Hydraulic chair: the essential aid for all your services

Much more than just a seat, the hydraulic chair is a key piece of equipment for hairdressers and barbers. It welcomes every client, supports every service and is there for every movement, day in, day out. Its reliability determines the quality of the work and everyone’s comfort. How it works, maintenance, features: MySalon tells you everything you need to know about the hydraulic chair.

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How does a hydraulic chair work?

The principle behind a hydraulic barber’s chair is based on a manual pump cylinder, which the barber operates via a pedal located beneath the base of the chair. Each press sends fluid into the cylinder, causing the seat to rise gradually. The seat is lowered using a release lever, which releases the pressure and allows for controlled lowering.

This mechanism requires no electrical power. It is quiet, quick to operate and very precise. With just a few presses of the pedal, the height of the barber’s chair can be adjusted to suit the client’s height and provide the ideal working position for the hairdresser or barber.

A good hydraulic chair moves up and down smoothly, without jolts, vibrations or unexpected resistance.

Why is the quality of the hydraulic pump so crucial?

On a professional hairdressing chair, the hydraulic pump is the component under the greatest strain. It is operated dozens of times a day, amounting to thousands of times over its lifetime. Its robustness directly determines the lifespan of the hairdressing chair.

A high-quality mechanism can be recognised by:

  • smooth, consistent movement, without jerks or jamming;
  • no sagging, even during a long session;
  • the system remaining leak-free, even after years of intensive use.

Conversely, a low-end hydraulic chair often exhibits these faults within the first few months. These signs indicate a design that is unsuitable for daily professional use.

How should you maintain the hydraulic system of a hairdressing chair?

A high-quality hydraulic chair will last you a long time, provided it is properly maintained. Here are a few good habits to adopt.

Test the lifting and lowering mechanisms regularly. Any unusual resistance or change in behaviour should be taken seriously, without waiting for a breakdown.

With regard to the components of the hydraulic barber’s chair, check that:

  • the pedal depresses easily and returns to its original position on its own.
  • the release mechanism on the lowering lever operates smoothly, without excessive friction.
  • the base of the cylinder shows no signs of leakage.
  • the seal is in perfect condition.

To delay mechanical wear, avoid forcing the pedal beyond the maximum height. Do not leave the chair in the raised position for long periods of inactivity.

What are the advantages of a multifunctional hydraulic chair?

Modern models feature a reclining seat, sometimes up to 180°. A single chair can therefore cater for several different types of care:

  • a classic haircut whilst seated;
  • shaving and beard or facial care with the backrest and footrest reclined;
  • beauty treatments requiring a reclined or semi-reclined position.

This type of professional barber’s chair represents a particularly cost-effective investment for a unisex salon or a barber shop.

What role does the base play in the chair’s stability?

A high-quality base has a sturdy structure, usually made of steel or aluminium treated to resist corrosion. High-quality glides or castors protect the floor and ensure the chair remains stable or moves smoothly. The base must be of sufficient diameter to ensure the chair’s overall balance, even when the swivel chair is turned or the customer stands up.

A hydraulic chair with a faulty base quickly becomes dangerous. This is why the quality of the entire assembly — pump, cylinder, column and base — must be subject to regular and comprehensive inspection.

What criteria should you check before buying a professional hydraulic chair?

Before making any purchase, check the following points:

  • Height adjustment range: a good height-adjustable hairdressing chair must cover a sufficient range to accommodate a wide variety of clients and professionals. Check the minimum and maximum heights specified by the manufacturer.
  • Sturdiness of the hydraulic cylinder: find out the maximum load capacity. A professional cylinder must support at least 150 kg, ideally more.
  • Stability of rotation: the swivel chair must rotate smoothly, quietly and without any sideways play. You must be able to lock the rotation easily whilst working.
  • Quality of the upholstery (imitation leather, Skai, genuine leather, etc.): for intensive use, opt for thick, stitched upholstery that is resistant to chemicals. It must be easy to clean and disinfect.
  • Strength and stability of the base: check the material, surface finish and diameter. A star-shaped base made of stainless steel or treated aluminium ensures durability.
  • Warranty: this reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. All chairs offered by MySalon come with a three-year warranty.

What support does MySalondeCoiffure offer with your choice of furniture?

Choosing the right hydraulic chair depends on the type of salon, footfall and budget. Our advisers support hairdressers and barbers at every stage of their furnishing project.

Our team helps you identify the model best suited to your needs:

  • a professional hairdressing chair for a high-volume salon;
  • a multifunctional barber’s chair for a barber shop;
  • a versatile hairdressing chair for a mixed-use salon…

We advise you on the technical criteria that really make a difference and help you avoid the pitfall of undersized models.

When choosing a hydraulic chair, the reliability of the mechanism takes precedence over the price. This purchase is a long-term investment. In a hairdressing salon, it is the piece of equipment that sees the most use — and the one whose failure has the greatest impact on your business. It therefore affects both your comfort at work and the safety of your clients.

A well-designed hydraulic mechanism will serve you for years without failure. MySalon guarantees a professional design: a robust cylinder, a high-quality base, a wide range of adjustment and long-term reliability. What’s more, to help you kit out your salon without breaking the bank, we run regular rotating promotions on our products.

Browse the MySalon catalogue and take advantage of our flexible payment options.