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11 Best Salon Backwash Units: Compare, Buy & Save

salon backwash units

123RF.com (Svitlana Hulko)

A lxuriously comfortable salon backwash unit not only gives your clients a better experience, but it can be the reason clients become repeat customers or recommend you to their friends.

When you look at articles about how to choose a stylist, they say it’s good to make a call based on the state of the salon furniture. If you’re on a budget, consider a quality shampoo chair.

What Are the Best Salon Backwash Units?

three salon shampoo units Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Shiatsu and vibration massage
  • Electric reclinging footrest
  • Built-in vacuum breaker
Price: $2,299.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Simple back shampoo chair Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Five color choices
  • Classic look
  • Built-in vacuum breaker
Price: $849.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Black shampooing chair Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Chair height adjustment
  • Stylish design
  • Compact
Price: $849.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Grey reclining hair washing station Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Electric transitions
  • Good for aging clients
  • Plush cushioning
Price: $1,589.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Black Oasis backwash shampoo station Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Unique comptemporary look
  • Built-in vacuum breaker
  • Extra-large basin
Price: $979.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Black reclining backwash for salons Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Affordable
  • Good for smaller salons
  • Includes vacuum break
Price: $228.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Black armchair style shampoo station Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Unique look
  • Tilting bowl
  • Good for small spaces
Price: $949.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
three colors of salon sink chairs Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Seat and bowl are adjustable
  • Colors to choose from
  • Chic design
Price: $1,189.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Black reclined shampoo chair Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Includes lumbar support pillow
  • Reclining footrest
  • Tilting ceramic bowl
Price: $739.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
White and black Mod shampoo station Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Unique minimalist design
  • Tilting ceramic bowl
  • Vacuum breaker
Price: $1,476.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Black electric reclinging shampoo station Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Rolling and kneading massage
  • Motorized reclining
  • Built-in vacuum breaker
Price: $1,899.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Bella III Electric Shampoo Station With Full Body Massage

    Pros:
    • Full body massage
    • Electric reclining footrest
    • Color choices for chair and sink bowl
    • Built-in vacuum breaker
    Cons:
    • Must be plugged in
    • Too pricey for some
    • No bottom plumbing outlet

    The Bella III is for salons or spas that want to thoroughly pamper their clients with a relaxing massage while they have their treatment or wash. There are four Shiatsu massage rollers inside the backrest and vibration massage in the seat for the legs. The massage function, as well as the full-leg reclining footrest, is controlled with a wired hand remote that fits snugly in a built-in pocket by the armrest.

    With the press of a button, your clients can put their legs up and with the push of another, be enjoying full-body massage. Let’s be real: if you order this, some of your clients are going to be so relaxed they fall asleep. But there’s no way they’re not also going to tell all their friends about the salon with the massaging chair.

    The large ceramic basin has a padded neck rest, a built-in vacuum breaker, and a wide range of tilt to work with different heights. You can order it in white or black, but if you don’t specify in your order notes, it defaults to black.

    As far as looks, the fully electric shampoo station looks more like a comfy armchair with a sink on the top than a backwash unit. It comes in black and grey.

    If you’re looking to save a little money, the Victoria is a similar unit but without the massage feature.

    Dream in Reality is known for their unique design and I’ve featured them in my best esthetician beds article.

    Dimensions:

    • Length: 46.9 inches
    • Length when reclined: Not specified
    • Height: 39.4 inches
    • Width: 26.4 inches
    • Plumbing position: Back or side
  2. 2. The Shelby Backwash Chair

    Pros:
    • Built-in vacuum breaker
    • On the affordable side
    • Five color choices
    • Good for smaller spaces
    Cons:
    • Doesn't recline
    • Not an exciting look
    • Requires assembly

    For those looking for a classic, no-frills backwash station, the Shelby by BR Beauty is exactly that. The padded armchair design is a step up from the cheaper, bare chair setups so you get the comfort of a higher quality chair but without going out on an interior design limb. The Shelby is traditional and unobtrusive. 

    The chair is fixed but slightly reclined and the ceramic basin tilts for client comfort. It’s a good size for smaller salons as it doesn’t take up much space. There’s a built-in vacuum breaker and the chair comes with a one-year warranty. 

    I love that it’s available in five different colors to match the decor of your space. Beyond the classic black I’m featuring, it comes in EspressoWhiteGrey, and Black With Crocodile Patterning.

    Dimensions:

    • Length: 54 inches
    • Length when reclined: N/A
    • Height: Unspecified
    • Width: 25 inches
    • Plumbing position: Back or side
  3. 3. Black Beauty Shampoo Chair by Icarus

    Pros:
    • Uniquely adjustable chair
    • Eye-catching aesthetic
    • Built for small spaces
    Cons:
    • Doesn't come with vacuum breaker
    • No side connections
    • No leg rest

    The Black Beauty Shampoo Station is a modern, unique-looking unit with a focus on style and comfort. The unit has a salon-style chair and, like a salon chair, the seat can be raised up with a hydraulic pump to suit shorter clients. Its position forward and back can also be adjusted to better fit your clients. This is a feature you won’t find in other units.

    There’s no leg rest to recline up making this a good fit for salons that are short on space.

    Icarus is a brand known for its innovative and convertible salon equipment. I’ve featured their collapsable nail table in my article on the best manicure tables.  

    Dimensions:

    • Length: 31 inches
    • Length when reclined: N/A
    • Height: 35 inches
    • Width: 23 inches
    • Plumbing position: Back or bottom
  4. 4. Yume Dreaming Electric Shampoo Backwash

    Pros:
    • Fully electric leg rest
    • Durable upholstery
    • Includes neck rest
    • Can add vacuum breaker
    Cons:
    • Chair doesn't sit up straight
    • Pricey
    • Not for side plumbing

    If you have a lot of aging clients, an electric chair like the Yume Dreaming Electric Backwash Station is the way to go. These stations allow for safe and gentle transitions from sitting to a comfortable reclined position without requiring any strain on the client.

    The electric leg rest is controlled by a panel on the side of the chair. 

    The tilting sink is quality ceramic with an included neck rest. Vacuum breakers can be added for an additional fee. It’s also available in black.

    Dimensions:

    • Length: 47 inches
    • Length when reclined: 65 inches
    • Height: 39.2 inches
    • Width: 27 inches
    • Plumbing position: Back or floor
  5. 5. Oasis Stationary Backwash Station

    Pros:
    • Built-in vacuum breaker
    • Unique, Euro look
    • Extra large bowl
    • Lumbar support
    Cons:
    • No leg rest
    • Pre-reclined
    • No color choices

    If you’re looking for a chic European vibe, check out this contemporary Oasis Stationary Shampoo Station. Its blocky lines, durable vinyl upholstery, and skinny legs stand out from traditional plain chairs. 

    The chair is permanently reclined in a stationary position making it best for salons that cater to a younger crowd though it does have a lot of built-in lumbar support. There’s no leg rest so you don’t have to deal with losing that floorspace in your shop.

    It comes with a tilting, adjustable, extra-large basin and a built-in vacuum breaker.

    Dimensions:

    • Length: 56 inches
    • Length when reclined: N/A
    • Height (to bowl): 33.5 inches
    • Width: 26 inches
    • Plumbing position: Not given
  6. 6. Ainfox Backwash Station

    Pros:
    • Very affordable
    • Includes vacuum breaker and neck rest
    • Shorter for smaller salons
    • Chair has slight recline
    Cons:
    • Not going to hold up as well as others
    • May look or feel a little cheap
    • Too small for some
    • No footrest

    If your budget is tight, go with the Ainfox Shampoo Station. It’s about as inexpensive as you’re going to find for a chair that won’t leak or fall apart the second you use it. It can’t really compete against the others on the list, but it is the best shampoo station in its price range.

    It’s a bit shorter than others which is good for smaller salons and doesn’t have a reclining footrest. The seat itself does slightly recline when you lean back into it so the client can line up their head with the ceramic sink. The chair itself only weighs about 65 pounds so there’s a chance it could feel a little flimsy so you’d definitely want to bolt this one to the floor.

    For a cheaper chair, it has some nice extras like included neck rest and vacuum breaker. It will get the job done but if you can afford to spend a little more now, it will save you money in the long run to get a higher quality chair.

    Dimensions:

    • Length: 54.7 inches
    • Length when reclined: N/A
    • Height: 32.5 inches
    • Width: 23.9 inches
    • Plumbing position: Bottom
  7. 7. Chelsea Shampoo Unit by BR Beauty

    Pros:
    • Tilting bowl
    • Good for small spaces
    • Flexible plumbing
    • Unique design
    Cons:
    • Not everyone digs the style of this one
    • No footrest
    • Confined sides tough for larger clients

    If you’re looking to stand out, this Chelsea Shampoo Station by BR Beauty is unlike most others you’ll find. It’s got a chunky, armchair look to it that is almost 80’s inspired in style. 

    The non-reclining chair is set at a fixed, slightly slope so folks can comfortably lean back. No footrest means this one is easier to fit in smaller spaces. The large, very round ceramic sink tilts for comfort and comes with all hardware included.

    BR Beauty also has a matching salon dryer chair.

    Dimensions:

    • Length: 44.5 inches
    • Length when reclined: N/A
    • Height: 39.5 inches
    • Width: 27.5 inches
    • Plumbing position: Back or bottom
  8. 8. Beckman Adjustable Backwash by DIR

    Pros:
    • Many color options
    • Bowl tilts and seat slides for comfort
    • Works for back or side water connection
    • Includes silicone neckrest
    Cons:
    • Base looks a little plasticy
    • Middle of the road as far as budget
    • Hair trap not included

    The Beckman shampoo unit is Dream In Reality’s best-selling backwash. It slides in right in the middle of the budget range and has an ultra-modern design without breaking the bank. You get some nice adjustability as the seat can slide back and forth and the sink bowl can tilt to accommodate different body shapes and sizes.

    I love the design on this one with the sleek chrome arms and curved base. The adjustable chair has dense memory foam and is covered in stain-resistant vinyl. It’s available in whiteblackbrown, and the featured grey above. If you like the lighter colors, considered matching them to new white salon chairs.

    The bowl is full ceramic and is available in either black or white. It comes with the silicone neck rest, sprayer, faucet, and strainer, but you will need to pick up the hair trap separately. 

    The unit comes with a one-year warranty and can be plumbed from either the side or back depending on what your space needs. 

    Dimensions:

    • Length: 52 inches
    • Length when reclined: N/A
    • Height: 38 inches
    • Width: 24 inches
    • Plumbing position: Back or bottom but hoses are flexible so can be moved to the side
  9. 9. BarberPub Backwash

    Pros:
    • Reclining footrest
    • Sleek chrome arms
    • Lumbar support pillow
    • One-year warranty
    Cons:
    • Pre-reclined
    • Can look a little plasticy
    • Needs assembly

    If you need something a little more compact but attractive, check out the BarberPub Backwash. It’s slightly smaller than many of the other chairs on the list  but still has a comfortable armchair look with curved armrests

    The back is pre-reclined and the footrest is a little small, which is an advantage in tight spaces, and the footrest raises all the way up to nearly a 90-degree angle. The cushioning is soft foam and the upholstery is waterproof and stain-resistant. To support your client’s back when reclined, they include a matching, removable lumbar support bolster pillow.

    Dimensions:

    • Length: 58 inches
    • Length when reclined: 71 inches
    • Height: 39 inches total
    • Width: 25 inches
    • Plumbing position: back and floor
  10. 10. Frette Backwash Station

    Pros:
    • Includes a vacuum breaker
    • Compact size
    • Minimalist design
    • Tilting ceramic bowl
    Cons:
    • No reclining
    • Too small for some
    • No choice of colors

    If you’re looking for something more minimal, modern, and stylish try the Frette Shampoo Unit. Its compact size makes a great for tight spaces that larger shampooing units wouldn’t fit into.

    I love the sharp angles of the base mirrored by the chair support. It has a very modern look to it that stands out from more standard boring models. The starkness even makes it seem like having a reclining footrest would be clunky, making the lack of reclining look like a positive while for many it would normally be edging toward a negative. 

    The ceramic bowl tilts to better align with the client’s neck and includes a vacuum breaker. 

    If you’re going all-in on this modern look, you may need to update your salon stations to match.

    Dimensions:

    • Length: 42 inches
    • Length when reclined: N/A
    • Height: 40 inches
    • Width: 24 inches
    • Plumbing position: Not stated
  11. 11. Electic Backwash Station With Massage by Skin Act

    Pros:
    • Remote control massage
    • Built-in vacuum breaker
    • Electric remote control reclining leg rest
    • Good for older clients
    Cons:
    • Pricier than others
    • No color choices
    • Can't sit upright

    For ultimate relaxation, check out this Electric Shampoo Station by Skin Act which has electric reclining and roller massage functions.

    This is a good choice for a trendy salon with lots of older clients and the motorized reclining is easier on people with mobility issues. Your clients will love the rolling and kneading massage that they can control with the included remote.

    The adjustable basin comes with a vacuum breaker built-in.

    Dimensions:

    • Length: Not given
    • Length when reclined: 69 inches
    • Height: 40 inches
    • Width: Not given
    • Plumbing position: Back or floor

Which Shampoo Station Is Right for Your Space?

Every salon is different and every situation is different so let's break down the biggest factors.

Budget.

This is a big element in your decision-making, but remember that you're investing in your business, and spoiled customers equal word-of-mouth recommendations. 

Portable or stationary?

Whether you get a portable shampoo bowl or full backwash station generally depends on space and budget. Portable bowls are cheaper and take up less space. But, if you have the ability to get a stationary unit, is it worth it? 

Cue the loud, resounding, "Yes!" from the crowd. 

Stationary units are by and large more comfortable, stable, and make your client feel more secure. For the stylist, they're easier to operate and eliminate the risk of bumping or knocking it over.

Space.

Other than budget, this is the other biggest determining factor when deciding on a shampoo station. I find it helps to use painter's or masking tape to block out the dimensions of shampoo stations to see exactly how much of a footprint they'll take up. 

Plumbing.

These units need to be professionally installed into your plumbing so be sure to double-check that their positioning aligns with your plumbing. Most units these days tend to have flexible orientation so that they can be plumbed from below, the side, or behind, but not all. 

If you can't swing a plumbed unit, you'll want to stick to a shampoo chair like this LCL Beauty Chair and cozy it up to an existing sink.

Ergonomics.

Take note of the height of these stations to make sure they work well with the height of your stylists. For other work safety tips, check OSHA's hair salon page.

To Recline or Not to Recline?

Reclining is definitely not a required feature, but it's really nice. It's especially good for older and disabled clients who may find the normal seated backwashes painful for their backs. Lifting the legs helps round out the spine and create a more comfortable position. Just like with lash pillows, a comfortable client is a still client.

Not to mention, it gives a more spa-like relaxing experience for everyone. (Though your very relaxed clients may fall asleep.)

The only reason to skip reclining is the space factor. When you're measuring your dimensions and making your choice, be sure to mark out the length of the chair when reclined. That way you're not in for a surprise when you get the shipment and suddenly the footrest takes up most of your walking space.

How Do You Want Your Clients to Feel?

The style of a chair is important too. Are you looking for an upscale modern vibe? An opulent spa experience? A bold, unforgettable barbershop with flashy red barber chairs?

No matter what style you pick, they're probably going to feel great. The shampooing is some client's favorite part of going to the salon.

Your hair always comes out looking amazing after it's been washed at the salon. I know scientists have said that the shampoo used at salons contains the same ingredients as commercial shampoos, so it must be some kind of stylist magic.