A cutting chair can be replaced in a morning. A Professional shampoo bowl, once it is connected to the water and drainage, you keep it for years, with all its qualities and flaws.

It is also the only piece of furniture in the living room where the client lies down, motionless, with their head in your hands. And the one where you work leaning over, fifteen or twenty times a day. All the more reason to choose it methodically.

This guide tells you what you need to know before ordering: which type of basin for which salon, what it actually costs (including options), what your plumber needs to check, and how to keep the basin in good condition. Whether you are equipping an entire salon in hairdressing furniture Whether you are replacing a single bin, the process is the same.

Shampoo unit, backwash unit, shampoo basin: what are we talking about?

Three names for the same piece of furniture. In a living room, it is simply called «the basin». It brings together five elements: a bowl (the basin, almost always ceramic), a seat with a neck rest, plumbing (the mixer tap and spray nozzle), a drain with its waste pipe, and a structure that supports the whole thing.

For most manufacturers, including Groupe Coiff, the chair is integrated: you buy a complete unit, not a basin to be placed on a chair. The backwash unit is used for shampooing, but also for rinsing hair color, treatments, and masks. It is often the first step of the service, and therefore the first impression the client takes away.

Which type of container for which trade show?

There is no «best» baccalaureate, only the one that fits your way of working. Here are the main categories, with a few models from our range to help you find your way.

You are opening a small salon (two or three stations). Get a sitting shampoo unit with a very deep basin and a comfortable seat: that is where your budget is best spent. The massage is a bonus, not a necessity, when you are starting out.

You run a barbershop. Many barbers choose a compact model, which leaves room for the stations. The main thing is that it matches your barber chair to maintain a consistent line.

You want to offer scalp care. Forget the traditional shampoo bowl: go for a reclined bowl with massage. Take a look at our Head Spa Space and to our article on the Head SPA to see if the concept matches your clientele. If you run an institute, this type of tray goes well with the rest of your aesthetic furniture.

Your salon is always full. Consider the hairdresser's comfort just as much as the client's. An electric shampoo unit or a double styling station is then worth considering, as we discuss below.

How many bins, and where to install them?

The most common rule of thumb: one shampoo basin for every two to three styling stations. With four or five stations, two are planned. A third is justified if coloring makes up a large part of your business, since these clients occupy the basin longer.

Allow 2 to 3 m² per tank, including walkways. Place it near the water inlets (fewer pipes to redo), within sight of your styling stations, and in such a way that the client doesn't have to walk across the entire salon with wet hair once washed.

In terms of size, here is what a few models from our range look like:

A very simple tip: before ordering, outline the footprint of the basin on the floor with masking tape. Ask a colleague to stand in it, then walk around them. If you cannot get behind the washbasin without contorting yourself, you need a smaller model or a different layout. And if you receive clients in wheelchairs, keep a clear pathway of at least 90 cm.

What makes a good high school diploma (and what you can ignore)

The basin

It is she who does the work: hot water, shampoos, hair coloring, all day long. Ceramic remains the benchmark because it withstands products and cleans easily. Three points to check. The basin must be tilting, to fit the client's neck comfortably without you having to strain. It must be deep enough so that water does not splash onto the floor. And its color, white or black, is a matter of style, not performance.

The seat and its upholstery

The customer stays there for several minutes: the seat must be wide, the foam dense, and the neck-rest well placed. As for the upholstery, skai (a faux leather) dominates because it withstands wear and is easily wiped clean. Flame-retardant upholstery is an added safety feature: certain models, like the Hornet, display an M2 fire-retardant rating on their spec sheet. Another life-changing detail: removable cushions, just like on the VANITY. The day one gets worn out, you replace the cushion, not the basin.

Two more comments. If you do a lot of coloring, beware of very light shades, where stains show easily. And if you equip the whole salon, some shampoo units come in a series with a professional styling chair, like the EAST practical for maintaining a consistent pace from high school to university positions.

The structure, the one you don't see

She is the one who decides whether the tub will hold without playing or squeaking. Two main approaches are mostly found: a treated metal structure (galvanized steel, powder-coated metal) or a molded base without metal. The VANITY Take the second one: without metal, nothing rusts in the permanent humidity of a wash station, and the base has a lifetime warranty excluding mechanical damage. Whatever the technique, look at the maximum load (200 kg on the VANITY) and what the warranty covers.

The plumbing fixtures

A mixer tap (the faucet that mixes hot and cold water) and a hand shower on an extensible hose: that's the basic setup. A ceramic cartridge mixer tap is a good sign of quality. The gold finish (+ €30 on the VANITY) makes an impact, provided you clean it with a soft, damp cloth, without abrasive products.

The options: which ones are worth their price?

The electric leg rest really changes the comfort for long services, coloring and head treatments. The massage is a selling point if you highlight it in your offer; otherwise, it goes unused. The silicone headrest (€17) and the protective cover (€50) are useful little purchases for a very busy salon. The rest, contrasting stitching or rare colors, is a matter of taste. Customize as much as you want, but be aware that this lengthens the manufacturing time.

How much does a professional shampoo unit cost?

The range is wide, and that makes sense: we are comparing pieces of furniture that have neither the same structure nor the same options. Supplier directories often quote between €600 and €1,800 for a standard shampoo unit, and several thousand euros for an electric height-adjustable model from certain manufacturers. Here are some benchmarks in prices excluding tax:

Prices recorded on groupecoiff.com in September 2026, subject to change with promotions.

Let's take a concrete example. The VANITY is listed at €969 excluding VAT. Add the massage (+ €264), the gold taps (+ €30) and the silicone headrest (+ €17): that comes to €1,280 excluding VAT, or about €1,536 including VAT. Same basin, different bill. Always compare prices including options, otherwise the comparison is meaningless.

What the price of the tub does not include: the connection (plumber, and electrician if you choose electrical options), any necessary modification of the drainage system, and an anti-scale system if your water is hard. Ask your plumber for a quote before ordering: this is an often overlooked expense.

Professional prices are shown excluding tax: add 20 % VAT (which you will recover or not depending on your scheme, your accountant will tell you). At Groupe Coiff, payment in three installments with Klarna is available, and you can request a free quote.

Plumbing: what to check before ordering

This is the part nobody likes, and the one that holds the most nasty surprises. A sink connects to three things: hot water, cold water, and the drain. Here is the checklist to go through with your plumber.

1. The water inlets. A hot and a cold water supply, very close to the sink, with accessible shut-off valves. If your pipes are old (old copper, for example), have them checked before installation.
2. The flow rate. For a comfortable rinse, installers generally aim for more than 9 liters per minute. Check the recommended value for your model on its technical data sheet.
3. The pressure. Above 3 bars, a pressure reducer protects the mixer tap and hoses.
4. The evacuation. It passes through a trap with a regular slope. When the slope is insufficient, water stagnates and hair accumulates: this is the primary cause of a clog.
5. Limestone. If your water is hard, an upstream anti-scale device protects the hand shower and the mixer tap.
6. Electricity. Leg rest and massage require a nearby power outlet. Plan for it before delivery, not after.

Two practical tips. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. In particular, do not replace the flexible drain hose with a rigid connection screwed under the basin: this blocks the tilting movement, an installation defect that some manufacturers point out. And upon commissioning, test the water at around 38 to 40 °C and check that the drainage flows away without backing up.

Tip: Take a photo of your water inlets and drain, and send the photos to your plumber before choosing the model. They will quickly tell you if the location is realistic.

The hairdresser's back matters just as much as the client's comfort

At the shampoo basin, the client is comfortably seated. You, less so: arms extended, back bent, the same motion repeated all day long. This is not a detail. According to the magazine Prevention Solutions, approximately three out of four recognized occupational diseases in the hairdressing industry are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), with pain in the back, shoulders, and wrists (2013 figure).

What concretely helps: a workstation where one doesn't have to bend over, a well-placed basin, movements that don't require stretching one's arms. A height-adjustable tub is the most complete solution. This is the case with HERA, whose height is adjusted electrically by pedals, but this type of basin costs more.

Good to know. The French Health Insurance - Occupational Risks fund (Assurance Maladie – Risques professionnels), through the Carsat (Regional Pension and Occupational Health Fund), offers subsidies to companies with fewer than 50 employees to finance equipment that reduces physical strain, including certain height-adjustable bins. The conditions change from year to year, the application must be made before signing a quote, and the equipment must meet precise specifications. Contact your Carsat or visit the ameli.fr page dedicated to hair salons before buying, including to find out if the model you like is eligible.

Maintaining your bin so that it lasts

A well-maintained wooden tub ages slowly. A few simple habits are enough.

After each client, rinse the basin and remove the hair from the drain: ten seconds, and you prevent most clogs. Every week, wipe down the upholstery with a soft cloth and soapy water. Avoid abrasive products and pure bleach, which damage the vinyl (your model's manual has the final word). Hair color stains come off better when wiped off immediately rather than in the evening. From time to time, descale the showerhead and the mixing faucet if your water is hard.

If a cushion wears out, on models with removable cushions, it is the cushion that is replaced, not the entire basin. Keep the invoice and the technical data sheet: the parts warranty is two years with Groupe Coiff, with technical support based in France.

Deadlines, delivery, warranty: to be requested before paying

The most beautiful display in the world is useless if it arrives three weeks after the trade show opens. Three questions to ask any vendor.

What is the timeframe? A standard model can go fast: the standard black VANITY ships within 48 hours, the’ABLA Standard delivery within 7 days. As soon as you choose custom colors or finishes, allow 2 to 5 weeks for manufacturing instead. Plan your renovation work and your opening around that.

How is it delivered? A container arrives on a pallet. Check the packaging in front of the carrier, note your reservations on the delivery note before signing, and then confirm them in writing. With us, delivery is free in Europe.

What does the warranty cover? Two years on parts at Groupe Coiff, plus a lifetime guaranteed base (excluding mechanical damage) on the VANITY. Always ask what is covered and who to contact in the event of a breakdown.

Before ordering: five questions to ask yourself

1. Where is he going exactly, and how much space is left around?
2. Did my plumber approve the water supply, drainage, and electrical outlet?
3. How many clients per day, and for which services (color, treatments, relaxation)?
4. What is my final budget, including options and connection?
5. What is the timeframe, and who responds to me if it breaks down?

The questions we are asked the most

Are a shampoo basin and a hair-washing unit the same thing?

Yes. Shampoo unit, backwash unit, hair-washing basin, washing station: these are different names for the same piece of furniture.

What size container should I plan for?

Between 1.20 m and 1.80 m long depending on the model, and 50 to 75 cm wide. Add space to move around and to stand behind the basin: allow 2 to 3 m² in total.

How many bins for my living room?

Generally one backwash unit for two to three styling stations. With four or five stations, plan for two, and a third if you do a lot of coloring.

Are massage basins worth it?

If you highlight it in your offer (relaxation treatment, package), yes: it is a real selling point. Otherwise, it is expensive for little use. On the VANITY, the massage option costs €264 excluding tax.

Do you need a plumber to install a shower tray?

This is strongly recommended, especially in renovation or with electrical options. A poor connection causes leaks, odors, and clogs. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Can we choose the color of the bin?

Yes, on many models: more than 50 upholstery colors on the VANITY and ABLA, 67 on the ESPANIA. The basin is white or black. Allow 2 to 5 weeks for custom manufacturing.

Are there bins suitable for customers with reduced mobility?

Yes, some manufacturers offer models with adjustable height and a tilting basin. Regardless of the model, keep a clear pathway of at least 90 cm. Send us the floor plan of your salon, and we will guide you.

What is the delivery time?

From 48 hours to 7 days for the shipment of a standard model, depending on the model. Allow 2 to 5 weeks for custom-made manufacturing.

Is there a portable shampoo basin for a home hairdresser?

Yes. We offer a portable shampoo basin with tank, sold around €115 excluding VAT. It does in a pinch for at-home services, but it doesn't replace a real salon shampoo station.

One last piece of advice: settle into it

The best way to judge a planter is to settle into it. If you are passing near Viry-Châtillon, come try our models at the showroom (6 rue de Ris). Otherwise, the entire range is gathered on our page professional shampoo bins, and the forms make it possible to request a free quote.

Would you rather talk about it? Write to us via the Contact page or on WhatsApp at 06 76 95 16 05. Send us the floor plan of your living room and a photo of your water inlets: we will guide you towards the models that fit and how to connect them. Our customers rate us 4.9/5 on Google, out of over 130 reviews.

To continue your project, also read our 7 mistakes to avoid when buying hairdressing furniture, our guide for design a modern and profitable hair salon and our comparison for choose a styling chair.