A barber air compressor is a tool that uses compressed air to release a specific substance (e.g., paint). These tools generally function at a pressure of 15 to 35 PSI.
There are several types of barber air compressors, including new models that use a battery-powered air compressor attached to the device. We refer to these compressors as cordless airbrushes.
The barber air compressor works thanks to the Venturi effect, which draws the paint or other substances through the nozzle and sprays it. You can find a needle in the back of the cordless airbrush to control the amount of liquid that’s sprayed.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the barber air compressor, including cordless airbrushes and more sophisticated systems.
Why do barbers use airbrushes?
The most common use of the barber air compressor is to cover up hairless areas on the scalp or beard. This is very useful for people who have hairless patches.
In the hands of a good barber, an airbrush can give clients a perfect-looking haircut or beard. While this may not seem like a big deal for some people, research shows that hair loss in men can cause many mental health problems, including poor self-esteem and anxiety. Therefore, the barber air compressor can actually lower the risk of these issues.
What’s more, a barber can use an airbrush in combination with other products, such as corrector powders, to address receding hairline.
The best cordless airbrush compressor on the market
You can find several brands of airbrushes with various functionalities. With that said, all devices will convert liquid paint or another substance into a fine spray. What sets each model apart is the used technology, pressure, and battery life.
Here are our top three picks for the best cordless airbrush compressor on the market:
1. I-BEAUTEE barber air compressor (best overall)
This premium barber air compressor uses a trigger-type handheld airbrush to make spraying more comfortable. To use the airbrush, you just need to pull back the trigger. This technology allows it to create a fine spray line.
The pressure gradient of the I-BEAUTEE barber air compressor ranges between 15 PSI and 27 PSI. It also uses an electric airbrush compressor, making it an ideal choice for barbers.
Accessories include 4 cups in different sizes to ensure that all needs are met.
| Pressure | Up to 27 PSI |
| Battery | 2,000 mAh (60 minutes of continuous spray) |
| Weight | 1.08 pounds |
| Airflow | 8-10 Liter/minute (L/Min) |
| Price | $69.99 |
2. Autolock Airbrush Kit (best value)
The Autolock airbrush compressor also uses a trigger-type handheld system. The device offers two modes:
Dual action mode – This is ideal for large-area spraying
Single action mode – This is optimal for fine work
This device can reach the pressure of 32 PSI, which is superior to most other brands. What’s more, the cordless airbrush compressor supports a global fast charging protocol, charging fully in less than 40 minutes.
You can use this barber air compressor for other DIY projects, such as art painting, nail art, illustrations, temporary tattoos, and cake decoration.
What we like the most about this device is the quality of customer service and after-sales support.
| Pressure | Up to 32 PSI |
| Battery | 1,000 mAh (45 minutes of continuous spray) |
| Weight | 1.12 pounds |
| Airflow | 6-10.5 L/Min |
| Price | $69.99 |
3. Anesty AHPPr barber air compressor (best for multiuse)
The last barber air compressor on our list is a premium product that can also reach 32 PSI. However, you will most likely only need the 20 PSI mode. What’s great about Anesty cordless airbrush compressor is the stability of pressure even when the battery is low.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of this product is the dual application. For example, you can use the device in your barbershop relying solely on the battery. Alternatively, this product is compatible with most standard compressors, making it possible to connect it to any air hose.
The trigger-type handheld is also integrated into this product. When it comes to battery life, this brand has a relatively lower capacity compared to the two products we listed above.
| Pressure | Up to 32 PSI |
| Battery | 1,500 mAh (50 minutes of continuous spray) |
| Weight | 1.67 pounds |
| Airflow | 7-9 Liter/minute (L/Min) |
| Price | $74.99 |
Air compressors for barbershops
A barber air compressor should be able to supply your airbrushes with enough air to color scalp or beard hair, clean the clippers, and blow up your stations.
While the vast majority of air compressors will fit in your barbershop, there are some things to keep in mind, including:
The pressure of the air compressor
Before you buy an air compressor, you need to check how much pressure it can produce. Aim for anything between 5 and 50 PSI. You also need to pay attention to a parameter known as airflow (i.e., cubic feet per minute). For the latter, a good range is between 7 and 11 CFM.
An example is a 20-gallon air compressor. This can generate up to 6 CFM at 90 PSI.
The size of the tank
In your barber station, you may need to use up to 10 flow nozzle air guns to complete longer tasks. This is why you should at least buy a 20-gallon air compressor to supply all your needs.
The noise is produces
Noise levels are measured using the decibel unit (dB). In general, air compressors produce a noise between 40 to 92 dB.
The chart below showcases different noise levels:
Learn more about quiet air compressors by clicking here.
1. PORTER-CABLE 20-gallon air compressor
The Porter-Cable 20-gallon air compressor is one of the most popular choices out there. This is due to the reliability and long-lasting performance of the machine.
If you are looking for an air compressor that provides continuous air supply despite high demand, PORTER-CABLE PXCMF220VW is a great choice for your barbershop.
The Porter-Cable compressor has an oil-free twin-V iron pump. You can find the motor and pump at the top of the tank (it’s a vertical air compressor).
You can move the machine easily thanks to its semi-pneumatic, 7” wheels. However, we recommend that you install it next to the barber station or in the basement due to its relatively heavy weight (97 pounds).
| Noise | 84 dB |
| Weight | 97 pounds |
| Airflow | 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI and 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI |
| Price | $426 |
2. Stealth 12-gallon ultra-quiet air compressor
This air compressor can be used for several purposes, including painting jobs, barbershop uses, and much more.
As the name suggests, the Stealth air compressor produces very low noises at only 68 dB. Therefore, this air compressor is perfect for a barbershop. Moreover, the 12-gallon tank is sufficient to supply your barber stations with all the necessary airflow.
The pump is oil-free, relieving you from regular maintenance. What’s more, the air compressor has two connect couplers, which means you can use two air hoses simultaneously.
| Noise | 68 dB |
| Weight | 94.8 pounds |
| Airflow | 5.0 CFM at 40 PSI and 4.0 CFM at 90 PSI |
| Price | $293 |
3. California Air Tools 10020C – quiet air compressor for barbershop
The California Air Tools 10020C is a quiet air compressor that offers a variety of barbershop applications. It is also a vertical air compressor that can produce 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI.
As a barber, you mostly will not need to move this compressor, despite the wheel kit that offers great mobility. You can find the pump on the top of the tank, which is 10 gallons in size. This will sufficiently meet all your barbershop applications.
Similar to Stealth air compressor, this machine is ultra-quiet, producing only 70 dB when operating at a maximum capacity. Don’t take this for granted! It will save you and your clients from plenty of headaches.
| Noise | 70 dB |
| Weight | 82.5 pounds |
| Airflow | 6.40 CFM at 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI |
| Price | $443 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about barber air compressors
1. What compressor do I need for airbrushing?
If you decide not to get a cordless airbrush compressor, you can buy a regular air compressor, such as:
Diaphragm compressor
This compressor has a flexible membrane that oscillates, reaching a maximum pressure of 40 PSI.
Piston compressor
The piston compressor produces substantially more power compared to other compressors. It also generates a very high air volume. Typically, these compressors do not produce a high noise, albeit this varies from one brand to another.
2. Do you need an air compressor to use an airbrush?
If you want to use an airbrush, setting up an air compressor for your barbershop is essential.
Once again, you are left with two options:
- A cordless airbrush compressor (no need for a standard air compressor)
- A classic airbrush (you need to connect the airbrush to the air compressor)
3. Which compressor is best for airbrush?
Depending on your goals, you can choose either a cordless airbrush compressor or a classic airbrush. The best cordless airbrush compressor is the I-BEAUTEE brand.
For those who are looking for standard air compressors, check out the PORTER-CABLE product.
4. Can you use an airbrush without a compressor?
If you don’t want to use a standard air compressor with your airbrush, a cordless airbrush compressor is a great option. These pneumatic tools are supplied with batteries and a mini-air compressor to mediate the spraying process.
Takeaway message
A barber air compressor can be a great tool to fix issues related to hair patches and make a haircut/beard look perfect. Educating yourself about these airbrushes will shield you from shady products and exaggerated claims.
Hopefully, we managed to shed some light on the best barber air compressors on the market to help you make an informed decision.
If you have any specific questions about the products listed above, our comment section below is open for discussion.
