Understanding How a Barber Chair Lowers

A barber chair goes down using either a hydraulic release valve or a gas lift release mechanism, depending on the chair type. Pressing or stepping on the release pedal opens this valve, allowing fluid or gas pressure to escape, which lowers the chair smoothly under the weight of the client.
Professional chairs—such as those produced by Huiyi Furniture—use reinforced hydraulic pumps designed for smooth, controlled lowering and long-term durability.

Identify Your Chair Type Before Lowering

hydraulic barber chair

• Has a foot pedal

• Pedal has two functions: pumping up and releasing down

• Heavy steel base

Gas Lift Styling Chair

• Small lever under the seat

• Common in lightweight salon chairs

• No hydraulic fluid

The method for lowering depends on which one you have.

Part 1: How To Lower a Hydraulic barber chair

Step 1: Find the Pedal

Most hydraulic chairs have a single pedal with two modes:

Push down halfway → lowers the chair

Push down fully → pumps the chair up

Hydraulics rely on controlled release, so the half-press is critical.

Step 2: Press the Pedal Gently

To make the chair go down:

• Apply steady, moderate pressure

• Do not press all the way down

• Allow the chair to descend slowly under the client's weight

If you press too lightly, it may not move.

If you press too hard, you may engage the pumping mechanism instead.

Step 3: Lower Without a Client Sitting

A hydraulic chair may not lower without weight.

If empty:

• Press the release pedal

• Apply gentle pressure on the seat with your hand

This activates the lowering valve safely.

Step 4: Test Height Control

Proper lowering should be:

• Smooth

• Quiet

• Controlled

If the chair drops too fast or too slowly, the pump may need maintenance.

Part 2: How To Lower a Gas Lift Salon Chair

Step 1: Locate the Seat Lever

Gas lift chairs have a lever under the seat.

Pulling lever upward → lowers the chair

Releasing lever → locks height

Step 2: Pull the Lever While Sitting

Gas pistons require body weight to descend.

To lower:

• Sit on the chair

• Pull the lever

• The chair will drop smoothly

If no one is seated, the height may remain unchanged.

Troubleshooting: Chair Won’t Go Down

1. Pedal or Lever Not Engaging

Cause: linkage rod disconnected
Fix: tighten or reconnect linkage under the seat.

2. Hydraulic Fluid Too Low

Cause: leak or evaporation
Fix: refill hydraulic fluid and bleed air from system.

3. Release Valve Stuck

Cause: debris, rust, or old oil inside pump
Fix: clean or replace valve.

4. Client Weight Too Light

Cause: no downward force
Fix: apply hand pressure.

5. Gas Piston Worn Out

Cause: internal pressure loss
Fix: replace piston entirely—cannot be repaired.

6. Pump Overfilled or Jammed

Fix: inspect pump movement and remove excess fluid.

7. Mechanical Obstruction

Cause: hair buildup around pump shaft
Fix: clean debris and lubricate.

How Huiyi Furniture Improves Downward Motion

Chairs from Huiyi Furniture include:

• Smooth hydraulic release valves

• Strong pedal arms for easy lowering

• Weight-balanced bases for stability

• Durable internal seals for long-term reliability

• Precision gas lifts for lightweight models

These engineering upgrades make height adjustments smoother and safer.

Maintenance Tips to Keep the Chair Lowering Smoothly

Clean hair around the base weekly

Prevents mechanical blockage.

Lubricate moving parts monthly

Helps pedals and valves operate freely.

Replace worn seals early

Prevents sinking or dropping issues.

Check fluid levels twice a year

Maintains strong pressure control.

Always operate pedal gently

Avoids damaging the release valve.