13 Best Salon Carts for Stylists: Compare & Save

1. 1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Dream In Reality Locking Beauty Trolley

   

   Price: $179.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Locks for security
   • Fold-down tool holders on either side
   • No assembly needed
   • Lift away top tray

   Cons:

   • Not heat resistant
   • Plastic doesn't look as classy as wood
   • Drawers are shallow

   If security is a concern of yours, go with Dream In Reality’s Locking Beauty Trolley. It uses the popular five-drawer design but adds a hinged door in the front so you can lock your supplies and tools safely inside. 

   The surface on top has two fold-down tool holders, two coloring bowls, and a lift-away tray to reveal a second tray below it. Both trays have a raised lip to them to prevent spills. 

   I love that these salon carts arrive fully assembled so you don’t have to waste an afternoon struggling with instructions. 

   Find more Dream In Reality Locking Beauty Trolley information and reviews here.

2. 2. TASALON Magnetic Colorist Tray

   

   Price: $89.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Magnets keep bowls from spilling
   • Storage for many tools
   • 360-degree movement wheels
   • Height adjustable

   Cons:

   • Heavier than others
   • Other plastic bowls won't stick
   • Spill lip is short

   Are you clumsy? The TASALON Rolling Tray comes with two colorist bowls with magnetic bottoms that stick to the surface of the tray. If the cart gets bumped, jostled, or tilted, the bowls will stay in place. It’s just the sort of magic that’s needed by someone as clumsy as me.

   The metal working surface is heat-resistant, has a short lip to contain spills, and has several slots for tools like hairdryers, scissors, clips, picks, brushes, and even a slot for the hairdryer power cord. It’s on a solid five-point base with 360-degree wheels that are designed to not pick up hair from the ground the way other wheels can become quickly disgusting after one trip across the salon. 

   Its height adjusts with the use of a turning knob from 26.8 inches at its lowest and up to 35.5 inches at the tallest.  

   Find more TASALON Magnetic Colorist Tray information and reviews here.

3. 3. Buy-Rite Alumna Deluxe Cart for Salons

   

   Price: $469.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Stainless steel working area
   • Slide out, washable drawers
   • Real wood frame
   • Hidden heat-resistant tool holder

   Cons:

   • Pricier than some
   • No wheel locks
   • Not as attractive as some

   The Buy-Rite Alumna Deluxe had the stain-resistant finish of a colorist tray with the storage of a standard hairdressing trolley and I’m about it. The rolling cart has a stainless steel working surface with thick raised sides to prevent spills from getting out of control and ending up as a floor-problem. This makes it great for any hair coloring process or oil treatment. 

   The storage is made up of five plastic bins that are removable so that they can be quickly washed out when they get dirty. (Not that bins in a hair salon would ever collect stray hair cuttings. Never. Would never dream of it.) They are set on sturdy metal runners and this is a theme for this piece, metal or real wood when it could be a cheaper, flimsier plastic.

   For storing your hot tools, one of the two metal towel racks pulls out to reveal a shell with three metal-ringed tool holders. 

   The wheels on this thing have 360-degrees of movement so you’re not fighting with it anytime you want to move it across the shop.

   Grey and black may not be everyone’s aesthetic, but this one is extremely functional, neutral, and affordable for all it offers. 

   I featured Buy-Rite’s styling unit in my best salon stations post.

   Find more Buy-Rite Alumna Deluxe Cart for Salons information and reviews here.

4. 4. BarberPub Luxury Utility Trolley

   

   Price: $145.90

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Locking 360-degree swivel wheels
   • Looks expensive
   • Durable metal frame
   • Water and rust-resistant

   Cons:

   • Shelves are porous wood
   • Storage all out in the open
   • Requires assembly

   For those looking for a cart that is both functional and gorgeous, check out BarberPub’s Luxury Utility Trolley. It’s made up of a solid metal frame with a metallic gold finish and three wooden shelves with a white marble appearance. The geometric design has an Art Deco feel to it that exudes luxury and expense–all for a very reasonable price. Gotta love things that look like they cost way more than they do.

    It’s a solid cart that can hold up to 130 pounds on each shelf for a total of 390 pounds. That’s a lot of hair product. To move the cart to where it’s needed, it’s on four 360-degree movement caster wheels. Two of these wheels have locks on them so you can keep the cart from rolling away once it’s in place. 

   The main downsides are that there isn’t any covered storage that is lockable and the fact that the shelving is made of wood which is more likely to stain than stainless steel or black plastic. The shelves are over 10 inches apart which is great for taller items but if you’re looking to store smaller supplies like brushes or nail tools, go for something with drawers instead or specialized nail polish storage.

   Find more BarberPub Luxury Utility Trolley information and reviews here.

5. 5. K-Salon Professional Coloring Tray With Timer

   

   Price: $114.47

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Built-in timer
   • Designed with coloring tools in mind
   • More storage than most colorist trays
   • Includes hair extension holder

   Cons:

   • Not for holding hot tools
   • Storage bins require bending
   • Not as short as others

   Like to organize everything to within an inch of its life? The K-Salon Colorist Tray has a place for everything from slots for spray bottles, tubes of color, clips, hair extensions, picks, brushes, dying bowls, and even a built-in timer so there’s always one on hand.

   There’s a lift-out section that covers two hidden storage bins underneath the working surface that can be kept covered, giving you extra surface area. Unlike most coloring trays, K-Salon added two levels of storage underneath with metal bins for bottles and other tools. 

   The whole thing is on an adjustable pole (height from 31.5 inches to 43.5 inches tall) and a five-point base with 360-degree movement wheels. 

   Find more K-Salon Professional Coloring Tray With Timer information and reviews here.

6. 6. Rolling Hair Extension Tray

   

   Price: $102.43

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Removable comb insets
   • Hair pick tool slots
   • Adjustable height
   • Black hides staining

   Cons:

   • Tray is plastic
   • Not as heat safe as metal
   • Height more limited than others
   • I don't see wheel locks

   If you do work with hair extensions, this Hair Extension Cart will help you be more efficient and make your job easier. Unlike standard metal stylist trays, this one has removable comb racks on all four sides so you can quickly hang up your hair while keeping it easy to access without fear of it getting tangled. 

   The comb insets are removable when they aren’t needed and replacements are available if the combs become damaged over time. 

   Beyond the absurdly convenient holders, the top of the tray has spill-resistant raised sides and a sturdy five-point metal rolling base. The stand is telescoping so the height can be adjusted from 2.2 feet tall up to .3.5 feet tall.

   Find more Rolling Hair Extension Tray information and reviews here.

7. 7. Ikayaa Salon Rolling Cart

   

   Price: $86.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Drawers pull from either side
   • Cute salon pattern
   • Top tray full of tool holders
   • Comes with free hair tools

   Cons:

   • Not heat-resistant
   • No locking storage
   • Doesn't look high-end

   This little Salon Trolley Cart by Ikayaa is an affordable option with a fun hair salon pattern on both sides of the trolley. The design is filled with all sorts of beauty items including a barber pole, barber chair, hairdressing shears, hairdryers, clips, lipstick, nail polish, and brushes. 

   Its five shallow drawers can be pulled out from either side, making this a nice choice to be used between two different stylist stations. The top of the trolley is set to hold a variety of tools including a hairdryer, two coloring bowl insets, a foil dispenser with a serrated plastic edge, and smaller round holders for tools like brushes, combs, and clippers. The center is inset with a lip to keep smaller items like hair clips from falling and help contain spills. Keep in mind that these holders are plastic and not heat-resistant so, for example, they can hold hair straighteners before you use them but you wouldn’t want to put a hot tool back into these slots.

   To make it easy to move around, the cart is on four 360-degree movement caster wheels and has a total weight capacity of 220 pounds. 

   Find more Ikayaa Salon Rolling Cart information and reviews here.

8. 8. Mefeir Stylist Cart

   

   Price: $105.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Almost no assembly needed
   • Two locking doors
   • Fold down tool caddy on either side
   • Four drawers and two shelves

   Cons:

   • Not heat-resistant
   • Feels flimsy
   • Wheels do not lock

   If you need a good salon trolley on a budget, this Mefeir Hairdresser Cart might be what you need. It’s made of lightweight plastic and has two locking cabinet doors that open up to four sliding plastic drawers. The doors have a little label space for keeping track of what is in each drawer. The base of the cart just above the wheels also doubles as a shelf for more storage. 

   The fold-down trays at the top are packed with all sorts of stylist tool holders although they aren’t heat-resistant. I like that they including bowl holders and a serrated edge for foil.

   On one end there’s a pull handle to move the trolley around and on the other is a plastic overhang with openings to hang your tools. This isn’t for hot tools, however, so keep that in mind when shopping.

   This would be a great trolley for people who work out of their homes or don’t have a ton of space. The drawers are shallow so if you plan on packing this to the brim, you might want to go with something else. 

   Plus, it requires almost no assembly. All you need to do is pop the wheels on. That’s one of my favorite things to find in a product listing.

   Find more Mefeir Stylist Cart information and reviews here.

9. 9. Vivohome Salon Rolling Tray With Tool Holder

   

   Price: $69.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Tray detaches for santitizing
   • Heat-resistant tool cady
   • Impressive height range
   • Holds up to 66 pounds

   Cons:

   • No storage
   • Not stainless steel
   • Wheel base should be wider

   This very straightforward Rolling Tray With Tool Holder is easy to work with and a great combination of style and substance. Both the aluminum tray and tool cady are removable from the base for even easier cleaning and sanitizing. 

   If you need a colorist tray that looks sleek and professional, this is it. This is also perfect if you need a utility tray that is easy to regularly sanitize but won’t look too medical for things like manicures, tattooing, or piercing.

   The working surface is deeply inlaid with a one-inch lip that securely contains spilled liquids. The star-shaped base with 360-degree movement wheels keeps the trolley sturdy and easy to move. It’s sturdy enough that it’s rated to hold a maximum weight of 66 pounds. The only thing this isn’t great for is storage.

   It comes in matte black or silver. The height of the tray adjusts from 26.3 inches to 44.6 inches which is a huge range.

   Find more Vivohome Salon Rolling Tray With Tool Holder information and reviews here.

10. 10. Saloniture Locking Rolling Trolley Cart

    

    Price: $104.99

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Two locking cabinets
    • Good amount of storage
    • Lip on top area prevents spills
    • Heat-resistant tool pockets

    Cons:

    • Needs assembly
    • Not color choices
    • Wheels don't lock

    This Saloniture Rolling Trolley Cart is a great middle-of-the-road trolley that works in a variety of settings. It’s black and unobtrusive so it won’t look out of place in sleek salons or more casual environments like dog grooming.

    Its sturdy plastic construction means it’s light and easy to move around without worrying it’s about to tip over. There are four black plastic drawers and six drawer slots so you can customize how you like your storage arranged.

    Two locking doors cover the drawers and roll upward out of sight like a garage door. While the fact that you need a key might be enough to keep most people honest, the locks aren’t especially secure.

    The top surface is set in so if you happen to spill something, it should be contained and not run all over your other tools.

    For your hot tools, this cart has a hairdryer loop and three metal inserts in one of the side pockets for a safe place to set your tools. It is a plastic cart though, so repeated or clumsy use with rocket-hot tools can warp the surrounding plastic. The other pocket has a serrated edge perfect for storing aluminum foil.

    At the bottom, wire rods offer more storage for product bottles, but unless you spend a lot of time sitting down, they’re pretty low to be used regularly. Overall, it’s a good step up from department store storage bins if you don’t need your storage to radiate luxury.

    Find more Saloniture Locking Rolling Trolley Cart information and reviews here.

11. 11. Costway 150-Drawer Organizer Cart

    

    Price: $80.00

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Lots of storage
    • Locking wheels
    • Metal top surface

    Cons:

    • Not for heavy items
    • Not lockable
    • More utilitarian

    If what you need most is room to organize, this 15-Drawer Organizer by Costway ought to give you the space you need. It comes with five large bins and 10 shallow bins but be aware that due to the way the drawers attach, you can’t customize how the drawers are set up.

    At 36 inches high, the top is a thin metal grate which works as a heat-friendly workspace. Two of the wheels have locks to keep the organizer from rolling around when you don’t want it to which is a unique feature the other trolleys don’t have.

    The drawers are harder to clean on this one than with more sturdy plastic bins so I wouldn’t recommend this for nail technicians or tattoo artists. Where this trolley loses a couple of points is on looks.

    The black minimalist drawers will work in many settings, but in a high-end spa or salon, you may want something that looks fancier.

    Find more Costway 15-Drawer Organizer Cart information and reviews here.

12. 12. Giantex Salon Rolling Trolley Cart

    

    Price: $189.99

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Solid, durable plywood
    • Heat-resistant tool holders
    • Lockable storage
    • Locking caster wheels

    Cons:

    • Harder to clean wood
    • Drawers aren't for heavy items
    • Requires assembly

    This Giantex Salon Trolley is a bit more solid-looking than some of the other carts. The frame is made of plywood instead of plastic which gives it a weightier, more permanent feel. And it is heavier to the tune of almost 41 pounds so keep that in mind when thinking about who will be using the trolley.

    Behind the lockable rolling metal door are four durable plastic drawers for storing your tools. On top, there are three different size metal inserts for your hot tools, one large enough for a full-size hairdryer. The top surface is inset on three sides to keep items falling off while in motion, but this wooden lip won’t keep spilled liquids from making a mess. The wood has a good melamine sealant to protect against spills and scratches, but a wooden top surface is easier to stain than a metal one.

    Its four 360-degree movement caster wheels make for smooth transport around the room and I love that they have locks on them to keep the trolley in place where you want it. On one side there is a pull-out hidden shelf for a second workspace. The drawers can be a little fiddly so they aren’t for storing anything too heavy or else they can come off their tracks.

    Find more Giantex Salon Rolling Trolley Cart information and reviews here.

13. 13. Folding Rolling Salon Tray

    

    Price: $99.99

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Folds flat for easy storage
    • Gripping tray surface with spill lip
    • Comes fully assembled
    • Four wheels

    Cons:

    • No storage
    • Tray is plastic
    • Not as durable

    If you’re tight on space, you might not have the room for that extra colorist tray that you need, but the Framar Folding Rolling Salon Tray has a solution. This rolling tray fold flat making it easy to tuck away and store when not in use. 

    It has a textured surface to prevent items from sliding around and a raised lip to prevent messes in case of any spills. At 14 by 15 inches, this tray is a great size for hair dye and other esthetician supplies.

    Find more Folding Rolling Salon Tray information and reviews here.

What Does the Ideal Salon Trolley Cart for You Look Like?

Since there is no perfect stylist trolley for everyone, we have to focus on which cart is the best fit for your needs. 

How Much Storage Does Your Beauty Cart Need?

Consider exactly what you need the cart for. Does it need to hold supplies, tools, or both?

If your station is a floor-length light up mirror without a counter, your cart needs to hold a large number of supplies. Look for something that offers lots of drawers or cabinets as well as a tray on top to act as your counter.

If you mainly need a portable workspace, a rolling colorist tray might do the trick and save you some money.

Shelves or Drawers? 

To a point, this is a personal preference but there are some things to consider. 

Shelves make it easier to spot and select products as they are all in the open. The downside is that unless you keep things nice and tidy, open shelving has the potential to look messy. 

The other issue is that uncovered shelving has a tendency to collect dust and hair as it's blown around the salon making them harder to keep clean and sanitary. For example, California code dictates that items like non-electrical tools, smocks, towels, and linens need to be kept in closed cabinets or drawers. 

Drawers are great because they help keep out dust and other airborne debris while hiding your pile of jumbled hair clips away from the eyes of the public. Keeping your space looking neat goes a long way to your clients believing that your space is clean--something that MTI College emphasizes. 

However, because they have to slide, drawers are often not as strong as shelves and can be harder to see exactly what you need at a glance. 

Do You Need a Hairdressing Trolley With a Lock?

If you lease space that is shared with other stylists and you're concerned about the safety of your tools from either sticky fingers or well-meaning borrowers, you might want to consider having a locking cabinet on your list of musts. That way your tools and supplies will only be accessible to you.

Stylist Carts On Wheels: Do You Need It to Roll?

In my mind, a cart or trolley has to roll so I'm only including items that come on caster wheels. A stylist cart without wheels is just a salon station. 

Do You Need It to Hold Hot Equipment?

Many salon utility carts have holsters, slots, and holders for hot tools like curling irons and hair dryers. That said, a lot of those holders are plastic and not heat-resistant so you can store your tool there but not while they're hot. 

If that doesn't work for you, be on the lookout for carts that I've noted are heat-resistant.

Should My Salon Trolley Cart Be Plastic, Metal, or Wood?

While it doesn't look as fancy or high-quality or welcoming as wood, plastic and metal are going to be much more stain-resistant and easier to clean than a more porous wood option. 

It is your legal duty to maintain a clean salon so anything that makes this process easier and more efficient is a blessing.

Does It Match Your Style?

It's important that the style of your carts match the aesthetic you're going for.

If your tables and counters are deep, rich woods, utilitarian white plastic bins will definitely stand out, and not in a good way. If you've got a more casual, family-friendly vibe to your space, then tall mahogany carts are going to look out of place. Look around and keep in mind the emotion you want your clients to feel when they're in your space.