How to choose the right styling chair

Styling chairs: Good ergonomics for the hairdresser

We’re talking about the styling chair — the one the client sits in while you cut, colour, or style. The chair you choose matters for your own working conditions: if the chair is too high or awkward, you’ll feel it fast in your back and shoulders. A lot of newly qualified hairdressers actually quit early in their career because they strain their body the wrong way every day. Here are five things to watch for — and at the end, an important note about the footrest!

Rule of thumb

If you just want the short version, then you should find a chair that makes you think: “aaaahhhh — I can stand well here.” If you’re standing there feeling discomfort, the chair isn’t the right one for you.

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

A big mistake is choosing a chair that can’t go low enough. Measure from the floor to the top of the seat: for most hairdressers, it should adjust down to 38–42 cm. If the seat is angled, it depends — but remember: better too low than too high. Are you over 185 cm tall? Then don’t hesitate to ask about a different pump or a higher pump. With us, you can get exactly the pump that suits you best.

2. Narrow, angled backrest — especially for long hair

If you work a lot with long hair, a narrow, angled backrest can make a huge difference. Why? Because the hair can fall freely down over the back of the chair without touching the backrest. A narrow backrest also makes it easier to get close to the client, so you don’t overreach your neck, back, or shoulders.

3. Avoid genuine leather for professional use

Even though genuine leather can look exclusive, it’s rarely suited to the daily wear in a salon. Spilled products, water, and repeated use quickly wear genuine leather out. Only a few (and often very expensive) barber chairs are specially made in genuine leather that can handle the tough environment. For most hairdressers, a hard-wearing faux leather is both more practical and kinder on the budget.

Rosie — a good all-round styling chair

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

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

A real go-to chair for many salons that don’t want to compromise on comfort. Shop Rosie right here.

Thea — perhaps the perfect styling chair

If you want top quality and a huge range of upholstery (more than 30 colours!), Thea from Japanese Takara Belmont is a really great choice.

• Goes all the way down to a 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 picky 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’s the chair that makes all our visitors say “OMG f*** it’s gorgeous.” Of course, it’s also one of the most expensive models we offer, and it’s definitely not for every salon.

If you’re 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 client experiences a clean-looking chair, and you don’t have to adjust the footrest on the floor
• Advantage: You can turn the chair more easily for the client. Before, during, and after the treatment.
• Advantage: You avoid having to screw into the floor or wall.
• Disadvantage: Harder to replace or adapt later if your needs change. Most models are removable, though, if you change your mind.

   

Separate footrest

• Advantage: You can move it around yourself, easy to replace, and easy to remove if it’s not needed.
• Disadvantage: Can get in the way in a small floor area, and you need to make sure it doesn’t slide around on the floor.
• Disadvantage: Often needs to be mounted to the floor or wall with screws.

Try Denmark’s biggest selection at Just Add People

Not sure which styling chair suits you best? Drop by our showroom, where you can try Denmark’s biggest selection of styling chairs — and get personal advice on everything from choosing a pump to upholstery colours. We’ll help you find exactly the right chair, so you can avoid pain and keep your career going for many, many years.

In brief

1. Seat height should be able to go down to 38–42 cm.
2. A narrow, angled backrest is especially good for long hair.
3. No genuine leather for professional everyday 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.