How to choose the right styling chair

Styling chairs: Good ergonomics for the hairdresser

We are talking about the styling chair – the one the customer sits in while you cut, colour, or style. The choice of chair is crucial for your own working environment: If the chair is too high or clumsy, you can quickly feel it in your back and shoulders. Many newly trained hairdressers actually give up early in their careers because they strain their bodies incorrectly every day. Here are five points to watch out for – and finally an important note about the footrest!

Rule of thumb

If you want the short version, you should find a chair where you think "aaaahhhh – this is a good stance". If you stand and feel discomfort, the chair is not right for you.

1. Seat height: 38-42 cm are the magic numbers

A big mistake is choosing a chair that cannot go low enough. Measure from the floor to the top edge of the seat: For most hairdressers, it should be adjustable down to 38-42 cm. If the seat has an angle, it is a matter of judgement – but remember: better too low than too high. Are you over 185 cm tall? Then do not hesitate to ask for a different pump or a higher pump. With us, you can get exactly the pump that suits you best.

2. Narrow and angled backrest – especially for long hair

If you work a lot with long hair, a narrow and angled backrest can make a huge difference. Why? Because the hair can fall freely over the chair’s backrest without hitting it. A narrow backrest also makes it easier to get close to the customer, so you do not overstretch your neck, back, or shoulders.

3. Avoid genuine leather for professional use

Although genuine leather may seem exclusive, it is rarely suitable for the daily wear and tear in a salon. Spilled products, water, and repeated use quickly wear out genuine leather. Only very few (and often very expensive) barber chairs are specially made in genuine leather that can withstand the tough environment. For most hairdressers, a durable artificial leather is both more practical and budget-friendly.

Rosie – a good all-round styling chair

If you want something affordable with solid ergonomics, take a look at Rosie from Australian Comfortel Furniture. Rosie has:

• Good seat height
• Narrow and angled backrest
• Relatively compact design

A real “go-to” chair for many salons that do not want to compromise on comfort. Shop Rosie right here.

Thea – perhaps the perfect styling chair

If you want top quality and a huge selection of covers (more than 30 colours!), Thea from Japanese Takara Belmont is a super good choice.

• Comes down to 3 cm seat height
• Narrow, angled backrest
• Wide seat, but compact design
• The highest quality in the industry

In short: Thea is made for the discerning hairdresser who wants ergonomics, luxury, and design in one chair. Shop Thea right here.

Harp – my personal favourite :)

Harp from Takara Belmont is my personal favourite chair. It is the chair that makes all our visitors say "OMG f*** it’s gorgeous". Of course, it is also one of the most expensive models we offer and it is certainly not for every salon.

If you are curious, you can read more right here, or visit us to try the chair.

Remember the footrest: Built-in or separate?

Last but not least, you should consider the footrest. Should it be built-in or separate?

Built-in footrest

• Advantage: All in one chair, the customer experiences a sleek chair, and you avoid adjusting the footrest on the floor
• Advantage: You can more easily turn the chair for the customer. Before, during, and after the treatment.
• Advantage: You avoid possibly having to screw into the floor or wall.
• Disadvantage: Harder to replace or adjust later if your needs change. Most models are, however, removable if you change your mind.

   

Separate footrest

• Advantage: You can move it around yourself, easy to replace, and easy to remove if not needed.
• Disadvantage: Can be in the way in a small floor area, and you must ensure it does not slide around on the floor.
• Disadvantage: Often needs to be mounted in the floor or wall with screws.

Try Denmark’s largest selection at Just Add People

Are you unsure which styling chair suits you best? Come by our showroom, where you can try Denmark’s largest selection of styling chairs – and get personal advice on everything from pump choice to cover colours. We help you find the perfect chair so you can avoid pain and keep your career going for many, many years.

In brief

1. Seat height should be adjustable down to 38-42 cm.
2. Narrow and angled backrest is especially good for long hair.
3. No genuine leather for professional daily use.
4. Consider a built-in or separate footrest.
5. “Rosie” is your budget-friendly but ergonomic choice – “Thea” is the ultimate combination of comfort, quality, and design.