How to Communicate with Your Barber Shop for Perfect Results

Remember the last time you had a haircut? What were your feelings at that time? Did you have a sense of disappointment or regret? Though there is always the possibility that your barber’s lack of skills was to blame for the outcome, it may be that your inability to properly communicate your wishes was what caused your disappointment in the end. Barbers are not mind readers, and if you fail to convey precisely what you are seeking in a haircut, you will inevitably receive the cut he or she decides to give you.

Generally Describe The Cut You Want In Barber Shop

Upon taking a seat in your barber’s chair, do your best to generally describe the style you are seeking. Is a crew cut your preference? Perhaps you have a more modern aesthetic. Bringing along a photo of a cut you particularly like can often be a big help. Once you have communicated the general look you wish to achieve, discussion of details may follow.

Convey How Much Needs To Be Cut

Once you have provided information about the general style you desire, mention with specificity how much hair you would like cut off. Using vague terms like “give me a trim” or “just take a little off” can lead to disaster. Barber shop often have vastly different perceptions of what such terms mean. Everything is relative in terms of haircuts, so be precise in your description. Using actual measurements such as inch increments can lead to the best result. If you are unsure about how much you want off, your barber shop can do a test area to determine your true preferences and go from there. If you typically receive haircuts that use clippers, try to remember the number designation of the guards used to produce your favorite cut. Then, you will be able to describe your desired cut simply by using those numbers.

Specify Taper Preferences

In your visit to barber shop, you have probably heard the term “taper” from time to time. You may have even stated that you wanted a taper, despite not truly knowing its meaning. To help you understand the terminology a bit better, here is some key information. A taper is a gradual changing of hair length from the top of your head down to the nape of your neck. Tapers tend to start longer and go shorter toward the neck. Tapers can be of different lengths, either shorter or longer. A large number of men’s haircuts incorporate tapers of one type or another, but there are also men who want their hair to be a uniform length all over the head. Be certain to inform your barber of your desires.

Discuss Preferred Neckline/Nape

Most men fail to consider their neckline, simply because they rarely see it. But, everyone else around you will see how this part of your hair looks, so attention should be paid to this area. Failing to keep the nape of the neck trimmed and tidy can produce a sloppy overall appearance. When you determine which type of neckline you prefer, you will likely choose among tapered, rounded or blocked styles.
Any solid relationship with a barber requires open, honest communication that goes in both directions. Your barber needs to listen carefully to your wishes and also offer constructive advice. Quality barbers ask whether you like the work they are doing as they go along completing the cut. If your barber does not engage in this type of communication with you during haircuts, you may need to look elsewhere. There is nothing wrong with shopping around for a barber in whom you have ultimate confidence, as your haircut is one of the most important elements of your overall appearance.
Perhaps the greatest aspect of developing a strong relationship with your barber shop is the fact that these professionals often become friends you happily anticipate visiting. If you follow the tips outlined above, you will eventually have the pleasure of sitting down in the barber’s chair and confidently asking for the “usual,” knowing you are about the get exactly the haircut you want.