Tips for Buying Used Salon Equipment: What to Know Before You Buy

Opening a new salon is an exciting milestone—but it’s no secret that the buildout can be expensive. Between construction, permits, design, and staffing, many new salon owners quickly realize that salon equipment and furniture represent one of the biggest upfront costs.

At Buy-Rite Beauty, we’ve been helping salon professionals outfit their spaces for over 80 years. We understand the pressure to stay on budget, especially in the early stages. In many cases, buying used salon furniture can be a smart way to save—particularly if you're able to buy locally and avoid freight shipping costs. That said, there are some important things to keep in mind. Used furniture can offer great value, but it also comes with risks.

Here are our expert tips for making smart decisions when shopping for pre-owned salon furniture:

1. Stick to Trusted Brands

When it comes to used salon equipment, brand matters. Well-known manufacturers like Pibbs, Collins, Takara Belmont, and Buy-Rite Beauty are known for quality and durability. These brands also provide replacement parts, which is critical if something breaks or wears out.

Much of the budget-friendly salon furniture flooding the market today is imported and built to be disposable. If it wasn’t high-quality to begin with, it’s unlikely to hold up after a few years of use—especially in a high-traffic salon environment. Pumps, footrests, bases, and dryer hoods are all common failure points, so it’s smart to stick with equipment that can be repaired rather than replaced.

2. Look for Matching Sets

If you’re just opening a one-chair suite, a matching setup may not matter as much. But for larger salons, cohesive, matching equipment can make or break the overall aesthetic. It’s not just about style—it’s about creating a professional, branded experience for clients.

The best way to find matching furniture is to shop from salons that are closing or selling off their equipment in bulk. While these deals may be harder to come by, they often offer the best value and visual consistency. Piecing together your setup item-by-item can lead to mismatched styles and colors, which can be difficult (and costly) to correct later.

3. Inspect Used Furniture Carefully

This might sound obvious, but don’t overlook wear and tear. In many cases, it costs more to reupholster a chair than to buy a new one. Damaged cabinetry can be hard to refinish, and not all chair bases are easy to swap out.

Here are a few key things to check:

• Hydraulic function – does the chair lift, stay up, and lower smoothly?
• Dryer performance – does it heat up properly and operate quietly?
• Stains or chemical damage – bleach and color stains are common in busy salons and often permanent
• Structural damage – look for cracks, broken welds, or mounting issues with stations
• Footrests and arms – these high-touch areas wear down quickly

Furniture that’s been used in high-volume salons may still look good at a glance but can be structurally compromised or worn beyond repair.

4. Use the Right Marketplaces (and Your Network)

We’ve found that the best sources for used salon equipment tend to be:

• Craigslist
• Facebook Marketplace
• OfferUp (in select cities)
• Word of Mouth / Stylist Networks

Your local stylist network can be a goldmine. Salons that are downsizing, moving to suites, or closing shop often sell high-quality items privately—sometimes at a steep discount.

We suggest avoiding platforms like eBay for most used furniture. Because salon chairs and stations are large and heavy, shipping damage is a real risk—and it’s difficult to inspect items before buying.

5. Test the Hydraulic Pumps Under Real Conditions

The hydraulic pump is the most critical—and most expensive—part of a salon chair. Many pumps will lift when empty but fail under the weight of an actual client.

Always test the chair with someone sitting in it. A failing pump can’t always be repaired and often requires full replacement, which can cost up to half the price of a new chair. It’s one of the most common hidden expenses in used equipment.

6. Don’t Overpay

Used furniture isn’t always a bargain. New equipment is often more affordable than people expect—especially with warranties and financing options available. If you’re taking on the risks of wear, tear, and no warranty, the used price should be no more than 25% of the cost of a new item. That’s a good general rule of thumb.

Compare prices on sites like Buy-Rite Beauty to get a sense of what new furniture costs—and make sure you’re really getting a deal.

Mix and Match When It Makes Sense

Many successful salon owners start with a blend of used and new furniture. You might find a great used shampoo chair or dryer locally, but want to buy a new styling chair and reception desk to complete the look or match your brand.

At Buy-Rite Beauty, our salon specialists are here to help. We’re happy to work with you to find the right equipment that complements your existing setup—whether you’ve already bought used or are just starting to build your space. We also carry a full selection of replacement parts for major salon brands, so if you’re repairing a quality item, we can often help extend its life.

Need Help Outfitting Your Salon?

Whether you’re shopping new or used—or a mix of both—Buy-Rite Beauty has the experience and selection to support your vision. Our expert team is always ready to help you find furniture that fits your budget, brand, and long-term goals.