INVESTING IN COMFORT

FOR SOFIE POK (AKA @STAYGOLD31), IT’S ALL ABOUT FASHION + FUNCTION. THE WORLD-RENOWNED BARBER, CO-CREATOR OF STMNT GROOMING, AND BABYLISSPRO AMBASSADOR BELIEVES IN TOOLS AND PRODUCTS THAT NOT ONLY WORK WELL, BUT LOOK GOOD, AND HELP YOU ACHIEVE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL. THAT’S WHY SHE HAS TEAMED UP WITH THE ICONIC FURNITURE BRAND, TAKARA BELMONT, TO SHARE THE BEAUTY OF A GOOD BARBER CHAIR.

your body aches more than it should. I know this because I've gone through it myself. Being shorter and working on a chair that’s too high for me even at its lowest point, caused me to lean in further which throws off the balance and tension in my body that would make my shoulders ache over long periods of time. Aside from that, we can make our clients uncomfortable by having to ask them to adjust lower. These are some things that can have a better user and client experience when you find the right fit chair!”

I asked Sofie to tell me the story of how she acquired her first Takara Belmont chair. She said: “It happened by accident. I was looking for a station at the first barbershop that hired me when I was new. There was one chair most of the guys didn’t choose for some reason and when I went to check it out. I noticed right away; it wasn’t as wide and bulky and the hydraulic allowed the chair to get lower than others. Just off of those two things, I chose that chair and it just so happened to be Takara Belmont Elegance Chair from the ‘80s!”

Today, what’s Sofie’s go-to Takara Model? She said: “The Classic Elegance 225 all blacked out.”

Sofie said: “You never know how important something is until you have it and then do not have it. During the most crucial time of my career, the start, I'd had the chair going strong for four years before I moved! All the fun hours of learning and connecting with clients made the barbershop a place where I looked forward to spending more time. I learned so much about culture, different upbringings, food, daily challenges, corporate and creative careers, and the one common denominator…everyone needed a cut. 

“When I think about the full experience of what a great service is… it’s everything from start to finish. The greeting, the comfort, the vibe, the service, and the great feeling you leave with.

“We always remember the start of something and for me, it was the long demanding hours building that skill. The first 10,000 hours I spent all on this chair. Never failed me once. Looking back on the journey and being here now, having two new editions of that chair, I know they are going to last me a lifetime.”

I asked her what details and touches are most important to her. She said: “The details that are important to me is the quality build. These are running chairs passed down from generation and work better than more modern chairs by newer brands. They really take the time to make sure the chairs are made with high regard. The comfort my clients enjoy was another highlight as well as the size and height that was perfect for me.”

When purchasing a new chair, your decision isn’t just based on what will look best in your barber shop and on your aesthetic. There are practical elements that are vital to look into before you make your decision. I asked Sofie what are the biggest factors you need to consider when purchasing a barber chair. Sofie said: “The biggest factors to consider are: the width, height, comfort, recline angle, footrest, adjustable headrest, great working hydraulic, padded armrest, just to name a few!” •

*Receive 10% OFF retail prices for all Takara Belmont barber equipment (excludes parts). Valid from April 1 - May 31, 2023. Applicable for Takara Belmont equipment only. Offer only available for customers in the United States. Additional restrictions and exclusions may apply.