How To Put Hydraulic Fluid In A Salon Chair? Easy Step-by-step Guide

Do you have salon furniture and are wondering how to add hydraulic fluid to a salon chair? The good news is that your bases are covered.

Most salon chairs have a hydraulic system that runs on hydraulic fluid. With our help, you can easily refill the hydraulic fluid in your salon chair so that it may be adjusted to the perfect height for your client.

6 Advantages of Investing in Quality Salon Chairs

Maximum Comfort

Since most of your customers’ time will be spent seated, it’s crucial that you provide enough chairs for them. Excellent salon chairs are comfortable and ergonomically designed to accommodate a wide range of users.

Heightened Functionality

In this case, the stylist is also important. Your stylists unfailingly show up to do their jobs and help your customers look and feel great. A salon without hydraulic chairs that can swivel and tilt is useless, as it makes it more difficult for stylists to cut and style hair.

Warranty

A warranty on a high-quality chair should cover the costs of fixing or replacing it if it ever breaks. During the investigation process, the absence of a warranty contract for the item in question should raise red flags about the reliability of the purchase.

Less Replacing

High-quality work chairs and stations should rarely need to be replaced, however a warranty on the purchase helps. Chairs need to be well-made so that they can survive normal wear and tear from repeated usage, and they should also be maintained regularly. That’s more cash you can keep for yourself!

Luxurious Environment

Considering this, you can see why good quality is associated with luxury. When customers enter your establishment, they may receive an immediate sense of richness and lavishness simply by sitting in one of your chairs.

Better Client Experience

It goes without saying that you always put the needs of your customers first. If a customer has a pleasant time while sitting on a chair, they are more likely to return for future services. New customers may find you through word of mouth.

Customers, hairdressers, and business owners alike can all get rewards from high-quality salon seating. You can get comfortable hair styling chairs without breaking the bank when you shop at Salon Equipment Center. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to buy the high-quality furniture and tools we have in stock right now.

Applying Hydraulic Fluid In Your Salon Chair

Filling the hydraulic system with hydraulic fluid is relatively easy. You shouldn’t have to pay for expert help. This is how it works:

Step #1. Set the chair to its lowest position

The significance of putting the salon chair at its lowest possible height cannot be overstated. It’s possible to achieve this by pressing the button on your foot downwards. You need to push down on the barber chair until it stops going any lower.

Filling the chair with more hydraulic fluid requires removing the fill nut when it is at its highest point, which is not possible. When the chair is at its lowest point, use a wrench to unscrew the fill nut.

Step #2. Unscrew the fill nut

The hydraulic chair’s nut is situated towards its base. Alexa, use your wrench to take off the nut on the hydraulic tank. Check the chair manually if you can’t find the fill nut.

Step #3. Fill the chair with hydraulic fluid

It is possible to use either a funnel or a spray bottle to refuel the hydraulic fluid in the chair. It works only when the fill nut has been taken out.

Two to three gallons of fluid are needed to operate the chair. Refilling a hydraulic system requires specific oil, so take care to use the right sort.

Hydraulic jack oil from a reputed car manufacturer is what you should use. It will guarantee the salon chair’s hydraulics are in good working order and the oil’s quality.

Step #4. Replace the fill nut

The hydraulic fill nut must be securely fastened using a special wrench. If you want to be sure no fluid leaks out, you should switch out the old fill nut for a new one.

Fill the hydraulic fluid to the maximum level indicated. If you go over this line, it will be more difficult to replace the fill nut.

Step #5. Test the chair

Since testing is the last step, it is imperative that any remaining air be bled from the hydraulic system. A good technique to do this is to lift and lower the chair many times after refilling the hydraulic fluid.

Moving from the salon chair to standing is much easier than you might expect. If the chair is still making annoying noises, try the steps again.

Please take note:

Hydropneumatic barber chairs have a hydraulic system rather than a manual one. To improve the performance of the control system, a foot pump and hydraulic fluid are employed. Filling a salon chair with hydraulic fluid, while not exactly rocket science, is nevertheless a simple process.

In order to get the job done quickly, it helps to have tools like a wrench, funnel, and fluid on hand. The procedures described above have been used successfully in the past, both with hydraulic barber chairs and salon chairs.

However, you should read the chair’s manual to learn where to find the most important parts. Each chair manufacturer has their own unique method of arranging the hydraulics.

What can other oil be used for a salon chair?

Hydraulic fluid can be substituted with machine oil or lightweight motor oil in the 10/20W range. Hydraulic fluid can be substituted for ATF in automatic transmissions. The only time you should use it is if you’re stuck somewhere and out of the oil the manufacturer suggests.

How will I know if the hydraulic pump is bad?

Whenever your hydraulic pump shows signs of wear and tear, it’s time for replacement. A noisy pump, one that overheats, whose cylinders don’t always work as they should, one that has trouble or can’t provide full power, one whose cylinders or hydraulic motors don’t operate at their normal speeds, or one that just doesn’t work are all symptoms of a malfunctioning pump.

Top 15 of Best Salon Chairs

First, I’d like to explain the thought process that went into compiling this list of potential contenders. In my opinion, there are four main areas you should focus on while making investments for your beautiful salon:

The stuff on top. The upholstery fabric is one of the primary determinants of both the quality and the aesthetic appeal. Since low-priced versions typically use low-quality materials, they rapidly become unsightly.

Therefore, it is crucial to give serious thought to the quality and kind of material. It’s also important to remember that chairs, like all pieces of equipment, require regular cleaning and disinfection. High-quality synthetic leather or vinyl leather is your best bet for longevity.

Frame of a chair. The frame of a hairdressing chair is just as crucial as any other aspect of its design. Although lesser models employ plastic, the ones with a metal frame are the ones to go for. Although they are more expensive, they can support greater weight than their plastic counterparts.

In addition, the frame could come with wheels that make it easier to move about. When a client, however, is a ball of chaos and always in motion, things might get difficult. Because of this preference, circular and square-shaped bases are more popular than other shapes for stationary.

Means of lifting. This seemingly insignificant component can add hundreds or even thousands to the final price of a chair. Pneumatic and hydraulic systems are the most prevalent and reliable solutions because of their low maintenance and ease of usage.

Electric lifting methods are also available, but I wouldn’t recommend them because of their high price and questionable build quality. Also, because hydraulic mechanics are so straightforward, it is usually possible to swap out worn or otherwise damaged parts.

Design. Of course you can disagree with me, but my favorite kind of hair salon chairs are those that harken back to the early 20th century. Traditional black barber chairs with high backs are a must for every male grooming establishment.

There is a greater range of color options for women’s beauty salons, but my favorite salon chairs are those that harken back to the days of vinyl upholstery (which is a wide-spread trend if you know). However, in an effort to remain neutral, I have included a variety of seating options so that you are not obligated to adopt my opinion.

It is time to check out the salon chair market.

1. JAXPETY Black Barber Beauty Salon Spa Equipment Styling Chair Child Booster Seat Cushion

This is not a chair, despite the name. JAXPETY has developed a fantastic product for the salon’s youngest clients. I’m referring about the fashionable seat enhancer that can be attached to nearly all barber chairs.

The thing is salon chairs are typically manufactured in accordance with the adult person size, so kids can’t even lay their heads on the head pad. As you may assume, it is not very convenient in the process.

Unfortunately, the standard size of a salon chair is designed for an adult, therefore children cannot use the head pad. You probably already guessed that the process is not particularly convenient.

PROS:

• perfect for salons that cater to kids;
• Value for money;
• Extremely condensed;
• Superb finish, if you will.

CONS:

• The booster is overly watery, and the customer risks sinking to the bottom.

2. Oval Barber Chair Comfort Styling Salon Beauty Equipment

This salon chair is both practical and fashionable due to its circular shape and high quality construction. The sleek design helps keep the price down, making it competitive with the other salon chairs I’ve been looking at. It’s not fancy, but it does the job: the hydraulic height pump raises and lowers the platform to the perfect height for your client’s feet, the 360-degree movement mechanism locks in place, and the metal steps are comfy for their shoes.

In order to prevent the chair’s saddle from ripping, extra layers of material have been added to it. While I wouldn’t call this chair comfy, I think the low price and attractive design more than make up for any discomfort.

The length of the seat is 18 inches, and its breadth is 20 inches. The chair can support up to 250 pounds, which is more than enough for the great majority of barbershop customers.

PROS:

• Fantastically straightforward layout;
• Turn in whichever direction you like;
• Seat reinforcements.

CONS:

• Unpacking a brand-new chair may reveal an unusual chemical odor.

3. Danyel Beauty Professional Hydraulic Barber Chair Salon

Danyel Beauty’s salon chairs are traditionally crafted and elegant. It has a round or square base and comes in either white or black. The frame is built out of sturdy steel, and the seat is upholstered in synthetic leather. The hydraulic pump that is utilized to make the height adjustments comes with a one year warranty from the manufacturer.

Customers have reported that the pumps on the majority of available chairs break within a few months. So, I was fascinated by this claim of the guarantee. In contrast, the Danyel Beauty salon chair lacks a pullback feature, which is a major drawback.

If your establishment doesn’t advertise beard services, I would suggest this salon styling chair. In all other circumstances (such as those involving visits to a beauty salon or a barbershop), it should suffice.

PROS:

• All chair components are covered for a full year.
• Optional rotation is provided;
• a more supportive seat made of high-density foam with tiny cells;
• You can choose from a number of different chairs, each with their own unique color scheme and foundation.

CONS:

• There is no possibility of a kickback;
• Without a way to remove it, the rear cushion makes it difficult to remove any lingering hair.

4. Best Choice Products 71in 3-Section Commercial Massage Bed, Spa and Salon Facial Chair

Whether you’re getting a tattoo, a facial, or a spa treatment, this salon chair is made for the job. It’s basically made up of three pieces, allowing for flexible leg and back support. Because of its improper design, this salon styling chair is not something I would suggest for traditional men’s grooming establishments like barbershops. However, I think it would be great for getting a tattoo or a massage. The client can relax with their face down on the removable head cushion while still maintaining an unrestricted airway. There are also detachable armrests.

This massage bed has a built-in towel hanging, which makes drying off afterward much easier and more convenient. Overall, this item measures 71 inches in length, 24 inches in breadth, and 30 inches in height.

Since the chair can support up to 500 pounds of weight, even a client in full plate mail need not worry about being able to sit comfortably during their salon visit.

PROS:

• outstanding practicality;
• simple, elegant style;
• quality that can’t be questioned;
• The patient’s back and legs can be positioned as desired;
• towel rack that is already installed.

CONS:

• It’s possible that the master will find the chair to be too high for his or her comfort.

5. Hydraulic Pump Profession Shampoo Hair Cutting Chair

You get your money’s worth out of this hydraulic salon chair. Costing at $100, even the most basic salon stylist chairs offer a variety of convenient features. You can modify the height by means of a hydraulic pump, as suggested by the product’s name. To achieve this, position your lower leg on the chair’s foot pedal. It also revolves a full 360 degrees, simplifying the entire haircutting process.

This hair cutting chair is offered in three different hues (black, red, and burgundy) to accommodate a wide range of salon decors. The chair is only offered with a circular base (in contradistinction to above mentioned Danyel Beauty salon chair). Seat dimensions are 20 inches in length, 19 inches in width, and 18.5 to 23 inches in height.

The double-layered saddle can endure tearing and ripping, so that’s something to keep in mind as well. In conclusion, I appreciate how simple it is to set up this salon styling chair after you have it delivered (even if you are a cute little girl like me).

PROS:

• Very simple to set up;
• inexpensive;
• A rotation feature is built in.
• There are a trifecta of hues from which to pick.

CONS:

• The new chair gives forth an overwhelming aroma of tires.

6. 20″ Wide Hydraulic Barber Chair Styling Salon Beauty Equipment

This barber chair features a wider seat than most on the market, measuring in at 20 inches across (also the seat is 19 inches long). I won’t say this is the biggest perk, but there are moments when you really really use a seat that’s a little roomier than average.

As if that weren’t comfortable enough, the seat itself is padded with high-density foam. The chair’s frame is metal, and the pump inside the structure is what allows for height modification. The chair’s pump is activated by a foot pedal located close to the sphere-shaped base.

This chair can be rotated 360 degrees, however there is no kickback feature, thus it cannot be used for washing the hair. In all other circumstances, this chair is highly recommended.

PROS:

• Seating area is spacious and cushioned with foam;
• Turn in whichever direction you like;
• a sensible option;
• Round, heavy metal base that won’t wobble.

CONS:

• There is no possibility of a kickback;
• There does not appear to be a simple way to purchase a warranty for this item.

7. FlagBeauty Black Hydraulic Barber Styling Chair Hair Beauty Salon Equipment

A quick perusal of FlagBeauty’s inventory will reveal a number of enticing options in seating. The two chairs seen in the above images are very similar in design; each has a leather seat, armrests, and footrests, and a metal spherical base. The sole distinction between the two chairs is that one is black and the other is crimson.

Although the barber chairs in this set do not recline, the height can be readily adjusted and locked into place, and the chairs may be rotated as needed.

High-density foam cushions the chair, ensuring that your client may remain relaxed during the duration of the process. When you purchase a FlagBeauty hydraulic chair for your salon, the frame and pump will be covered for one full year.

PROS:

• extremely low cost;
• The pump and the base of the chair are guaranteed to be functional for a full year.
• Seating convenience;
• It’s feasible to turn the whole thing around in a circle.

CONS:

• Some customers were dissatisfied due to the absence of screws;
• It’s not a reclining chair, as expected.

8. LCL Beauty Automatic Recline Shampoo Chair with Double-Reinforced Steel Frame

This steel-framed chair may be simple and inexpensive, but it serves its purpose admirably. With its pullback design, you can easily wash your client’s hair or trim his beard. The frame of this chair is built of sturdy steel, while the seat and back are covered in a synthetic leather in black. Such a substance is sturdy and simple to clean.

The downside is that it can’t be rotated because it’s on four legs. In light of the asking price, it’s hardly the most significant fault. This chair should be prioritized if you are operating a hair salon or barbershop on a tight budget.

The length and width of the seat of this chair are also identical, at 19 inches. To ensure that your customers have a pleasant and relaxing time, we fill our seats with high-density foam padding.

PROS:

• In other words, the cost is incredibly reasonable.
• Warranty from the manufacturer for a full year;
• The client’s head can be lowered into a reclining chair for ease of use as you shampoo her hair.
• The frame is built of long-lasting steel;
• Simple to set up.

CONS:

• definition: a four-legged structure without a rotational feature;
• In a hurry, the reclining mechanism can fail.

9. DevLon NorthWest Salon Nail Pedicure Manicure Medical Adjustable Swivel Rolling Stool Pink

There is a wide range of colors available for the DevLon NorthWest product line (including brown, grey, red, white, and turquoise), but I personally favor the pink. Simply said, it appears like a chair straight out of a Barbie dollhouse, making it a must-have for any successful beauty parlor. Although it is not the greatest chair on this list, its affordable price and striking appearance may make all the difference.

This pink salon chair has a number of benefits, including its lightweight design and simple construction that make assembly and placement a breeze. You won’t need to go out and buy any extra hardware to put together the chair, as all of the necessary screws and fasteners are supplied.

The chair’s seat measures 18 inches in length and 16 inches in width, and its height is adjustable by a foot pump from 17 inches to 23 inches. Approximately 225 pounds is the maximum weight capacity of the chair, which should be sufficient for the vast majority of salon customers.

The aluminum frame is sturdy, and the five wheels in the carcass make it easy to move the chair wherever you need it. In addition, it can shift ever-so-slightly while the master works, which is inconvenient.

PROS:

• large variety of colors to choose from (more than five);
• design that blows my mind;
• lightweight;
• Simple to set up.

CONS:

• can sway ever-so-slightly during the operation.

10. Ainfox Shampoo Barber Backwash Chair

This is a fully equipped barber chair for shampooing and other hair-washing services. It’s also true that this is a top-tier salon shampoo chair. The complete set of tools required for setup is included in the package you receive.

You may use this shampoo chair and bowl in any salon because they have everything you need already installed (such as an adjustable sprayer, comfortable neck pad, spray hose with shower nozzle, and so on). Because of its double-reinforced saddle, this chair is extremely durable.

This Ainfox hair washing chair comes in a sleek and sophisticated shade of black. I think it would look great in high-end women’s spas and barbershops where the customers are more traditional. Just make sure you’re using high-quality, natural shampoos on your clients’ hair.

Product dimensions are 40.5″ x 30″ x 15.5″, and the product’s weight capability is approximately 450 lbs. The length and width of the seat are respectively 20 and 19 inches. Size-wise, the back is also standard at 19 inches in length and 16 inches in width.

PROS:

• Complete hair washing chair setup including bowl and all necessary components;
• Black, traditional style;
• extremely cheap;
• Soft, supportive stuffing.

CONS:

• The laundry equipment is flimsy and breaks easily.

11. Modern Fashion Auto Recline Chairs Shampoo Styling Hair

In comparison to the other goods on our list, this one has the lowest price tag, and I’m impressed by its performance. Simply put, it’s a sleek, contemporary salon chair with four legs, not dissimilar from standard office seating. The metal frame, however, is quite sturdy and the individual pieces are simple to put together once the box is opened (all the needed screws are inside).

Inside, the seat measures 19.3 inches in length, 16 inches broad, and 19 inches high. The seat, like the rest of the items I’ve recommended, is built with double reinforcements to avoid ripping. The chair’s legs are protected by rubber tips to prevent them from scratching floors.

This low-priced salon chair also has a pullback feature, which is convenient in some situations; however, the back can only be adjusted 30 degrees, which is not quite enough for others. However, it should work adequately in other contexts, such as while washing hair. Consequently, I feel confident recommending this chair for the great majority of hair repairing procedures.

PROS:

• Excellent value for the money;
• Conveniently simple to set up;
• One with two layers of reinforcement.

CONS:

• put together with four legs;
• There are not many opportunities for kickbacks.

12. BR Beauty Kate Dryer & Chair Combo

Because of its built-in hairdryer, I highly recommend this chair for use in beauty parlors. It’s expensive because it’s made in the USA and has a dryer attachment. The dryer system is covered for three years, while the remainder of the chair is covered for one. The wooden chair’s frame is fixed in place by its four legs, making it impossible to turn. Which, to be honest, is not what a salon drying chair is primarily used for at all.

There is a built-in timer for the dryer system. The dimensions of the chair are 30.5 inches in length, 23.5 inches in width, and 31 inches in height. The standard height of the chair is 18 inches. Both the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the United States’ Underwriters Laboratory (UL) have tested and approved the BR Beauty chair. The arms of the salon hair dryer chair are detachable for the convenience of your clientele.

PROS:

• outstanding practicality;
• drying equipment and seating come with extended guarantees;
• A sturdy wooden framework.

CONS:

• It’s challenging to piece together all the information.

13. LCL Beauty Extra Large Classic Style Reclining

The LCL Beauty salon chair is a must-have for every barbershop or beauty parlor. On my shortlist of luxury hair salon chairs, this one is among the most pricey. In all fairness, there are obvious causes for this. First, it contains a height pump system, a pull back mechanism, and a rotation mechanism to make the barber’s job easier.

Second, I appreciate the little touches that make a big difference, like the four-position headrest (which can be removed totally) and the self-rising footrest option for your client’s comfort in this reclining salon chair.

Last but not least, the LCL Beauty salon chair is a throwback to the golden era of barbershops. This sleek black chair is ideal for any beauty or barber shop.

The following are some rough dimensions that the manufacturer lists for their product: The chair’s seat is 20 inches long and 22 inches broad, the chair’s height is 22 inches to 27 inches, and the chair’s overall width is 26 inches.

PROS:

• Mechanisms for adjusting the angle of the head and the backrest can make the barber’s job much more comfortable.
• design that blows my mind;
• You may adjust the headrest to one of four different heights.
• automatic footrest

CONS:

• pricey.

14. Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Hydraulic Recline Barber Chair Salon Beauty Shampoo

This vintage barber chair brings back fond memories of bygone hair salons. Retract it for everyday use or to execute beard operations with ease (the reclining angle is 100-130 degrees).

It can accommodate customers weighing up to 450 pounds, so you won’t have to worry about turning away even your heaviest patrons. It may be rotated around 360 degrees and its height can be adjusted using a pump.

It’s simple to set up this retro salon chair (just follow the installation steps described in the manual). Because to its straightforward design, maintaining it requires little effort. The double-reinforced saddle sticking will keep your chair from ripping even if someone pulls on it forcefully. The interior seat measures 21 inches in length, 18.5 inches in width, and 23 to 30 inches in height.

PROS:

• solid carcass;
• Carcass definition/definition:
• Beautifully retro style;
• Capable of supporting a lot of weight;
• Simple to set up.

CONS:

• After a while, the pump mechanism becomes a source of contention for some consumers.

15. Artist Hand Hydraulic Recline Barber Chair

This barber chair is only available in black at this time. PVC leather covers the exterior, and a sturdy steel frame holds it all together.

The chair may be rotated through 360 degrees and locked into the user’s desired position. The chair’s height can be easily adjusted with a pump, which is another fantastic feature.

The Artist’s Hand salon chair requires no assembly and may be used immediately. Its 330-pound weight capacity means it’s suitable for both adults and children. This chair works just as well in tattoo parlors as it does in hair salons. The specifications for an Artist Hand chair are as follows: The dimensions of the seat are 19 by 18 inches, the back is 18 by 16 inches, and the headrest is 7 by 4 inches. The overall dimensions of the product are 33.5 by 23.6 by 39 inches.

PROS:

• Put together with little effort;
• affordable cost;
• You may spin it around in a complete circle.

CONS:

• Defective kickback leveler.

What is the Best Salon Chair?

If you don’t know what you’re doing, picking up a salon chair might be a huge headache. If you are familiar with the items on my shopping list, fortunately, this is not the case. All the aforementioned seating options are high-performing and of high quality.

There are a few things to keep in mind while deciding which product is ideal for you. To begin, my article only includes multiple possibilities for products that serve a single purpose, such as dryers and hair washing machines (BR Beauty and Ainfox chairs respectively).

Finding the greatest salon barber chair for general barber treatments requires considering a number of factors, all of which I’ve highlighted before presenting you with my Top 15 list. Therefore, it is important to consider the surface material, the foundation, the quality of the height pump, etc. Then you may evaluate the value you’re getting by comparing the features and the cost. If you do some basic math, determining the most practical chair should be a breeze.

FAQ

What is the best chair material?

The bulk of my preferred chairs are fake leather (also called PVC leather, synthetic leather, faux leather, etc.) This material is low-cost, durable, and aesthetically pleasing; it should be used to cover the seats of the best barber chairs in salons. Chair frames should be made of steel or another strong metal.

What is the average lifetime of the salon chair?

Considering that the chair’s weight capacity varies depending on the situation, this is a challenging subject. However, I think the most of the chairs on my list can do their jobs well for at least a couple of years before they need to be replaced.

What things should I consider when choosing a chair?

To begin, think about how much money you have available. The chairs on my list range from the simplest four-legged designs to the most ornate and ornately upholstered antique barbershop seats. Consider the chair’s style, color, and extra features as well (like reclining and rotation options). Finally, there are some other factors to think about, such as the warranty terms, the quality of the pump, the size of the product, etc.

What is the best way to clean salon chairs?

Cleaning a salon chair can be done in a number of different ways. Simple household cleansers will do the trick, but they may trigger chemical reactions in synthetic leather furniture. It is therefore recommended to make use of alternative cleaning solutions. And I have some solid options for you, so there’s no need to go looking.

Conclusion

These hydraulic chairs are widely used in salons and barbershops around the world, which may contribute to their widespread popularity. Outside of that, though, I can attest to the fact that these seats are both chic and relaxing.

But eventually, the lifting system would fail because of a lack of hydraulic fluid. The annoying grinding sound is the result of the problem’s root cause: friction.

Therefore, it is crucial that everyone working in a salon understand how to refill a salon chair with hydraulic fluid. You can save money on a new chair or on expert labor with its help. We’ve given you, we hope, all you need to know to pull it off successfully.