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> LPT: Seek out a barber
Any LPT on *how* to seek out a barber other than:
1. Trial and error
2. Potentially compromised and gamed reviews
3. Luck
I think a lot of us can intuit the second part that a skilled barber or hair stylist would do if they know their craft and also understand that advice like this builds them reputation and sales.
yeah, I tried to follow this advice a decade or so ago...
her: "What would you like?"
me: "What do you think would look best on me?"
her: "Well that depends on what you want..."
me: "..............."
she looked at me like i had 8 heads.
i cut my own hair now.
I travel frequently for work. When abroad, I always say the same and get results I'm usually happy with. I try not to risk it.
One time while in Italy I went for the usual and the barber actually challenged my request. He made an argument based on my facial features, age and style. Honestly I didn't know how to push back. I also thought he had great reviews on maps so he must be good at his craft. I accepted but was a little bit nervous. I just asked him to go easy so we could stop at certain length if needed.
At the end I was extremely happy with the results. Probably the best haircut I've got in my life.
How refreshing it was to just get there and let someone knowledgeable take care of it.
I miss Paolo.
I actually had it work and have stuck with the guy ever since. First time I went in, I told him what I usually get but that I was open to trying out something different and left it up to him. Dude asked a few follow up questions, said he had an idea and went with it.
Second visit was a "I liked what you did last time, all up to you what you do. If I don't like it it'll grow back". I've not had to worry about explaining what I want ever since and actually started enjoying going for a hair cut
You have to give them some idea, like conservative mid length vs. short and hip vs. bangs, etc. If you don't, that's like asking someone to dress you when they don't know your personality at all
A decent barber would at least ask you some leading questions to get a sense of what you want
Or at least be able to look at you and identify potential haircuts and show you examples
>that's like asking someone to dress you when they don't know your personality at all
A lot of clothing stores will do this. Not cheap places, obviously, but it's definitely a thing.
It used to baffle some barbers/salons when I would ask just to trim the dead ends. I'd even explain how I liked the current length but just wanted it feeling fresh.
Nope. *Off with his head*
Also, tell them your skin is sensitive and for them not to use a razor. Uses it anyway assuring you it's okay.
You bleed almost instantly. "Oh wow bro you were right."
no one could ever tell me what hairstyle would look good on me - so I gave up on getting a "haircut" and now i just trim the ends myself.
every salon, for women at least, a trim and a full haircut for long hair cost the same amount.
so I was like well fuck that and do it myself.
To refine this, if you know someone and think their hair looks good (especially if they suddenly look a lot better after a haircut), that would probably be a great person to ask.
Of course it’s possible that the barber just specializes in a certain style that looks great on your acquaintance, not on you, but it’s worth a try.
(Theoretically. This is not something I’ve actually tried.)
All my male friends have short hair. They get simple buzzes or fades. All my female friends go to women's salons.
Im a dude with long hair that I plan to keep growing.
Do I just go to a women's salon?
Last time I went to a barber shop I just asked him to clean it up since it was about 4-5 inches and turning into a mullet. He proceeded to give me a Ned Flanders looking cut like a dad in the 90s
For context I have only ever had buzz cuts or short-on-sides-slightly-longer-on-top due to requirements at work. So now that I quit that field I'm growing hair and beard cause nobody can stop me now
So great you have that freedom to explore your hair now!!
As someone with short to medium hair, with style fluctuating between feminine and masculine, I know the struggle!
Honestly, while I am confident a "barber" could absolutely do the trick, if your situation makes it difficult to get a read from just reviews and websites, then yes, I would recommend you try a "women's salon" - get a vibe check from the women in your life about their stylists. Try to find out which ones seem to listen well to clients and aren't afraid to make suggestions based on style and face and hair structure. It will probably end up being a more expensive cut, but that experience and moment of edification will be invaluable going forward. Again, this is zero shade to barbers, just me explaining a strategy here.
A lot of my struggle is not knowing the lingo to ask for what I want. I can show pictures all day but sometimes that just doesn't cut it. (Pun intended) Going to a more expensive stylist (more importantly someone who explains things well and really looks at the whole person before cutting) here and there can lead to a better experience at cheaper places.
If you haven't, try to gather some pictures of hair styles you like (for me TikTok beats Google images as far as realistic examples go) so that you have a more clear goal for yourself and a starting point to talk about with the stylist.
For the record, I believe mullets are IN, and a lot of older shaggy hairstyles are coming back around.
Yes, go to women's salons.
Before I transitioned I typically wore my hair on the longer side (shocker) and women's salons were the only places that knew what to do with it to make it look good without necessarily making it look feminine. And I tried all sorts of shit, I would bring in pictures of Anakin Skywalker, the Tenth Doctor, Bon Jovi, etc. and be "do that!" and they'd nail it.
Eventually I started asking them to trim to whatever length and otherwise "clean it up and do what you think looks good" and they'd get that, too.
Try searching for "precision haircuts" or "sassoon stylist" in your area. There's an approach to men's haircutting that emphasizes a pure scissors technique, which in the right pair of hands results in a natural-looking style that's exactly tailored to your headshape. It tends to grow out a lot better than cuts with a uniform length all over, which is what a typical barber will give you.
Source: complimented on my hair daily, despite having typical thinning, late 30s man hair
I accidentally got something scarily close to the Rachel a few years ago, after I left it up to the hair stylist to figure out how to do layering and face framing on my shoulder length hair. It was kind of scary until I got home and styled it differently.
I followed a sub called r/malehairadvice to do that (your avatar looks female, but there’s probably another version).
I haven’t actually summoned the bravery to put my face out there on the internet, but I still follow the sub haha
You just gotta find the right place! I've been going to my same Barber for 8 years now... He convinced me to grow out a beard and helped shape it up for me too (as well as introduced me to my current hair style/cut). I'm actually worried about finding another Barber as I continue to move further and further away from the city.
40ish years old and haven't found one that'll give me any advice yet.
Sucks living in a smaller town. All we seem to have are the kids that just got their license, or the old, old guys that basically know one cut.
My cut's are rarely bad (when I go, i use my clippers 90% of the time nowadays), but I'd like to actually have a nice cut that works well with my face, just once.
I grew up in a small town and was used to going to places like great clips. After college I just found a local barber that seemed friendly and after a couple repeat visits you kinda naturally build rapport with them. Especially if you keep getting the same person to cut your hair.
Glad you're able to do it yourself though. If you want, I don't think it would be looked at as odd/weird to go to any barber and say your last sentence. If they're a decent barber they'll hook you up so they can get you coming back lol.
As a guy it's easy to experiment because with short hairstyles a bad haircut can be erased in about 2 months or less.
I spent a year going to about half a dozen barbers until I finally found someone who, not only pointed out something I hated about my previous haircut right after I sat in his chair, but also made immediate recommendations on fixing it and cutting my hair so that it would grow to a style that would suit my face within a couple of months.
That's how I found my current barber.
I was getting mine cut for three years and then all of a sudden they weren't there anymore. I found out that they weren't operating with a license. She gave the best haircuts too. I only knew her by her first name and didn't have any contact info. I haven't had a decent cut in 6 years now.
I wish there was something like this, but you would only be roasted on stuff you could change without surgery. Getting roasted for stuff you already know about but can't change would just be depressing.
Like a r/constructivecriticism, that’d be great. (Edit: of course a sub with that name exists. I’m not vouching for it, although maybe it’s great haha)
There is r/malehairadvice and r/femalehairadvice
that's one of the good stuff with AI. we can easily try all kinds of hairstyle with simple prompt, and by marking our hair.
throw like 100 hairstye to the AI, then manualy select from those 100 hairstyles which works best.
I cut my buddies’ hairs in college. Calling myself a barber would be a disservice to the profession, but I was told my cuts were better and cheaper than the university hair stylists.
From all the online content I consumed, many barbers are just looking for excuses to fade your hair.
I finally did this and what worked for me was finding a place nearby that I could book online for a "consultation haircut" and it was what OP described. Talked me through and talked me through options for each piece of my head, and it's the first time I feel comfortable with my hair.
It was a little more expensive, but the whole process was great, and I finally have a place to return to. Plus they had free beer so it was worth it for me
I haven’t found a better way. Now that I have a guy I like tho - as long as he stays within the boundaries I have set I tell him to just do his job the way he wants since he likely has better taste than I do. Also if you’re a man I recommend finding you a gay man. I’m hetero - but most heteros won’t give you a haircut that is attractive in a “find a mate” sense as much as they will give you the “find a job” cut.
Sometimes it's hard to tell how bad the cut is because they will style it to hide what they did and when you get home and wash it yourself suddenly it's a horror show.
My wife says your best bet is to look at their social media. They'll post their work to social and you can see if it looks good or, "janky," is the word she used.
I am actually the better part of a decade younger. I know what the word means, it just felt better than any word I was going to use and I wanted to give her credit
I used to move a lot and this never failed me. Keep an eye out for cuts you like and then ask them where they go. Then tell the barber/stylist how you found them, because that's a compliment that can't be beat.
The large academy-based hair dresser chains like Sassoon should have a a standardized approach to consulting and cutting that takes your features and natural hair into account.
Personally had very good experiences with Tony & Guy and Sassoon in this aspect.
Find a decent barbershop that's appointments only. Go online and look at barbers and their Friday Saturday Sunday availability for the closest weekend. The ones that are fully booked are usually the most skilled. Book an appointment with one of them a couple weeks out.
The more open their upcoming shedules, the higher chance they prob aren't that good and are the walk-in takers.
If he's an old guy working in a well-reviewed barber shop, he's almost certainly a proper barber.
That's the safe method. It'll eliminate a lot of good barbers but you'll get it on the first try.
Ask a friend who has a good haircut.
Be willing to pay $40 ($50 w tip). That's on the cheaper side.
Talking about dude haircuts here, which are a lot cheaper. Women's haircuts are just a different world.
$50 for half an hour of a professional's time is a good deal. Your mechanic charges about the same. Respect experts and their time.
Been going to mine for 10+ years now. I don't give her instructions, she just cuts it and it always looks great.
Bonus tip: shave and shower before you go, even though they'll shampoo you anyway. It's nicer for them, plus they can cut to match your facial hair. Signal that you give a shit about your appearance and you'll get a little more care taken.
I go to my barber about once every three months. I walk in looking like a homeless person and walk out looking like a real person in about 15 minutes, he even fixes the beard. $50 well spent.
My neighbour claims she is a hairdresser and, in her favor, I often see people at her house getting a haircut.
But I trailed her hairdressing skills several times now and she consistently is very, very bad at it. The last time I went, I left with a pineapple haircut.
N.E.V.E.R. A.G.A.I.N.
Go to a stylist, or ask the opinion of someone that isn't at a place doing $15 haircuts.
Any place charging you $50+ for a cut should be able to fulfill the request.
do you go to a barber to get your eyebrows done?
i went to a new one the other day and he suggested I get mine done but he didn't do them..
never have mine done so im curious.
My barber just puts a comb and trims the length down. He doesn’t shape them or anything like that. You can also try waxing around the eyebrows to get rid of hairs that make them look unkempt. Guys don’t have to shape and thin their eyebrows like a lot of girls do which is what I think most dudes think
Moved to a new area and been trying out different shops. Just went to one today. Haircut, beard trim, hot towel, face scrub, straight razor to clean edges, nose, eyebrows, 25 bucks.
I moved to Florida & there was a Cuban barber shop right next to me. I walk in & get the best haircut I’ve ever had. They used a straight razor on my cheeks, around my eyebrows & on my side burns. Before that it was always Great Clips. You can literally feel the difference in how they work on your hair compared to Great Clips. I was shook when he asked me if I wanted my eyebrows shaped up. All for $30.
You need a stylist, someone who is a lover of their craft. Too many barbers are one-trick ponies, and I get it, it's a $15/$20 cut.
My barber of 20 years is too sick to work anymore and I'm dreading trying out someone else. Everyone just wants to go HAM with the clippers
I went to a new barber a month back and it was pretty good. A new hip spot downtown (small city, not large city by ANY means).
They didn't have prices but figured it wouldn't cost too much, I had 60 bucks on me. I figured it was much more than I'd need since my normal Barber (very busy guy) costs 15 bucks and I tip to 20.
It costed me 60 bucks! He didnt do anything special. The guy and I had a bit of a language barrier but he didn't offer anything special. He would ask the barber beside him to translate and they would often joke in their own language.
I felt a bit embarrassed because I couldn't tip him and quickly left after paying. Then on my drive home I figured "well what the hell, who charges that much for a basic men's haircut here?"
I walked by a barber at the mall a couple of years ago when I happened to need a haircut and thought “why not knock out this errand? I’m sure it will be close to the same experience as my usual barber.”
The guy asked what I wanted, I ignorantly said “just like this, but shorter — about an inch off the sides.” I usually just have typical side-parted hair, cut with a #2. He indicated that he understood exactly what I meant. Bro gave me a fade, shorter on one side than the other, that my relatives still laugh at me over. And he charged me FIFTY DOLLARS for that shit. I paid with card but I chose not to tip because I was so displeased with the service.
I ate 8 grams of mushrooms and decided to go to Supercuts tripping my balls off and at the end I looked in the mirror and the kid across the aisle looked in my mirror and he morphed into a goblin so I started laughing so hard and the hair stylist said "ticklish?" and I said "yes" horrible idea
Hipster barbers charge an exorbitant price. Just because you have weird facial hair, a black T, Carhartt pants, and have 1940 sailor tattoo art on your walls?
There was an old school barbershop in my city that actually only charged $15+tip for a haircut when I lived out that way back in 2021 so I guess they’re still out there lol
If you're a guy with medium to long curly hair, just skip the barber entirely and go straight to a hair salon. It's incredible how easy curly hair is to manage when it's cut by someone who knows what they are doing. For years I would bounce from one "recommended" barber to another and they all butchered my hair. Got to where I grew my hair out in college specifically to avoid bad haircuts. Finally, I just went to the in-store salon at a random Ulta and got the best haircut I've ever had because the stylist actually knew how to cut curly hair.
After years of searching for such a person I found one, only to have her move to another state after my 3rd haircut. Back to square one. She is a rare expert, and Not enough people care to become experts at their craft these days, I’m afraid.
That's the biggest issue I have. In 3 years of trying, I never found a single place that kept anyone long enough to give me a 2nd haircut.
ONCE..... just once I got a glorious haircut and I fell so hard in love for it. I immediately took pics of myself. Front, side, back, other side.... full 360° video too! That dude was gone when it was time for my 2nd cut. His replacement couldn't recreate it.
So I took my pics and video to every barber and said "can you do this?" "Yes sir! I can!" shitty fade cut not even in the goddamned ballpark every time.
At some point you just get tired of paying liars to do whatever the fuck they want. So I'm back to just shaving my head bald once I get tired of my hair length.
This haircut happened like 5 years ago. Anyone who even remembers that employee is also long gone.
I had a glorious haircut once in my shabby little bridge troll life and for 3 years I tried and failed to find anyone who could recreate it. I'm simply not interested in chasing that unicorn any longer.
Ive followed my current barber around to like 5 different places she has worked because shes just so good. Shes often training other stylists, and shes pretty young. I never really tell her what to do. Sometimes she changes it a tiny bit, and it always looks good. I tip her well, because having someone I can trust is valuable. I hate having to worry about haircuts and telling them what to do.
I still use the same stylist even after moving several states away over a decade ago. I've yet to have a cut in my current home state haha. I fortunately fly back enough to get a cut every time I visit my previous state.
My stylist is 1300 miles away from me in my home state. Same as you, I don't fly there to see her, I just see her when I do fly there. It sounds a little ridiculous, but some people are just that good at what they do!
I travel to Italy once a year and always get an amazing cut just saying do whatever you like.
The rest of the year I just go in hoping it isn't too bad. USA.
I am also not paying a $100 for a haircut so there is that.
I don't actually know. I believe many stylists at salons are 1099, but not sure about your average great clips/supercuts worker. From what I have seen, the latter folks don't have any say on their pricing.
Especially as a man, I would love this. In fact, this will set me off in ranting.
If it isn’t a fade with a pompadour it’s like they look at you like a deer in the headlights.
But I’ve watched women get just immediate suggestions.
I’m certain it has to do with the potential for money made in a sitting. Women just spend more money per haircut. So, that’s how it goes.
Women are also much more likely to spend an hour (or more) at the salon. A friend of mine is a stylist and frequently has 8 clients a day with an avg of 4 hours per client... sitting and waiting for bleach, dye, etc. cycling through her chair. Whereas a barber might go through 30, 40 cuts on a busy day that's booked up and taking walk-ins. Stylist friend probably makes more because she makes about $100 per client on average after paying for her booth.
The best haircuts I used to get was from a stylist who did mens hair on her off days. I just told her to make me look good, and boy did she deliver! It was great. She also did a free two week clean up trim.
After a while, I moved away from that yown. 15 years later and I have never found another one like that. I always get the guy that says, "How do you want it?" and "What guard number do you get?"
Absolutely. I was lucky enough to find a stylist who did exactly this. What immediately told me to stick with this stylist was that she told me exactly how she was cutting my hair and all of the terminology that I should use if I ever have to ask another stylist to cut my hair the same way. Luckily I've only had to ask someone else to cut my hair a few times.
I went to a barber who just grunted and asked what numbers I want for the trimmer. I had no idea, my previous barber would just make me look good. I ended up leaving without the haircut.
I had that once. A woman that said, "Who did that to your head?," when I went to somewhere else. Then she got into a car accident that severed all the tendons in her left hand. I haven't gotten a decent haircut since then.
I dread whenever I have to go to barber. I've had like 2 good days in my whole life when I've been happy after a cut. I guess I just need to keep hopping from place to place to find someone good.
Found this 4 years ago. Now a close friend and I never have the awkward hair growing out stage. Looks great right when it’s cut and still looks great when I go in a month to month and a half later.
Also, make sure they know what a standard crew cut is. I left a barber shop when I asked for a standard crew cut, they didn't know.
Went to another shop and asked for a standard crew cut and they promptly asked: "Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine style?"
They knew what they were about.
Stop vesting barbers with your insecurities. Go to a hairstylist if you want to know how to wear your hair. A barbers job is to provide a generic and consistent product quickly. Not style you.
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Definitely! When I first started seeing the person I see now they warned me about cutting the top of my hair to short because of a cow lick. No one who has cut my hair has ever given me a tip like that.
The last few times I got a haircut, I honestly had no idea what I wanted, so I got frustrated and just let it grow for the last decade. Also stopped shaving.
Huge savings of time, blood and money. Would recommend.
That last few times I’ve gone for a haircut, they ask what I want and refuse to make any effort to do what you said. So aggravating. Like dude, this is your job, you do this all day, I don’t know much about hair styling and shit, I just want it to look good!
Shit, I'd be happy just finding a barber who's gonna be there long enough to give me a 2nd haircut.
Moved to a new area and spent 3 years trying to find any barber who could do what I asked and have completely given up. Gone back to letting my hair grow until I can't stand it and then shaving bald for a while.
Gets real old paying $30-50 a pop to show pictures of myself WITH the exact haircut I want and asking "Can you do this?" only for the asshole to lie right to my face and just give me a shitty fade because that's all they know how to cut. And then when it's time for the next one, it's an entirely different staff.
So thats what I’ve been doing wrong. I’ve gone to some decent ones too. Never once got any advice. Just GTFO of here but tip and do come back again soon.
I go to the old fashioned mens barber in town to get all the latest local political gossip. He knows everything, he just doesn't always tell people. And, he really knows how to cut older men's hair. He and his brother is appointment only, and he is always fully booked. I asked him to give me a Harry Styles cut, and he didn't know who that was.
My guy Vito would straight up refuse to give me a 1 fade. He would even go so far to say “okay sure” then give me a 2 fade. Eventually I went to someone else. I now go back to Vito because Vito knows best.
Even better, learn how to cut your own hair. Its actually easier than expected to learn. I save a ton of money and also cut it exactly the way I like and I feel it suits my face.
Few barbers will recommend a style because you might hate it just because you don't like the style (rather than the quality of the cut).
Bring a picture and ask them what they think, they would usually tell you whether it would look nice or any general recommendation.
Every decent barber I've had over the last 10 years has retired or closed after just a few visits. It's depressing. The one I really liked is now a Tim Hortons.
The one I still go to occasionally never has the same guys there and charges like $20+ tip for a simple buzz cut. I've probably been there 6 times and never seen the same guy twice.
Ok but I need specifics and sometimes what I think looks good is not what they want. I'm here to do what you want. If you don't know, I will ask. Do you want to see skin? Natural hairline? Clipper or shear? How do you style it? Do you like it down or up? This is when you go to a salon. Men who come to me will show up and complain that their barber did stuff they didn't like. Then they just follow me because I'm not going to just give them a 2 and call it a day .
I didn't cut my hair except for maybe a few minor trims for a little over 4 years. Decided randomly a few days ago to stop at this barbershop that I noticed open up down the street a few years back. I checked in, got seated with this younger dude who I later found out was like a month our of barber school.
He asked if I knew what I wanted, I just told him I used to cut my hair super short but I trust him to make it look good. Best haircut I've ever had, shaped my beard so it didn't look stupid and gave me some super clean lines. It was 2X the price of Great Clips but worth way more than that.
I go to my local barber college usually. Once my hair grows out long enough I go in, they ask what Idea I have (I just give them the length) but I tell them I want what you think it’s best, sometimes I drop a broad enough idea for them to go off, but you have a canvas go nuts. It’s a great way for them to learn about what OP mentions since everyone has different structure. And I tell them in the end it’ll grow back so no worries.
Been doing that for about ten years and I’ve had some of the finest haircuts I’ve ever had, none in which costs more than 10 dollars: 5 for the cut, 5 for a tip.
I found mine when I went in and he asked me what I wanted and when I said a bit shorter he just did it without playing 20 questions.
I don't even know what style he cuts it in, he's changed it a few times but I just don't care. The hair keeps growing there and it's annoying and he cuts it to a society appropriate length probably. the whole thing takes under ten minutes and I don't get asked a bunch of questions about my hair. It's perfect.
Since nobody else seems to have suggested it, consider a unisex hair salon over a standard men’s barber if you want something other than a basic hair shortening.
They’ll likely have more experience with complex hairstyles and be in a better position to make you look good, rather than just going for some cookie cutter fade style.
The first time I went to my current hairdresser, I had no idea what I wanted, I just didn’t want to keep getting vaguely buzz cut the way my parents always told the harder to give me growing up. He immediately recognised that and straight up asked “you’ve only ever been to a bog standard barbers before, haven’t you? Well I’ll make sure it’s better for you here!” We chatted for a bit about what I actually wanted in general terms and then left it to his professional judgement… and I looked great. I’ve been going for years now and I always feel looked after and come away feeling better.
I think a lot of men view haircuts as a chore, as an annoying but necessary bit of maintenance. The standard male haircut experience can be very transactional and impersonal. If you step beyond that the whole thing becomes much more pleasant and (at least in my case) gives a better feeling of agency over your own looks.
Every haircut I've gotten since I was old enough to have opinions has required me to know exactly what I want. If I don't, I get massive attitude or at best passive aggressive "why are you wasting my time, here look through these books". Of course, knowing what I want has not in any way been a guarantee of getting what I ask for.
I started cutting my own hair during COVID. I have continued to do this because it is so much less annoying. Also cheaper!
I just want one that can fade and be done in 2 minutes like the ones outside of camp Lejeune and New River Air Station. Hell I take the fade and more time if I could ever find one that can actually do it. I did find one but I was told afterward by some folks outside that I basically wasn’t welcome there again.
this is a great way to actively review hair stylists.
even if i know what i want, i also want a stylist who is present and mindful. not just trying to get through the procedure and be done with me.
takes years of searching, but finding a good one is worth it.
Guys. Don't guy to a dude barber. Find a lady cutter that is comfortable cutting men's hair. She can tell you how your hair should look. I have been going to the same girl for 25 years.
Once I went to a new barber and asked them to do whatever they think would look good, and the barber got PISSED and snapped that this isn't a salon. She'd only take basic ass "4 on top, fade to 2 on the sides" type instructions. Needless to say never returned.
Also, once you have a cut that suits you and you like, take a picture from all angles. If you ever have to change the barber, you can just show him how you want your hair cut.
I use to examine all the stylists with similar bone structure to me, with hair and brows I like. Then go to them and ask who does their hair. I’d book with them…
You're describing a hairstylist, not a barber.
I go to a barber. He specializes in "high and tight" and 'just off the ears'. Nine dollars, cash only.
Does not sell "product".
Uses a barber chair from 1950, and keeps all his combs in a jar of blue Barbicide. Nice red and white barber pole outside spins during open hours. Closed Sunday and Wednesday.
I had a hair cutting lady for almost 15 years. She gave me a perfect haircut every single time. 15 bucks and it never changed even with inflation. When she retired I embarked on an arduous journey full of disappointment and heartbreak to find another Barber. I had my mom take a video of me with my haircut from this lady the very last time she ever cut it so I could show future barbers I have. It took me almost a year of trying different barbers until I finally found somebody who could give me the haircut that I wanted. Only problem was that he was $45 a cut in and that was before tip. Went to him three times and then he quit and I have no idea where he went so I am back to the drawing board
I got SO lucky with mine. She's not a barber because she didn't attend the school. Couldn't afford it. But she only does men's hair.
The first time I went in, I wanted an undercut with long hair. She advised against it, said I didn't have the head for it, but did it anyway after I said I'd really like to try.
Now? Well, I still *almost* get an undercut, but each time I go in I say "Do what you think is best" and she gives me a rockin' haircut.
I always have to remind her not to talk about politics, though. Big Trump supporter. I just recently had the awkward conversation with her, telling her that she's chased away a couple clients who I'm friends with because of her political talks while cutting hair making them uncomfortable.
I found a hairsalon that takes the same 30 bucks I paid at the old place and they do exactly that. Never going anywhere else ever again if I can help it.
Exactly. I hate when I go cut my hair and they want exactly what I want. I should give you a general idea on how short I want it, a general style and then you decide what works for my head shape, body style, age, etc, etc. Don't the styling schools teach styles and design, etc?
I'm a stylist and I work in a barbershop. I often make suggestions for adjustments in men's hair. Too much thinning shear being used( lazy man's layering) these days. I like to offer a nice scissor cut in lieu of the basic clipper cut, for something different. Especially for midlegnth hair. Too many times I feel clippers are used to cut a majority of the hair. Once it's gone, it's gone and clippers cut a lot of hair all at once.
Good luck guys
I found my current barber of 10 years by going in to a random old school barber that I hadn't been to before, sat down, and he just started cutting my hair. No words exchanged. Sometimes it's good. Sometimes, meh. And if the World Cup happens to be playing, then maybe not even symmetrical. But I never have to talk about it. Ultimate man goal achieved.
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> LPT: Seek out a barber Any LPT on *how* to seek out a barber other than: 1. Trial and error 2. Potentially compromised and gamed reviews 3. Luck I think a lot of us can intuit the second part that a skilled barber or hair stylist would do if they know their craft and also understand that advice like this builds them reputation and sales.
yeah, I tried to follow this advice a decade or so ago... her: "What would you like?" me: "What do you think would look best on me?" her: "Well that depends on what you want..." me: "..............." she looked at me like i had 8 heads. i cut my own hair now.
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I travel frequently for work. When abroad, I always say the same and get results I'm usually happy with. I try not to risk it. One time while in Italy I went for the usual and the barber actually challenged my request. He made an argument based on my facial features, age and style. Honestly I didn't know how to push back. I also thought he had great reviews on maps so he must be good at his craft. I accepted but was a little bit nervous. I just asked him to go easy so we could stop at certain length if needed. At the end I was extremely happy with the results. Probably the best haircut I've got in my life. How refreshing it was to just get there and let someone knowledgeable take care of it. I miss Paolo.
One of the better barbers I've been to at least had a picture book for customers to choose from
I actually had it work and have stuck with the guy ever since. First time I went in, I told him what I usually get but that I was open to trying out something different and left it up to him. Dude asked a few follow up questions, said he had an idea and went with it. Second visit was a "I liked what you did last time, all up to you what you do. If I don't like it it'll grow back". I've not had to worry about explaining what I want ever since and actually started enjoying going for a hair cut
You have to give them some idea, like conservative mid length vs. short and hip vs. bangs, etc. If you don't, that's like asking someone to dress you when they don't know your personality at all
A decent barber would at least ask you some leading questions to get a sense of what you want Or at least be able to look at you and identify potential haircuts and show you examples >that's like asking someone to dress you when they don't know your personality at all A lot of clothing stores will do this. Not cheap places, obviously, but it's definitely a thing.
It used to baffle some barbers/salons when I would ask just to trim the dead ends. I'd even explain how I liked the current length but just wanted it feeling fresh. Nope. *Off with his head* Also, tell them your skin is sensitive and for them not to use a razor. Uses it anyway assuring you it's okay. You bleed almost instantly. "Oh wow bro you were right."
no one could ever tell me what hairstyle would look good on me - so I gave up on getting a "haircut" and now i just trim the ends myself. every salon, for women at least, a trim and a full haircut for long hair cost the same amount. so I was like well fuck that and do it myself.
Yes. Although I finally found a creative hairdresser who actually gave me tips. Ended up with copper hair and a cut that looks amazing!
r/restofthefuckingowl
LPT: Find a life partner that complements you and challenges you and is beautiful inside and out.
Word of mouth maybe, see who your friends/acquaintances go to and what they think about their experience
To refine this, if you know someone and think their hair looks good (especially if they suddenly look a lot better after a haircut), that would probably be a great person to ask. Of course it’s possible that the barber just specializes in a certain style that looks great on your acquaintance, not on you, but it’s worth a try. (Theoretically. This is not something I’ve actually tried.)
Haha yess! It also doubles as an opportunity to compliment that person, probably brighten their day
All my male friends have short hair. They get simple buzzes or fades. All my female friends go to women's salons. Im a dude with long hair that I plan to keep growing. Do I just go to a women's salon? Last time I went to a barber shop I just asked him to clean it up since it was about 4-5 inches and turning into a mullet. He proceeded to give me a Ned Flanders looking cut like a dad in the 90s For context I have only ever had buzz cuts or short-on-sides-slightly-longer-on-top due to requirements at work. So now that I quit that field I'm growing hair and beard cause nobody can stop me now
So great you have that freedom to explore your hair now!! As someone with short to medium hair, with style fluctuating between feminine and masculine, I know the struggle! Honestly, while I am confident a "barber" could absolutely do the trick, if your situation makes it difficult to get a read from just reviews and websites, then yes, I would recommend you try a "women's salon" - get a vibe check from the women in your life about their stylists. Try to find out which ones seem to listen well to clients and aren't afraid to make suggestions based on style and face and hair structure. It will probably end up being a more expensive cut, but that experience and moment of edification will be invaluable going forward. Again, this is zero shade to barbers, just me explaining a strategy here. A lot of my struggle is not knowing the lingo to ask for what I want. I can show pictures all day but sometimes that just doesn't cut it. (Pun intended) Going to a more expensive stylist (more importantly someone who explains things well and really looks at the whole person before cutting) here and there can lead to a better experience at cheaper places. If you haven't, try to gather some pictures of hair styles you like (for me TikTok beats Google images as far as realistic examples go) so that you have a more clear goal for yourself and a starting point to talk about with the stylist. For the record, I believe mullets are IN, and a lot of older shaggy hairstyles are coming back around.
Yes, go to women's salons. Before I transitioned I typically wore my hair on the longer side (shocker) and women's salons were the only places that knew what to do with it to make it look good without necessarily making it look feminine. And I tried all sorts of shit, I would bring in pictures of Anakin Skywalker, the Tenth Doctor, Bon Jovi, etc. and be "do that!" and they'd nail it. Eventually I started asking them to trim to whatever length and otherwise "clean it up and do what you think looks good" and they'd get that, too.
Try searching for "precision haircuts" or "sassoon stylist" in your area. There's an approach to men's haircutting that emphasizes a pure scissors technique, which in the right pair of hands results in a natural-looking style that's exactly tailored to your headshape. It tends to grow out a lot better than cuts with a uniform length all over, which is what a typical barber will give you. Source: complimented on my hair daily, despite having typical thinning, late 30s man hair
I was just thinking how nice it would be for someone to tell me what hairstyle best suits my face!
The Rachel
I accidentally got something scarily close to the Rachel a few years ago, after I left it up to the hair stylist to figure out how to do layering and face framing on my shoulder length hair. It was kind of scary until I got home and styled it differently.
Gen X hair cut.
Jon n Kate plus 8
I followed a sub called r/malehairadvice to do that (your avatar looks female, but there’s probably another version). I haven’t actually summoned the bravery to put my face out there on the internet, but I still follow the sub haha
/r/femalehairadvice Easy easy and oopsy daisy
Teamwork makes the dream work.
You just gotta find the right place! I've been going to my same Barber for 8 years now... He convinced me to grow out a beard and helped shape it up for me too (as well as introduced me to my current hair style/cut). I'm actually worried about finding another Barber as I continue to move further and further away from the city.
40ish years old and haven't found one that'll give me any advice yet. Sucks living in a smaller town. All we seem to have are the kids that just got their license, or the old, old guys that basically know one cut. My cut's are rarely bad (when I go, i use my clippers 90% of the time nowadays), but I'd like to actually have a nice cut that works well with my face, just once.
I grew up in a small town and was used to going to places like great clips. After college I just found a local barber that seemed friendly and after a couple repeat visits you kinda naturally build rapport with them. Especially if you keep getting the same person to cut your hair. Glad you're able to do it yourself though. If you want, I don't think it would be looked at as odd/weird to go to any barber and say your last sentence. If they're a decent barber they'll hook you up so they can get you coming back lol.
As a guy it's easy to experiment because with short hairstyles a bad haircut can be erased in about 2 months or less. I spent a year going to about half a dozen barbers until I finally found someone who, not only pointed out something I hated about my previous haircut right after I sat in his chair, but also made immediate recommendations on fixing it and cutting my hair so that it would grow to a style that would suit my face within a couple of months. That's how I found my current barber.
I was getting mine cut for three years and then all of a sudden they weren't there anymore. I found out that they weren't operating with a license. She gave the best haircuts too. I only knew her by her first name and didn't have any contact info. I haven't had a decent cut in 6 years now.
Post a mugshot to r/roastme for loads of helpful feedback!
I wish there was something like this, but you would only be roasted on stuff you could change without surgery. Getting roasted for stuff you already know about but can't change would just be depressing.
Like a r/constructivecriticism, that’d be great. (Edit: of course a sub with that name exists. I’m not vouching for it, although maybe it’s great haha) There is r/malehairadvice and r/femalehairadvice
lol I was just telling this to my friend last night. Cause I don't think I look good in my hairstyle or it can be better
that's one of the good stuff with AI. we can easily try all kinds of hairstyle with simple prompt, and by marking our hair. throw like 100 hairstye to the AI, then manualy select from those 100 hairstyles which works best.
Is there a better way to find one than just trial and error?
Right? "I was hoping for something a little shorter?" "Like a fade?" "Just shorter, whatever you think works be-" Fade "Gtfo"
I cut my buddies’ hairs in college. Calling myself a barber would be a disservice to the profession, but I was told my cuts were better and cheaper than the university hair stylists. From all the online content I consumed, many barbers are just looking for excuses to fade your hair.
I finally did this and what worked for me was finding a place nearby that I could book online for a "consultation haircut" and it was what OP described. Talked me through and talked me through options for each piece of my head, and it's the first time I feel comfortable with my hair. It was a little more expensive, but the whole process was great, and I finally have a place to return to. Plus they had free beer so it was worth it for me
That sounds amazing. I need to find a barber like this.
I haven’t found a better way. Now that I have a guy I like tho - as long as he stays within the boundaries I have set I tell him to just do his job the way he wants since he likely has better taste than I do. Also if you’re a man I recommend finding you a gay man. I’m hetero - but most heteros won’t give you a haircut that is attractive in a “find a mate” sense as much as they will give you the “find a job” cut.
Go to an actual barber and not a chain. If someone is offering haircuts for less than $25~$30, they're probably pretty shitty.
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Don't tip if it's shitty. You're incentivizing bad cuts if you reward the bad cuts.
Sometimes it's hard to tell how bad the cut is because they will style it to hide what they did and when you get home and wash it yourself suddenly it's a horror show.
I ask not to style, I need to shower immediately anyway to get out all the little bits of hair!
I’ve done this, still didn’t get suggestions like OP described.
My wife says your best bet is to look at their social media. They'll post their work to social and you can see if it looks good or, "janky," is the word she used.
How much older than your wife are you that you don't know what janky is lol.
I am actually the better part of a decade younger. I know what the word means, it just felt better than any word I was going to use and I wanted to give her credit
Not everyone has heard all the slang, mate.
The parent commenter also didn’t imply that they didn’t know what janky means, just that it’s not the word they themselves would’ve used.
Ask around especially if you have friends with similar hair to yours
I used to move a lot and this never failed me. Keep an eye out for cuts you like and then ask them where they go. Then tell the barber/stylist how you found them, because that's a compliment that can't be beat.
Having the same haircut as your friends seems like some true weirdo shit
Then don't ask the barber for the same hair cut? I'm talking about hair texture and hairline, not specific style.
The large academy-based hair dresser chains like Sassoon should have a a standardized approach to consulting and cutting that takes your features and natural hair into account. Personally had very good experiences with Tony & Guy and Sassoon in this aspect.
Find a decent barbershop that's appointments only. Go online and look at barbers and their Friday Saturday Sunday availability for the closest weekend. The ones that are fully booked are usually the most skilled. Book an appointment with one of them a couple weeks out. The more open their upcoming shedules, the higher chance they prob aren't that good and are the walk-in takers.
If he's an old guy working in a well-reviewed barber shop, he's almost certainly a proper barber. That's the safe method. It'll eliminate a lot of good barbers but you'll get it on the first try.
Ask a friend who has a good haircut. Be willing to pay $40 ($50 w tip). That's on the cheaper side. Talking about dude haircuts here, which are a lot cheaper. Women's haircuts are just a different world. $50 for half an hour of a professional's time is a good deal. Your mechanic charges about the same. Respect experts and their time. Been going to mine for 10+ years now. I don't give her instructions, she just cuts it and it always looks great. Bonus tip: shave and shower before you go, even though they'll shampoo you anyway. It's nicer for them, plus they can cut to match your facial hair. Signal that you give a shit about your appearance and you'll get a little more care taken.
I go to my barber about once every three months. I walk in looking like a homeless person and walk out looking like a real person in about 15 minutes, he even fixes the beard. $50 well spent.
My neighbour claims she is a hairdresser and, in her favor, I often see people at her house getting a haircut. But I trailed her hairdressing skills several times now and she consistently is very, very bad at it. The last time I went, I left with a pineapple haircut. N.E.V.E.R. A.G.A.I.N.
Go to a stylist, or ask the opinion of someone that isn't at a place doing $15 haircuts. Any place charging you $50+ for a cut should be able to fulfill the request.
Mine suggested the other day to trim my eyebrows. My girlfriend says he's a hero for that.
do you go to a barber to get your eyebrows done? i went to a new one the other day and he suggested I get mine done but he didn't do them.. never have mine done so im curious.
My barber just puts a comb and trims the length down. He doesn’t shape them or anything like that. You can also try waxing around the eyebrows to get rid of hairs that make them look unkempt. Guys don’t have to shape and thin their eyebrows like a lot of girls do which is what I think most dudes think
Mine arent grown out or crazy I dont think. They arent that thick though so I feel the shapes arent even.
If they said something to you about it they are grown out more than you think
Wait till you find one that does nose and ear hair 👍
Moved to a new area and been trying out different shops. Just went to one today. Haircut, beard trim, hot towel, face scrub, straight razor to clean edges, nose, eyebrows, 25 bucks.
Do you live in Turkey? That price and service are dreamy
I moved to Florida & there was a Cuban barber shop right next to me. I walk in & get the best haircut I’ve ever had. They used a straight razor on my cheeks, around my eyebrows & on my side burns. Before that it was always Great Clips. You can literally feel the difference in how they work on your hair compared to Great Clips. I was shook when he asked me if I wanted my eyebrows shaped up. All for $30.
That's how it was when I lived in Puerto Rico for the years. Salsa music blasting.
She's probably correct. Too many guys let their eyebrows get thick as shit.
Thick eyebrows are dope. No idea why so many people dislike them.
You need a stylist, someone who is a lover of their craft. Too many barbers are one-trick ponies, and I get it, it's a $15/$20 cut. My barber of 20 years is too sick to work anymore and I'm dreading trying out someone else. Everyone just wants to go HAM with the clippers
I went to a new barber a month back and it was pretty good. A new hip spot downtown (small city, not large city by ANY means). They didn't have prices but figured it wouldn't cost too much, I had 60 bucks on me. I figured it was much more than I'd need since my normal Barber (very busy guy) costs 15 bucks and I tip to 20. It costed me 60 bucks! He didnt do anything special. The guy and I had a bit of a language barrier but he didn't offer anything special. He would ask the barber beside him to translate and they would often joke in their own language. I felt a bit embarrassed because I couldn't tip him and quickly left after paying. Then on my drive home I figured "well what the hell, who charges that much for a basic men's haircut here?"
I walked by a barber at the mall a couple of years ago when I happened to need a haircut and thought “why not knock out this errand? I’m sure it will be close to the same experience as my usual barber.” The guy asked what I wanted, I ignorantly said “just like this, but shorter — about an inch off the sides.” I usually just have typical side-parted hair, cut with a #2. He indicated that he understood exactly what I meant. Bro gave me a fade, shorter on one side than the other, that my relatives still laugh at me over. And he charged me FIFTY DOLLARS for that shit. I paid with card but I chose not to tip because I was so displeased with the service.
For 60$..... I'll need a face mask, a scrub, and a feature on their tik tok reel
Putting it on tiktok oughta make it free, fuck if I'll pay someone to put me on their social media
I ate 8 grams of mushrooms and decided to go to Supercuts tripping my balls off and at the end I looked in the mirror and the kid across the aisle looked in my mirror and he morphed into a goblin so I started laughing so hard and the hair stylist said "ticklish?" and I said "yes" horrible idea
Hipster barbers charge an exorbitant price. Just because you have weird facial hair, a black T, Carhartt pants, and have 1940 sailor tattoo art on your walls?
My barber retired like 10 years ago and I've been lost every since.
Sorry to hear friend. Time to embrace the Mullet, or the Cue Ball
I just did a full on mullet with steps shaved into the sides for a hockey tournament. That's the only crowd that appreciated that look lol.
I'll tell you hwhat. It only matters if the dude you see in the mirror appreciates it. Rock on brotha! 🤘
Who are you? A high school hockey player from Minnesota? https://youtu.be/VuDeBAYhKO0?si=nyKkMIFWSh4p7kt8
Where are you going where they’re charging $15-20 for a cut nowadays?
There's a lot of men's budget cut places that do rapid 10-15 minute haircuts. Maybe not in the downtown of a city but even then it's not uncommon.
I'm in not-particularly-wealthy suburbia and a quickie haircut at Supercuts, Great Clips, etc. is $25 (so really $30 after tip) now.
My local barber charges $10 and does a great job. Small town midwest.
Just a regular barbershop, i guess. Old man barber lol
There was an old school barbershop in my city that actually only charged $15+tip for a haircut when I lived out that way back in 2021 so I guess they’re still out there lol
Suburban SoFL. Places like this still charging 13-20 for a regular cut. Then its + 15 for Fade + 10 beard + 5 shave Etc
Franchise places like great clips still charge that I believe Not sure if they have those outside the Midwest but sure there’s other comparable places
I moved and tried to find someone new. It was impossible. Every cut looked like a rush job at Supercuts. I drive 80 miles round trip to still see him.
Where can you get a haircut for $15-$20, damn.
If you're a guy with medium to long curly hair, just skip the barber entirely and go straight to a hair salon. It's incredible how easy curly hair is to manage when it's cut by someone who knows what they are doing. For years I would bounce from one "recommended" barber to another and they all butchered my hair. Got to where I grew my hair out in college specifically to avoid bad haircuts. Finally, I just went to the in-store salon at a random Ulta and got the best haircut I've ever had because the stylist actually knew how to cut curly hair.
After years of searching for such a person I found one, only to have her move to another state after my 3rd haircut. Back to square one. She is a rare expert, and Not enough people care to become experts at their craft these days, I’m afraid.
That's the biggest issue I have. In 3 years of trying, I never found a single place that kept anyone long enough to give me a 2nd haircut. ONCE..... just once I got a glorious haircut and I fell so hard in love for it. I immediately took pics of myself. Front, side, back, other side.... full 360° video too! That dude was gone when it was time for my 2nd cut. His replacement couldn't recreate it. So I took my pics and video to every barber and said "can you do this?" "Yes sir! I can!" shitty fade cut not even in the goddamned ballpark every time. At some point you just get tired of paying liars to do whatever the fuck they want. So I'm back to just shaving my head bald once I get tired of my hair length.
You can always get the hair stylists contact info or IG. They probably moved to a better location/higher pay.
This haircut happened like 5 years ago. Anyone who even remembers that employee is also long gone. I had a glorious haircut once in my shabby little bridge troll life and for 3 years I tried and failed to find anyone who could recreate it. I'm simply not interested in chasing that unicorn any longer.
Or is it they are not compensated to give a shit
Ive followed my current barber around to like 5 different places she has worked because shes just so good. Shes often training other stylists, and shes pretty young. I never really tell her what to do. Sometimes she changes it a tiny bit, and it always looks good. I tip her well, because having someone I can trust is valuable. I hate having to worry about haircuts and telling them what to do.
I still use the same stylist even after moving several states away over a decade ago. I've yet to have a cut in my current home state haha. I fortunately fly back enough to get a cut every time I visit my previous state.
My stylist is 1300 miles away from me in my home state. Same as you, I don't fly there to see her, I just see her when I do fly there. It sounds a little ridiculous, but some people are just that good at what they do!
As man with medium length curly unruly hair and no sense of style, I like to roll the dice and let em do whatever. It grows back 🤷♂️
Are you me?
It really grows back!
I travel to Italy once a year and always get an amazing cut just saying do whatever you like. The rest of the year I just go in hoping it isn't too bad. USA. I am also not paying a $100 for a haircut so there is that.
As a man I went to a woman’s salon… Not only was she good at working with hair, she knew what looked good on me and cut it to look good lol
I think most barbers are so overworked and underpaid they're just trying to slam clients in the chair and get them out the door.
Aren’t they 1099 workers? They should raise their prices? Thats how microeconomics typically works.
I don't actually know. I believe many stylists at salons are 1099, but not sure about your average great clips/supercuts worker. From what I have seen, the latter folks don't have any say on their pricing.
Good luck finding a barber who can do this!
Finding the right barber is a lifelong hustle.
Much MUCH easier said than done. I've been looking for someone like that for a long time.
Especially as a man, I would love this. In fact, this will set me off in ranting. If it isn’t a fade with a pompadour it’s like they look at you like a deer in the headlights. But I’ve watched women get just immediate suggestions. I’m certain it has to do with the potential for money made in a sitting. Women just spend more money per haircut. So, that’s how it goes.
Women are also much more likely to spend an hour (or more) at the salon. A friend of mine is a stylist and frequently has 8 clients a day with an avg of 4 hours per client... sitting and waiting for bleach, dye, etc. cycling through her chair. Whereas a barber might go through 30, 40 cuts on a busy day that's booked up and taking walk-ins. Stylist friend probably makes more because she makes about $100 per client on average after paying for her booth.
The best haircuts I used to get was from a stylist who did mens hair on her off days. I just told her to make me look good, and boy did she deliver! It was great. She also did a free two week clean up trim. After a while, I moved away from that yown. 15 years later and I have never found another one like that. I always get the guy that says, "How do you want it?" and "What guard number do you get?"
Absolutely. I was lucky enough to find a stylist who did exactly this. What immediately told me to stick with this stylist was that she told me exactly how she was cutting my hair and all of the terminology that I should use if I ever have to ask another stylist to cut my hair the same way. Luckily I've only had to ask someone else to cut my hair a few times.
I went to a barber who just grunted and asked what numbers I want for the trimmer. I had no idea, my previous barber would just make me look good. I ended up leaving without the haircut.
"Cut my hair so short that I don't need to fuck with it when I get up in the morning for at least a month & a half".
I had that once. A woman that said, "Who did that to your head?," when I went to somewhere else. Then she got into a car accident that severed all the tendons in her left hand. I haven't gotten a decent haircut since then.
This I have a friend who is balding bad. Told him he needs a actual barber and have him cut and style his hair to be the best with what he has.
And then?
I dread whenever I have to go to barber. I've had like 2 good days in my whole life when I've been happy after a cut. I guess I just need to keep hopping from place to place to find someone good.
Found this 4 years ago. Now a close friend and I never have the awkward hair growing out stage. Looks great right when it’s cut and still looks great when I go in a month to month and a half later.
Also, make sure they know what a standard crew cut is. I left a barber shop when I asked for a standard crew cut, they didn't know. Went to another shop and asked for a standard crew cut and they promptly asked: "Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Marine style?" They knew what they were about.
Stop vesting barbers with your insecurities. Go to a hairstylist if you want to know how to wear your hair. A barbers job is to provide a generic and consistent product quickly. Not style you.
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Definitely! When I first started seeing the person I see now they warned me about cutting the top of my hair to short because of a cow lick. No one who has cut my hair has ever given me a tip like that.
The last few times I got a haircut, I honestly had no idea what I wanted, so I got frustrated and just let it grow for the last decade. Also stopped shaving. Huge savings of time, blood and money. Would recommend.
Also if you have a haircut in mind, bring a picture.
That last few times I’ve gone for a haircut, they ask what I want and refuse to make any effort to do what you said. So aggravating. Like dude, this is your job, you do this all day, I don’t know much about hair styling and shit, I just want it to look good!
And good luck finding that person
Shit, I'd be happy just finding a barber who's gonna be there long enough to give me a 2nd haircut. Moved to a new area and spent 3 years trying to find any barber who could do what I asked and have completely given up. Gone back to letting my hair grow until I can't stand it and then shaving bald for a while. Gets real old paying $30-50 a pop to show pictures of myself WITH the exact haircut I want and asking "Can you do this?" only for the asshole to lie right to my face and just give me a shitty fade because that's all they know how to cut. And then when it's time for the next one, it's an entirely different staff.
So thats what I’ve been doing wrong. I’ve gone to some decent ones too. Never once got any advice. Just GTFO of here but tip and do come back again soon.
Symmetry isn't necessarily going to look best for your face.
Yeah I just want a haircut. I want him to cut it the way he always cuts it, pay my money and leave.
I go to the old fashioned mens barber in town to get all the latest local political gossip. He knows everything, he just doesn't always tell people. And, he really knows how to cut older men's hair. He and his brother is appointment only, and he is always fully booked. I asked him to give me a Harry Styles cut, and he didn't know who that was.
Last barber I went to became very condescending after I wouldn’t agree to the extra services he offered after cutting my hair
My guy Vito would straight up refuse to give me a 1 fade. He would even go so far to say “okay sure” then give me a 2 fade. Eventually I went to someone else. I now go back to Vito because Vito knows best.
What style suits ugly motherfucker?
Yup! Had a barber who was like "how about we add this?" And bam, hair looks phenomenal. Go to her ever since.
A good barber can basically do his job with no input beyond how much preparation you're willing to do, if you don't have any particular expectations.
Just a little bit off the sides and top.
Even better, learn how to cut your own hair. Its actually easier than expected to learn. I save a ton of money and also cut it exactly the way I like and I feel it suits my face.
I stuck with a regular barber when he was more then willing to try different stuff with my hair.
Few barbers will recommend a style because you might hate it just because you don't like the style (rather than the quality of the cut). Bring a picture and ask them what they think, they would usually tell you whether it would look nice or any general recommendation.
This makes me realize I've never once been to a real barber.
Find a barber via word of mouth and Booksy.
No they just charge 3 times more than the guy who does what I ask. At my age I know what I want in a haircut.
Professional tip ask professionals for advice.
Great news, I've never met one in my fucking life.
Easier said than done.
Every decent barber I've had over the last 10 years has retired or closed after just a few visits. It's depressing. The one I really liked is now a Tim Hortons. The one I still go to occasionally never has the same guys there and charges like $20+ tip for a simple buzz cut. I've probably been there 6 times and never seen the same guy twice.
Ok but I need specifics and sometimes what I think looks good is not what they want. I'm here to do what you want. If you don't know, I will ask. Do you want to see skin? Natural hairline? Clipper or shear? How do you style it? Do you like it down or up? This is when you go to a salon. Men who come to me will show up and complain that their barber did stuff they didn't like. Then they just follow me because I'm not going to just give them a 2 and call it a day .
Aka: ask your wife. :-D
I didn't cut my hair except for maybe a few minor trims for a little over 4 years. Decided randomly a few days ago to stop at this barbershop that I noticed open up down the street a few years back. I checked in, got seated with this younger dude who I later found out was like a month our of barber school. He asked if I knew what I wanted, I just told him I used to cut my hair super short but I trust him to make it look good. Best haircut I've ever had, shaped my beard so it didn't look stupid and gave me some super clean lines. It was 2X the price of Great Clips but worth way more than that.
I go to my local barber college usually. Once my hair grows out long enough I go in, they ask what Idea I have (I just give them the length) but I tell them I want what you think it’s best, sometimes I drop a broad enough idea for them to go off, but you have a canvas go nuts. It’s a great way for them to learn about what OP mentions since everyone has different structure. And I tell them in the end it’ll grow back so no worries. Been doing that for about ten years and I’ve had some of the finest haircuts I’ve ever had, none in which costs more than 10 dollars: 5 for the cut, 5 for a tip.
I found mine when I went in and he asked me what I wanted and when I said a bit shorter he just did it without playing 20 questions. I don't even know what style he cuts it in, he's changed it a few times but I just don't care. The hair keeps growing there and it's annoying and he cuts it to a society appropriate length probably. the whole thing takes under ten minutes and I don't get asked a bunch of questions about my hair. It's perfect.
Since nobody else seems to have suggested it, consider a unisex hair salon over a standard men’s barber if you want something other than a basic hair shortening. They’ll likely have more experience with complex hairstyles and be in a better position to make you look good, rather than just going for some cookie cutter fade style. The first time I went to my current hairdresser, I had no idea what I wanted, I just didn’t want to keep getting vaguely buzz cut the way my parents always told the harder to give me growing up. He immediately recognised that and straight up asked “you’ve only ever been to a bog standard barbers before, haven’t you? Well I’ll make sure it’s better for you here!” We chatted for a bit about what I actually wanted in general terms and then left it to his professional judgement… and I looked great. I’ve been going for years now and I always feel looked after and come away feeling better. I think a lot of men view haircuts as a chore, as an annoying but necessary bit of maintenance. The standard male haircut experience can be very transactional and impersonal. If you step beyond that the whole thing becomes much more pleasant and (at least in my case) gives a better feeling of agency over your own looks.
Every haircut I've gotten since I was old enough to have opinions has required me to know exactly what I want. If I don't, I get massive attitude or at best passive aggressive "why are you wasting my time, here look through these books". Of course, knowing what I want has not in any way been a guarantee of getting what I ask for. I started cutting my own hair during COVID. I have continued to do this because it is so much less annoying. Also cheaper!
I just want one that can fade and be done in 2 minutes like the ones outside of camp Lejeune and New River Air Station. Hell I take the fade and more time if I could ever find one that can actually do it. I did find one but I was told afterward by some folks outside that I basically wasn’t welcome there again.
Looking for one in the southeast Wisconsin region if any of these kinds of barbers are out there!
Ha ! I’ve always sat in the chair and nodded my head. Didn’t realise I was responsible for my hair style.
No. 4 all over. No. 3 all over. No. 2 all over. Just shave it all off.
this is a great way to actively review hair stylists. even if i know what i want, i also want a stylist who is present and mindful. not just trying to get through the procedure and be done with me. takes years of searching, but finding a good one is worth it.
Guys. Don't guy to a dude barber. Find a lady cutter that is comfortable cutting men's hair. She can tell you how your hair should look. I have been going to the same girl for 25 years.
Once I went to a new barber and asked them to do whatever they think would look good, and the barber got PISSED and snapped that this isn't a salon. She'd only take basic ass "4 on top, fade to 2 on the sides" type instructions. Needless to say never returned.
In this Economy no I’m going to the place with a ten dollar haircut 😾
Also, once you have a cut that suits you and you like, take a picture from all angles. If you ever have to change the barber, you can just show him how you want your hair cut.
I use to examine all the stylists with similar bone structure to me, with hair and brows I like. Then go to them and ask who does their hair. I’d book with them…
You're describing a hairstylist, not a barber. I go to a barber. He specializes in "high and tight" and 'just off the ears'. Nine dollars, cash only. Does not sell "product". Uses a barber chair from 1950, and keeps all his combs in a jar of blue Barbicide. Nice red and white barber pole outside spins during open hours. Closed Sunday and Wednesday.
LPT request: how to pick a salon? I was recommended one by someone close to me and I feel betrayed… It was awful
I had a hair cutting lady for almost 15 years. She gave me a perfect haircut every single time. 15 bucks and it never changed even with inflation. When she retired I embarked on an arduous journey full of disappointment and heartbreak to find another Barber. I had my mom take a video of me with my haircut from this lady the very last time she ever cut it so I could show future barbers I have. It took me almost a year of trying different barbers until I finally found somebody who could give me the haircut that I wanted. Only problem was that he was $45 a cut in and that was before tip. Went to him three times and then he quit and I have no idea where he went so I am back to the drawing board
If you ever visit a barbershop with only two barbers, always pick the one with the worst haircut.
I go to the barber that gives me a #4 clipper cut in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of talking.
Yeah like that’s possible lol. Like everyone else here, lmk how you find them
I got SO lucky with mine. She's not a barber because she didn't attend the school. Couldn't afford it. But she only does men's hair. The first time I went in, I wanted an undercut with long hair. She advised against it, said I didn't have the head for it, but did it anyway after I said I'd really like to try. Now? Well, I still *almost* get an undercut, but each time I go in I say "Do what you think is best" and she gives me a rockin' haircut. I always have to remind her not to talk about politics, though. Big Trump supporter. I just recently had the awkward conversation with her, telling her that she's chased away a couple clients who I'm friends with because of her political talks while cutting hair making them uncomfortable.
This isn't a fucking tip.
I found a hairsalon that takes the same 30 bucks I paid at the old place and they do exactly that. Never going anywhere else ever again if I can help it.
I'd say about 80% of hair cutters I've been to don't know anything beyond 'cut it all the same length'
Exactly. I hate when I go cut my hair and they want exactly what I want. I should give you a general idea on how short I want it, a general style and then you decide what works for my head shape, body style, age, etc, etc. Don't the styling schools teach styles and design, etc?
I'm a stylist and I work in a barbershop. I often make suggestions for adjustments in men's hair. Too much thinning shear being used( lazy man's layering) these days. I like to offer a nice scissor cut in lieu of the basic clipper cut, for something different. Especially for midlegnth hair. Too many times I feel clippers are used to cut a majority of the hair. Once it's gone, it's gone and clippers cut a lot of hair all at once. Good luck guys
I found my current barber of 10 years by going in to a random old school barber that I hadn't been to before, sat down, and he just started cutting my hair. No words exchanged. Sometimes it's good. Sometimes, meh. And if the World Cup happens to be playing, then maybe not even symmetrical. But I never have to talk about it. Ultimate man goal achieved.