7 Things to Consider When Buying Barber Chairs

Finding the right set of barber chairs not only impacts your customers but your staff too. It should match your theme while still being comfortable with additional features, and durable, yet affordable. But when there’s so much to consider, where do you start?

This article will cover:

1. Barbershop theme
2. Comfort
3. Barber chair height
4. Durability
5. Barber chair cost
6. Amount
7. Barber chair maintenance

1. Barbershop Theme

Every barbershop should have a theme. Without this, how would you know what furniture to buy? In fact, a chair can tie all the features together, showcasing a well-thought-out barbershop theme.

Here are some popular barbershop themes to consider:

• Industrial
• Modern
• Old School
• Rock Music
• Sports
• Wall Street

Think classic white and black, bold primary colours and minimalistic neutrals. Once you know your preferred theme and colour scheme, you can start to pick out unique decor.

2. Comfort of the Barber Chair

Are you choosing a barber chair because of the theme or because it’s comfortable? We recommend both, and it’s certainly possible! Whether you have money and time to splurge on a customised chair or you need one from stock, you should consider these comfort points:

• Are the seat cushions plush?
• Can it fit all shapes and sizes?
• Do you need holsters?
• Does it recline?
• Is it adjustable?
• Should it have foot, head and armrests?
• Will it be comfortable for your barbers?
  

3. Barber Chair Height

Choosing the right barber chair height is the difference between a happy employee or one that strains their back all day. We recommend buying adjustable chairs ranging between 19.5 and 31 inches. This way, you can cater to all heights.

However, if you’re struggling to find adjustable chairs, consider multiple with different set height variations. These should cater for toddlers, children, teenagers and adults between three feet and six feet (91 cm and 183 cm) at the very least.

4. Durability of the Barber Chair

Is your barber chair durable? It must be suitable for multiple people of different weights everyday. It’s impossible to bypass wear and tear, but investing in a robust set of barber chairs will save you time and money in the long run.

With regular maintenance, many vintage chairs have stood the test of time, lasting for decades. While you may need to repair ripped fabric every few years, it removes the inconvenience and cost of buying a whole new set of chairs instead.

5. Barber Chair Cost

The average barber chair costs between £300 and £6,000. While the latter may seem expensive, it’s what the highest quality chair will cost. Whereas, renting a barber chair costs between £150 and £300 per week.

However, when you calculate buying a chair outright compared to renting, it’s much cheaper to buy a set. In fact, you can save thousands of pounds in just one year.

We recommend researching reputable brands and successful barber shops where you can determine your budget. A set of barber chairs may be where most of your budget goes as it’s the most important tool (besides the actual tools).

6. Amount of Barber Chairs

The overall amount of barber chairs you need depends on the:

• Amount of staff
• Services provided
• Size of your shop
• Success of your shop

There is no standard amount you must have, but we recommend buying at least two and no more than six. If you’re located in a prime location, more is better. However, if you’re surrounded by hairdressers and other barbershops, you may choose to start off small.

7. Barber Chair Maintenance

One of the most important factors to consider is barber chair maintenance. Your chairs are exposed to many people a day. It won’t just collect hair, but bacteria too.

The top three questions to consider are:

1. How Often Will You Clean Your Chairs?

You should clean your barber chairs everyday. For example, give them a quick wipe or sweep after every customer, but do a deep clean at the end of the day. Ensure all the hair has been binned or donated, and remove any stains and bacteria.

2. What Cleaning Supplies Will You Need?

We recommend buying the following cleaning supplies:

• Broom
• Warm and soapy water
• Microfibre cloth
• Polish

Do not use chemical cleaners as these can discolour and dry out leather and vinyl, which then cracks easier. After cleaning, polish your chair to keep it shining.

If you notice any oil leaking from the chair, you may have a problem with the hydraulic pump. In this case, you should clean the oil and take the chair out of service until it’s repaired. It’s also a good idea to have an annual service to reduce costly repairs.

3. And Who Is Going to Clean Them?

We understand you may not have multiple barbers working in your shop at the same time. If you’re not able to clean every chair, we recommend only keeping one in service.

Ultimately, each barber will have a preferred chair and they will take responsibility to clean it once their shift has finished, which is typically at the end of the day.

Invest in Durable Barber Chairs with PJS Beauty Salon Equipment

There’s nothing better than having a barber chair you know you can count on. At Beauty Salon Equipment, we supply only the finest chairs from REM. Our range suits a variety of themes, from sleek and businessy to retro and bold.

Our REM barber chairs are priced between just £1,065 and £1,200, offering you an efficient, yet affordable option. Whatever colour or feature you desire, our barber chairs have it. Place your order today or contact us with any questions.