Makeup Artist or Hairstylist Chair for Petite MUA

Starting up my makeup artist business again in 2025 has been such an exciting ride, but I quickly realised something super important: I needed a proper makeup chair for my clients. Honestly, I didn’t think about it at first, but after my first client this year, it hit me - I NEED A PROPER CHAIR.

My first client of the year was a last-minute booking from someone I kind of knew. She couldn’t host me at her place—it was messy and not makeup-friendly—so she asked if she could come to my home studio. Of course, I said yes!

When I told my partner, he pointed out that I didn’t actually have a proper chair for clients. The only chair I had was my gaming chair from my work-from-home days. It worked okay for makeup, but when it came to styling her hair, it was a total fail—it was too tall and just not practical.

That’s when I decided it was time to get a proper makeup chair. I may not have like HEAPS of clients at my place as of now, but I think it's still highly important!

The Struggle to Find the Perfect Chair

The Challenge of Being a Petite Makeup Artist

Let's face it, being a short makeup artist can be a right pain in the bum! A chair that's too tall can leave me straining my back and struggling to work comfortably. I needed a chair that was adjustable, ergonomic and affordable – not too much to ask, right?

As a petite makeup artist, finding the right chair isn’t as easy as it sounds. Most of the typical makeup chairs, like the classic director’s chair, are way too tall for me. Even the “shorter” versions make me feel like I need to stand on tiptoes or wear heels—not happening during long sessions.

Here’s what I needed:

1. Adjustable Height: Clients come in all shapes and sizes, so I needed a chair that worked for everyone without making me bend or strain.

2. Back Support: Comfort is super important, especially for longer sessions. A lot of stools and chairs don’t have proper back support, and that’s a no-go for me.

3. Aesthetic Appeal: My studio is pink and white, so I wanted a chair that would blend in nicely.

At first, I started searching for makeup chairs, but most of the results were vanity chairs or the classic wooden director’s chairs—neither of which I wanted. That’s when I decided to look specifically for a white chair that would match my studio. It also had to be adjustable to suit my needs. I started by browsing Facebook Marketplace for second-hand options, but there were too many “what ifs”—transportation, condition, and whether they’d even work for me. I also checked out Kmart and Target, but I couldn’t find anything adjustable or affordable enough. Like i REFUSE to pay $200 for a Kmart brand....

I spent ages scrolling through options online, going through heaps of choices. I guess I’ve become pretty picky when it comes to buying things online. It’s my hard-earned money, and I really don’t want to spend it on something I don’t absolutely love.

I’m usually a Facebook Marketplace kind of girl, so I naturally checked there first before considering buying something new. But honestly, even on Marketplace, people were selling similar chairs for $30–$40. Comparing that to the $68 I’d spend on a brand-new one, it just didn’t feel worth it. Plus, with a second-hand option, I’d have to figure out transport—would it fit in my partner’s car? Would I need to hire a bigger van? In the end, I realised it wasn’t worth the hassle and went for the new one instead.

But after all that searching, I finally found the perfect chair!I remembered IKEA. I decided to check their catalog. Sure enough, I found a swivel chair with adjustable height for just $59. It was white, sleek, and came with an optional padded seat for an extra $10. Link is here. (don't worry this is not an ad and no affiliate link lol)

Putting It Together and First Impressions

When the chair arrived, I put it together myself. Even though I was in my pyjamas and struggled a bit, it was actually really easy to assemble. Once it was done, I tested it out, and I’m so happy with it! The chair is:

• Comfortable for clients, with proper back support and padding. CHECKED

• Adjustable to fit my height and my clients’ heights. CHECKED

• Stylish and fits perfectly with my pink-and-white studio vibe. CHECKED

The padded seat does move around a little, but it’s not a big deal. All in all, I’m so glad I went for it—it’s affordable, practical, and looks great.

Tips for Fellow Petite Makeup Artists

If you’re a makeup artist or hairstylist looking for a chair, here are my top tips:

1. Know What You Need: Think about your height, your clients’ comfort, and the type of work you’ll be doing (makeup, hair, or both).

2. Stick to Your Budget: You don’t need to spend a fortune on a chair. Comfort and functionality are way more important than a fancy price tag.

3. Go for Adjustability: An adjustable chair is a total game-changer, especially if you’re petite and working with clients of all different heights.

IKEA ended up being the perfect choice for me, but whatever you go for, make sure it fits your needs as a pro makeup artist/hairstylist. I hope my journey and tips have been helpful in your own search for the perfect makeup chair!

Do you have a favourite chair for your studio? Let me know—I’d love to hear your recommendations!