Barber Chair vs. Salon Chair: What’s the Difference?
When setting up a hair salon or barbershop, choosing the right chair is essential. While barber chairs and salon chairs may look similar, they serve different purposes and offer distinct features. Understanding their differences can help you make the best choice for your business.
Design & Functionality
Barber chairs are built for barbershops, where services like haircuts, beard trims, and shaves are performed. They typically feature a reclining backrest, a headrest, and a footrest, making them ideal for facial grooming and shaving.
Salon chairs, on the other hand, are designed primarily for haircuts, styling, and coloring. They often come with a hydraulic base for height adjustment but do not recline as much as barber chairs.
Key Differences:
- Barber Chairs: Heavier, with a reclining backrest, headrest, and footrest.
- Salon Chairs: Lighter, designed for hairstyling, and typically offer a 360-degree swivel.

Comfort & Adjustability
Barber chairs provide maximum comfort with thicker padding, a wider seat, and a reclining back for client relaxation. These features make them suitable for long grooming sessions like beard trimming and shaves.
Salon chairs prioritize ease of movement for stylists. They are equipped with hydraulic pumps for height adjustment, allowing stylists to work comfortably without straining their posture.
Which One to Choose?
- Barber chairs are best for barbershops that offer shaves and beard trims.
- Salon chairs are ideal for hairstylists who need lightweight, adjustable seating.

Final Thoughts
Both barber chairs and salon chairs have their advantages. The right choice depends on your business type, budget, and service offerings. If your focus is hair styling, a salon chair is a better fit. If you offer shaves and facial grooming, a barber chair will provide the necessary support.