Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by David Thomas
During the last 15 years, I’ve had the joy and pleasure of spending countless hours behind the barber chair. If you’ve had bad experiences with a barber/stylist, I’ve found that it’s most likely a communication problem. The relationship between your hair and your stylist/barber is like any other relationship – it takes practice and understanding.
This blog is about trying to help you better understand how to get the results you’re seeking when you sit down in the chair, be it my chair or someone else’s.
Table of Contents
A Three-Step Guide to Choosing Your Hair Cut
1. Do some research
Do a quick Google search of men with the same hair texture and style you seek. Don’t forget to consider your head shape when choosing a style. Just know that not every hairstyle will work for every person.
2. Think about how your hair will grow after choosing your cut
Most men like to choose their new hairstyle based on just the picture. However, the picture you’re showing the barber is a haircut that may last 3-4 days. I recommend you find a hairstyle that matches your rhythm but will also last for at least two weeks until your next appointment
3. Try not to ask your GF/Wife
Being in a happy relationship myself, I am very familiar with the saying, “Happy Wife, Happy Life.” In this one instance, as it pertains to your hair and your hair only (I’m not trying to get you in trouble here), think about this – would you ever choose which type of makeup she buys/wears (I definitely recommend you don’t!)?
If your barber is conflicted between two styles, one you want vs the one your partner wants, you may not be pleased with the final product as you look at yourself in the mirror. Unless she’s paying, make your own decision regarding your hair. And if she ends up hating it, that’s a good time to practice some communication and relationship skills.
Asking the Right Questions
Don’t Use Barber Terms
Unless you’re a doctor, would you ever use scientific terms to explain your ankle pain during your physicals? I’d bet not; you’d tell the doctor, “I’m having a lot of pain in my ankle,” and you’d let them go about figuring out why.
Similarly, please try not to use the terms you think your barber knows. There are many types of barbers and hairstylists, and among us, we also use many different tools with different levels of experience and understanding. Expecting them to know the language you used with your last stylist may disappoint you. We’re trained to understand what our clients are trying to convey based on listening to their wants and not jargon.
Please Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
The more questions you ask, the better your stylist will understand the style you are trying to achieve. Trends change, terminology changes, so to ensure your stylist is up to date, ask as many questions as it takes to ensure you and your stylist are on the same page.
Here are a couple of extra questions I’d recommend you ask:
a. Will I have to use products every time to maintain this style?
b. Do I need to blow dry in the morning (if yes, you might want to ask yourself if you have time)
c. When should I schedule my next appointment (especially if you want to maintain your hairstyle)
d. Is there a way to accomplish this style naturally? (without products)
e. What’s the best way to keep my hair healthy?
f. Can you show me how I can style this at home?
These questions aren’t mandatory, but they may give you a better understanding of your barber and possibly better results leaving the chair.
Let’s Talk About Payment
Understanding Prices
Most barbershops base their prices on the services offered, location, and the amenities available. Each barber stylist may go up on price depending on his or her skill level and or how busy their schedule is. If you think your stylist is amazing, there are definitely others that feel the same way. Simply put, your barber’s schedule follows the laws of supply and demand. As demand goes up, so will the price.
Am I satisfied?
How do you feel when you leave the chair? Did you feel rushed? Are you receiving the same attention they gave the first time they met you?
As you prepare to pay your barber afterward, you should consider the entire experience. Working with your barber should be an experience, and a good barber/stylist takes pride in providing great hairstyles with great customer service.
When to Find a New Stylist
Finding a new stylist is rough, but if you’re not satisfied there is no need to stick around. Sometimes, things change within the lives of stylists – good and bad – that affect their work. It may be awkward, but the best way to find a new stylist is to ask your current one to recommend one. Most stylists will be okay with your question because our main priority is to ensure you get the haircut you want and deserve.
In conclusion
Barber stylists are not machines. The same as we all do, stylists have feelings. We get tired. We have families. And today, some aren’t just barbers. We consider ourselves artists who express ourselves with hair, and we may have other things going on outside of the shop as well.
As a client, you need to find what works best for you. I encourage you to find the stylist who cuts your hair exactly how you want it but, more importantly, has a schedule that can fit your lifestyle.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of how to get the best haircut for your unique style, which will hopefully take another step in helping you reach your hair goals. I’m here to help, so if you have any questions, feel free to drop a question in the comments.
As always, thanks for reading!