is generally easier to wipe down and maintain.

This makes it a practical choice for busy salons where furniture is used throughout the day.

The quality of the upholstery is just as important, so choosing materials designed for professional salon use is always worth considering.

Are White and Ivory Styling Chairs Practical?

Light-coloured styling chairs are a popular choice for creating bright, modern and luxurious salon interiors.

However, it’s understandable that salon owners may worry about staining, particularly when working with hair colour.

White, ivory and beige chairs can still be practical with the right care.

Cleaning spills promptly, using suitable cleaning products and protecting upholstery during colouring treatments can all help maintain their appearance.

Darker chairs may disguise some marks more easily, but they still need regular cleaning.

Ultimately, it’s about choosing a colour you love while considering how your furniture will be used.

How Do You Clean and Maintain Salon Styling Chairs?

Regular cleaning helps keep your styling chairs looking their best.

Remove loose hair and product residue between clients as appropriate, and use cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer.

If hair dye comes into contact with the upholstery, deal with it promptly and follow the appropriate cleaning guidance.

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools unless they’re approved for the material, as these can cause damage or discolouration.

It’s also worth checking the armrests, seams, base and hydraulic mechanism regularly for signs of wear.

A consistent cleaning and maintenance routine can help preserve your furniture’s appearance and functionality.

Keep Your Styling Chairs Looking Their Best

Chair covers are a simple way to protect your furniture from hair colour, styling products and everyday spills, helping to prevent stains and keep your chairs looking their best for longer.

Using protective covers during colouring treatments, alongside regular cleaning and maintenance, can help extend the lifespan of your styling chairs and keep your salon looking fresh and professional.

At Salon Equipment Centre, we also offer an exclusive replacement seat pad service for selected styling chairs, allowing you to refresh worn or damaged upholstery without replacing the entire chair. It’s a simple way to extend the lifespan of your furniture and keep your salon looking its best for years to come!

6. How Do You Choose the Right Styling Chair Colour and Design?

Your styling chairs play a big part in your salon’s overall appearance.

Alongside your mirrors, backwash units and reception furniture, they help create the atmosphere your clients experience when they visit.

Choosing the right colours and finishes is a great opportunity to reflect your salon’s branding and create a coordinated interior.

What Colour Styling Chairs Should You Choose?

The best colour depends on your salon’s existing décor, branding and the atmosphere you want to create.

Ivory, beige and neutral tones can create a bright, minimal and welcoming space.

Black styling chairs offer a timeless, contemporary look, while warmer colours such as caramel, mocha and chocolate brown can introduce depth and warmth.

Metal finishes can also make a difference.

Gold creates a warm, luxurious appearance, while black, chrome and silver offer different design possibilities.

When choosing your chairs, think about how the upholstery and base finishes will complement your other furniture.

Should Your Styling Chairs Match Your Backwash Units?

Coordinating your styling chairs and backwash units is a great way to create a consistent salon interior.

Matching upholstery colours, stitching details or metal finishes can help bring different areas of your salon together.

However, your furniture doesn’t necessarily need to be identical.

Complementary colours and contrasting finishes can work just as well, allowing you to create a more individual design while maintaining a cohesive appearance.

Can You Customise Salon Styling Chairs?

Yes! Many professional styling chairs can be customised to suit your preferred design.

Depending on the model, options may include different upholstery colours, metal finishes, base styles and stitching details.

At Salon Equipment Centre, our Design Studio offers access to over 100 fabric colours, alongside a variety of metal finishes and bespoke furniture options.

This means you’re not necessarily limited to the standard colours you see online, giving you more freedom to create furniture that complements your salon’s interior.

Why Should You Order Fabric Samples?

Colours can look different on a screen compared with how they appear in person.

Lighting, surrounding materials and screen settings can all affect how a particular shade looks.

Viewing fabric samples allows you to compare colours, feel the upholstery and see how different finishes work alongside your existing furniture.

At Salon Equipment Centre, you can request fabric samples or explore colour options in person through our Design Studio.

7. Where Can You Try Salon Styling Chairs Before Buying?

Choosing styling chairs online is a great place to start, but visiting a showroom gives you the opportunity to experience the furniture before making your decision.

Photographs and measurements are useful, but they can’t always show you how comfortable a chair feels, how smoothly it adjusts or how a particular upholstery colour looks in real life.

Why Is Visiting a Salon Furniture Showroom Beneficial?

Visiting a showroom allows you to compare different styling chairs in person.

You can sit in the chairs, test the hydraulic adjustment, feel the upholstery and explore different colours and finishes.

It’s also an opportunity to see how styling chairs work alongside mirrors, backwash units and other furniture, helping you visualise your own salon layout.

At Salon Equipment Centre, our showroom in Lutterworth, Leicestershire, features a wide selection of professional salon furniture, with styled spaces designed to help you explore different interior possibilities.

You can also visit our Design Studio to discover bespoke colours, materials and finishes.

Our showroom is open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with no appointment needed.

Can You View Styling Chairs Without Visiting in Person?

If you’re unable to visit our showroom, you can also arrange a virtual showroom tour.

This allows you to explore our furniture remotely, ask questions and take a closer look at different styling chair designs.

Whether you’re planning a new salon or updating your existing space, seeing the different options can help you make a more informed decision.

Explore our range of salon styling chairs at Salon Equipment Centre and discover furniture designed to combine comfort, practicality, quality and style.