Ideal Height for Salon Chairs to Work Comfortably
A Salon Chair with the right height is essential for hairstylists to perform their work comfortably and efficiently. Most professionals spend many hours a day standing, cutting, styling, and fixing their clients’ hair. Therefore, having a Salon Chair that allows height adjustment is crucial to avoid physical discomfort and extend the furniture’s life.
In this article, we will deeply analyze the ideal height for a Salon Chair to work comfortably. We will review the recommended heights, different types of chairs on the market, and other important factors when choosing the perfect chair for your beauty salon or barbershop. Let’s get started!
Why is it important to choose the correct height for a Salon Chair?
Working on a chair with the wrong height can lead to discomfort and injuries for the hairstylist. If the seat is too low, they will have to bend over, straining their back and neck. This can cause muscle contractions, pinched nerves, or lower back pain.
On the other hand, a very high seat will force the professional to work with their arms too lifted, straining shoulders and arms. This can also cause injuries and ailments in the long run.
Even small adjustments in height make a difference in comfort. A chair adapted to the user’s height and specific tasks (cutting, washing, etc.) helps maintain a correct posture and minimize the physical impact of daily work.
Recommended Height for Salon Chairs
The ideal seat height for a Salon Chair is one that allows the user to work with their elbows bent at a right angle of 90°. This way, the arms remain relaxed and neither the back nor shoulders are strained.
Based on this, the standard recommended height for a Salon Chair is 48 to 53 cm. This adapts to most professionals, considering that the average height ranges between 165 and 180 cm.
However, the perfect height varies according to each person’s height. A general rule is that the top of the seat should be at the height of the kneecap or just above it.
For example:
- For hairstylists under 160 cm, the ideal is a Salon Chair from 45 to 48 cm.
- If you measure between 160 and 175 cm, a Salon Chair from 48 to 53 cm will be comfortable.
- For people over 175 cm, a height of 53 to 58 cm is recommended.
Regardless of this, the ideal is to try the Salon Chair before buying it and adjust it as you feel when working. Chairs adjustable in height provide this flexibility.
Types of Salon Chairs According to Their Height
There are various models of Salon Chairs that adapt to users of different heights and needs:
Fixed Chairs
These are chairs with a predetermined height that cannot be modified. They are usually manufactured in 3 standard heights:
- Low: from 43 to 46 cm. Suitable for short people.
- Standard: from 48 to 53 cm. For most users.
- High: from 54 to 58 cm. Ideal for very tall people.
These chairs are more economical but less versatile. It’s important to choose the right height when buying them.
Man
ually Adjustable Chairs
They have a lever or rack system that allows manually raising or lowering the seat height. They usually have an adjustment range of at least 10 cm.
They allow adjusting the Salon Chair height according to the user, task to be performed, and ergonomic preferences. They are easy to use.
Hydraulic Adjustable Chairs
They have a hydraulic pumping cylinder that regulates height using a lever. They have a wide adjustment range.
Raising or lowering the seat is very simple and intuitive. Professional models usually support more weight. Ideal for busy salons.
Electric Chairs
They incorporate electric motors that raise and lower the chair by simply pressing a button or switch. They offer maximum comfort and versatility in height adjustment.
Due to their mechanism, they have a high cost but are the best option for working many consecutive hours in the salon.
Other Factors to Consider in a Salon Chair
Besides an ergonomic height, there are other key aspects to choose a comfortable Salon Chair:
- Reclinable Backrest: Allows adjusting the inclination angle, straightening the back. Essential in multifunctional chairs.
- Adjustable Armrests: Help to relax the arms and shoulders during work. They should be adjustable in height, width, and depth.
- Low Backrest: Facilitates mobility and access to the client’s nape and neck. Ideally between 38 to 46 cm high.
- Wide Seat: Provides space for the client to move. The recommended width is 50 to 60 cm.
- Comfortable Upholstery: Made of breathable and washable materials, like vinyl or synthetic leather. Avoid overalls or fabrics that get impregnated.
- Stable Base: 5-point base with wheels to facilitate movement. Supports intensive use in salons.
- Removable Footrest: Allows enlarging the Salon Chair for washing and hair massage treatments.
- Additional Accessories: Such as footrests, cape hooks, or USB connections. Increase comfort for the client.
Taking into account all these aspects ensures selecting the perfect Salon Chair in comfort and functionality.
Practical Tips for Adjusting the Height of a Salon Chair
Whether you buy a fixed-height or adjustable chair, it’s important to learn how to adjust it correctly:
- Sit in the Salon Chair in your usual working position and check if your arms are at a right angle. This is the ideal reference point.
- If they are adjustable chairs, raise or lower the height until achieving this comfortable posture.
- Use a step stool or bench if you need to raise the seat more than its adjustment range allows.
- Remember to adjust the height for different tasks: higher for cutting and lower for washing or drying.
- Do not use pillows or cushions to modify the height. This makes the seat unstable.
- If the Salon Chair is too high, you can use a footrest to rest one foot and then the other alternately.
- Adjust the height every time you use the Salon Chair, until finding your ideal ergonomic point.
Following these tips guarantees to make the most of your Salon Chair in terms of height. Your back and legs will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Height in Salon Chairs
Below we answer the most common questions on the subject:
What height of Salon Chair is the most comfortable?
The
ideal height is where you can work with your elbows at a right angle of 90°, without straining your back or shoulders. This equates to 48-53 cm for most people. But it depends on each one’s height.
Are higher Salon Chairs better for working standing up?
Not necessarily. If the Salon Chair is too high, it will force you to lift your arms too much, causing tension in shoulders and back. The ideal is to adjust them to the exact height for each task and user.
What are the disadvantages of a very low Salon Chair?
A too low Salon Chair makes you bend over, straining your back and neck. It can cause cervical and lumbar injuries in the long term.
Is it better to buy a fixed-height or adjustable Salon Chair?
Adjustable chairs are recommended, as you can adapt the height to your specific needs. Fixed ones only work if you choose the right height when buying.
How is the height of the Salon Chair correctly measured?
It is measured from the floor to the top of the seat. The ideal height will depend on the stature of each professional and the tasks to be performed.
Optimize Ergonomics and Comfort in Your Salon Chair
As we have seen throughout the article, height is a key factor in any Salon Chair. It must adapt both to the hairstylist and the different tasks performed in a beauty salon.
While adjustable chairs are most recommended, optimal heights can also be achieved in fixed models by choosing the right measure when buying. Other elements like armrests, footrests, and inclinable backrests complement a good ergonomic design.
Investing in a high-quality Salon Chair with the ideal height and features will be a profitable decision. Your clients will appreciate it, and you can work comfortably and without injuries for years. Your health and professional well-being are worth it.
