When furnishing your salon, the chairs you choose are more than just a small detail; they’re the cornerstone of your salon’s ambience. Almost every service you offer revolves around them in some way. That’s why you shouldn’t skimp on this kind of purchase, as your salon chairs are an investment that’ll have a direct influence on business success.
So, how do you know if that shiny new chair has the longevity you’re looking for? Will it hold up during years of hairstyling magic, or will it start wobbling after a few trims?
This guide on how to tell if a salon chair is built to last will tell you everything you need to know. By the time you’re done reading, you can proceed with confidence and choose the perfect chairs for your space that are solid enough to endure years of regular use.
Material Quality and Durability
The first factor to evaluate in a salon chair is the quality of the materials. Premium faux leather or high-grade vinyl are optimal upholstery options, as they’re durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains from hair dyes, oils, or other salon products.
As for the chair’s base and frame, chrome-plated steel is a popular choice due to its resistance to rust and corrosion. This steel base is also perfect for handling the inevitable spills that happen in a salon. Aluminum and stainless steel frames are also sturdy and long-lasting.
Don’t overlook the durability of the hydraulic pump, a component that will get constant use. The pump should be smooth and reliable, with no jerking or sticking when users adjust the chair height (or when you adjust it for them).
Build and Construction
The salon chair you purchase should have solid welds or reinforced joints in the frame. Weak connection points are often the downfall of a salon chair, leading to frustrating instability over time.
Check the screws and bolts too. Do they look secure? Are there too many plastic components in areas that should be metallic? These small details reveal a lot about the chair’s build quality. Plastic parts are more likely to degrade faster, which means your chair could be out of commission when you need it most.
Pay attention to the stitching on the upholstery as well. Uneven or loose stitching will fray easily, making your chair look years older than it is. These poor-quality chairs will also make a negative impression on customers, which could harm your business. Investing in durability now will save you time and frustration down the line.
Outside of that, it also helps to know how easy the salon chair is to assemble. Chairs that are overly complicated to install can obscure poor construction and lead to difficulty down the line when it comes to repairs and adjustments. While this isn’t the biggest factor to worry about, it’s still worth considering.
Weight Capacity and Stability
Salon chairs see a lot of traffic and must support customers of all shapes and sizes, so weight capacity and stability are two especially important factors to consider when determining how long a salon chair will last. The best chairs for your salon should have a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds, with some heavy-duty options accommodating up to 450 pounds or more.
Stability is usually closely related to the chair’s base. Chairs with wide, heavy bases are much more stable than those with smaller, lightweight designs. Pedestal bases with square or star-shaped designs also provide excellent stability, as long as they’re weighted adequately, but circle bases offer the best results.
Warranty and Customer Support
One of the easiest ways to find a salon chair that will last is to check what kind of warranty or guarantee the manufacturer offers. Quality products are often backed by longer warranties because the manufacturer is confident in their durability.
A one-year warranty is the bare minimum you should accept. Ideally, you should try to find options that offer two- or three-year warranty coverage on key components like the hydraulic pump, frame, and upholstery.
Make a note of the customer support policies as well. Is it easy to contact the company if you encounter issues? Do they stock easy-to-order replacement parts, or would you need to buy an entirely new chair if something breaks? Outstanding customer service and available replacement parts are the hallmarks of a trustworthy manufacturer.
Some brands even go the extra mile by offering repair services or full refurbishments. These perks can be lifesavers if you’re running a busy salon and need quick fixes without replacing the chair entirely, so be sure to keep them in mind.
Customer Reviews and Product History
When shopping online, if you really want to know if a salon chair will last, just look at what other stylists are saying. Customer reviews and product history offer real-world insights you won’t find in the product description.
Read reviews from reputable retailers or websites, specifically looking for comments that discuss durability and long-term performance. Do other users mention issues after a few months of use, or does the chair hold up for years? Pay attention to mentions of specific wear and tear, like peeling upholstery, squeaky hydraulics, or unstable bases. All these issues are serious red flags.
Don’t stop there, though. Research the brand’s reputation as well. Are they known for high-quality, durable equipment, or is their brand associated with complaints about constant repairs or unresponsiveness? Brands that have been in the industry for years are more likely to offer reliable products since they have a track record to maintain. However, newcomers could be the ones to truly change the game, so always look deeper into all your options.
If you want to order salon chairs from a company that’s known for its quality and customer service, look no further than Keller International. We offer an expansive array of quality hair salon chairs. But don’t just take our word for it. Use the steps we laid out in this guide and put our products to the test. We know you won’t be disappointed with what you find.