The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Beauty Bed for Your Salon


A beauty bed is one of the most crucial investments for any salon, spa, or beauty room. Whether you specialise in facials, massage therapy, or a range of beauty treatments, choosing the right bed will impact client comfort, treatment efficiency, and your overall business success.

With various types of salon beds available – hydraulic, electric, portable, and stationary – it’s essential to understand their benefits, limitations, and ideal use cases. In this guide, we break down the different types of beauty beds, compare electric vs. hydraulic options, and help you choose the perfect bed for your salon’s services.

Choosing the right beauty bed is an investment in both your salon’s professionalism and your clients’ comfort. Whether you opt for an electric or hydraulic bed, a multi-purpose or specialised option, your decision should align with your services, budget and available space.

Types of Beauty Beds for Different Salons

Hydraulic Beauty Beds

Best For: Salons offering a mix of treatments, budget-conscious businesses, and beauty rooms with no electrical outlets nearby.

AdvantagesLimitations
✅ Cost-effective compared to electric beds
✅ Manually adjustable for flexibility
✅ No power supply required, reducing electricity costs
❌ Requires manual effort to adjust
❌ May not be as smooth as electric options

Take a look at our SalonServe 3-Section Hydraulic Bed for a hydraulic-controlled back and footrest with hydraulic pump height adjustment.

Buy Hydraulic Beauty Beds

Electric Beauty Beds

Best For: High-end salons, medical spas, and businesses requiring frequent adjustments in bed height and angle.

AdvantagesLimitations
✅ Smooth and effortless height and angle adjustments
✅ Enhances therapist efficiency and reduces strain
✅ Ideal for luxury experiences and premium services
❌ Requires a power source
❌ Higher price point and potential repair costs
Buy Fully Electric Beauty Bed

How Does an Electric Beauty Bed Work?

An electric beauty bed consists of:

  • A motor for movement
  • A control box that connects the power supply and motor
  • A remote control that signals adjustments

For easy maintenance, always choose a couch that allows you to swap components (available spares including motor, control box, or remote) without having to send the whole bed away for repair.

Understanding Multi-Motor Beauty Beds

Not all electric beauty beds are the same. The number of motors determines how adjustable the bed is:

Motor TypeWhat It ControlsBest For
1-MotorHeight onlyBasic salons needing simple height adjustments
2-MotorHeight + backrestVersatile salons offering facials and general beauty treatments
3-MotorHeight + backrest + footrestFull flexibility for massage, facials, and body treatments

For a fully adjustable 3-motor experience, try our SalonServe 3-Section Fully Electric Bed.

Portable Beauty Beds

Best For: Mobile beauty therapists, freelance professionals, and salons with limited space.

LimitationsLimitations
✅ Lightweight and easy to transport
✅ Space-saving for small salons or home setups
✅ Budget-friendly and easy to store
❌ Less sturdy than stationary options
❌ Limited cushioning and adjustability
Buy Portable Beauty Bed & Carry Case

Stationary Beauty Beds

Best For: Established salons and spas offering a dedicated treatment space.

LimitationsLimitations
✅ Sturdy and long-lasting
✅ Can sometimes offer higher weight capacity and stability
✅ Can be fully equipped with accessories like face holes and armrests
❌ Not adjustable
❌ Lack of movement can be an issue for therapists of different heights working on the same bed.

Take a look at our Static Deluxe Couch for a budget friendly stationary couch option with fixed height.

Buy Fixed Height Beauty Bed

Electric vs. Hydraulic Beauty Beds: A Comparison

FeatureElectric Beauty BedsHydraulic Beauty Beds
Power RequirementRequires electricityNo electricity needed
Ease of AdjustmentEffortless remote controlManual pump adjustment
DurabilityHigher maintenance needsTypically long-lasting
PriceMore expensiveMore budget-friendly
Ideal ForHigh-end salons, luxury treatmentsGeneral salons, budget-conscious buyers

Multi-Purpose vs. Specialised Beauty Beds

When to Choose a Multi-Purpose Bed:

  • If your salon offers a wide range of treatments and needs flexibility.
  • When you want to save space and avoid purchasing multiple beds.
  • If you need quick adjustments for different services.

When to Choose a Specialised Beauty Bed:

  • If your salon focuses on a specific treatment (e.g., facials, massage).
  • When you want a tailored experience for your clients.
  • If high-level treatment comfort and precision are required.

How to Choose the Perfect Beauty Bed for Your Salon’s Services

Beds for Facial Treatments & Skincare Services

  • Adjustable height and reclining backrest for better client positioning.
  • High-quality upholstery for hygiene and easy cleaning.
  • Armrests or additional support for client comfort.

Beds for Massage and Body Treatments

  • Sturdy frame with high weight capacity for stability.
  • Soft yet firm cushioning for client comfort during long sessions.
  • Integrated face hole for proper head positioning.

Our Salonserve 2-Section Electric Beauty And Massage Bed is perfect for massage with electric height adjustment and hydraulic backrest.

Buy Electric Beauty & Massage Bed

Beds for Lash Extensions, Waxing, and Nail Services

  • Reclining function for precise treatment positioning.
  • Compact design to fit smaller beauty spaces.
  • Soft, cushioned upholstery to keep clients comfortable.

Do You Need a Beauty Bed for Eye Treatments?

While a reclining beauty bed is ideal, some salons use reclining chairs for lash treatments. If space is tight, a reclining chair can work – but for maximum client comfort and therapist ease, a beauty bed is the better choice.

Why Variable Height Beauty Beds Are Essential in Shared Salon Spaces

If multiple therapists share the same treatment room, a variable height bed is a must-have. Different therapists have different heights and working postures, and adjusting the bed ensures:

Ergonomic working conditions to reduce strain
Better posture, preventing long-term injuries
Seamless treatment transitions between therapists

Looking for a height-adjustable bed? Explore our range of SalonServe Electric & Hydraulic Beauty Beds for ergonomic solutions.

Features to Look for in a Quality Beauty Bed

FeatureWhy It Matters
Upholstery QualityEasy to clean, resistant to wear and tear.
Foam DensityEnsures comfort for long sessions.
Weight CapacitySupports different body types and ensures durability.
Height AdjustmentImproves therapist comfort and accessibility.
Reclining AnglesAdapts to different treatments like facials or massages.
AccessoriesFace holes, armrests, and paper roll holders enhance versatility.

Maintenance & Care Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty Beds

  • Daily Cleaning: Wipe down with antibacterial cleaners after each use.
  • Preventative Maintenance: Check hydraulic or electric systems regularly for smooth operation.
  • Foam & Upholstery Care: Use protective covers and avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Troubleshooting Common Issues: Monitor for squeaky hinges, slow hydraulics, or worn-out cushioning.
  • Warranty & Repairs: Always check manufacturer warranties and keep a record of service dates.
  • Spares: Choose a bed where parts can be swapped easily without sending the entire bed away.

Find Out More about Our Salonserve Couches and Salon Beds

If you’d like to learn more about our beauty salon equipment or any other products, or if you have any queries regarding our range of Salonserve beds, our team is waiting to help you. If you would like to speak with someone, please call us at 01933 410022, or if you prefer, simply pop an email to info@salonserve.com.

Explore our Beauty Couches & Massage Beds

The SalonServe Promise

We have a team of highly qualified employees that pay close attention to detail. We are committed to providing you with outstanding customer service at all times, and our trained therapists are on hand to answer any questions. 

Your orders are expertly hand-picked and packed by our trained warehouse professionals to guarantee that each item will arrive in perfect working order.

Fast, Easy Delivery

All of our salon beds come with a speedy delivery service. Just get in touch to arrange a fast two-person, white glove delivery to a room of your choice. We deliver Monday to Friday and can work with you to pick a delivery day that suits you best. Alternatively, you can pick a day for delivery that suits you best. 

Plus, you only need to pay for one delivery if you purchase multiple large pieces of salon furniture. When you order from SalonServe, we always look for ways to save you money and make your life a little easier! 

Returns Policy

Our returns policy is an easy, stress-free process. With no questions asked and no bad feelings, you can return your purchases within 15 days if you’re not completely satisfied (we’re sure you will be).

Please ensure the product and packaging are in the condition you received them in, ready for resale. Returns of furniture will incur a 25% restocking fee, and after you return your item, we’ll issue you a refund or, if you prefer, issue you with credit. Simple!

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Article by Leigh-Ann Keddie

Leigh-Ann is our Marketing Coordinator and Content Writer here at Salonserve Hair and Beauty Supplies Limited.

Read more articles by Leigh-Ann Keddie