Vintage or Modern Barber Chairs? Here's What You Should Know!

Vintage Style Chairs It should be noted that here “vintage” refers to discontinued or restored chairs. The distinction is important because there are many brand-new chairs for sale that have that “vintage look” about them. The defining difference between the two is that the knowledgeable patron will know and appreciate that you might have a restored barber chair. It adds to the spirit of your career as a barber and expresses that passion you have for your tradecraft and art. The vintage barber chair is like when you buy the best beard grooming kit with a wooden beard comb. It should have the warmth and old-fashioned appeal of a turn of the century barbershop, or perhaps an old 1950s style barber chair will do the trick. These chairs are great because they are what most customers have come to associate with the barbershop experience. The most popular vintage barber chair is a brand called Koken. The Koken barber chair has become a symbol of a golden era in barbering and is in popular demand. It is worth noting, however, that a restored Koken could cost thousands of dollars. There are many unrestored Koken chairs available for as low as A$100 if you are up to the task of restoring them. Modern Style Chairs Modern chairs are where comfort starts to meet a better price point. You can find even basic chairs brand new for as little as A$250 while the top of the line newer chairs could cost anywhere from A$700 to A$1,000. Modern chairs tend to be sleeker and more minimalist in their design, but still, perform the same function with the same efficiency as a vintage barber chair. Modern chairs are what you would typically expect from a present-day hairdresser or salon. They are not bad to sit in, but most of the time those places are designed to get you in and out quickly. An added benefit of choosing a new barber chair over a restored nearly century-old one is having the option for warranties and even parts replacement. In contrast, a vintage barber chair may not have an aftermarket availability for parts. Source : Beardoholic