How is everybody’s month of March going? Good I hope! St. Patrick’s Day is almost here so I’m sure that will cheer everyone up who likes beer! Today I wanted to give out some useful barbershop tips for when you visit a new one.
Perhaps you have moved into a new area. Maybe your old barber retired. Maybe you just never liked your old barber and have finally decided to try someone new! Whatever the reason here are some tips to make a visit to a new barbershop the best.
Speak up and introduce yourself
Get your first visit off on the right foot and greet the barber as soon as you walk in, especially if it is an old fashioned barbershop. Tell them your name, if you have an appointment or not and why you are there.
Whoever you talk to may end up being your next barber for years, so be proactive and give them that personal touch of saying hi and introducing yourself. They will be happy to greet and talk to you!
Tell them what hairstyle you need
Some barbershops have different barbers that specialize in different types of haircuts. If you want a flattop, horseshoe flattop, straight razor shave or some other type of hairstyle they may recommend a particular barber they have at the shop.
If you made an appointment, don’t be late
Many barbers have a tight schedule with time slots they try to adhere to. So if you made an appointment, it will not get your first visit off right being late. In fact being a little early will help and may get you into that barber chair fast!
Tell them how long you had your last haircut
Try to remember how long you had your last haircut. That will help the barber visualize how short it was and what it looked like. It will simply give him or her more information to help them give you what you want.
Bring pictures
No not your vacation pictures! Show them pictures of how you look normally after getting a haircut. Or if you want a different style show them pictures of what you are going for. Front, sides and back of the head is best.
Wash your hair the day before
Unless you shampoo your hair every morning like I do, wash your hair at least the day before your visit. It will make your hair look it’s most natural and easier to cut. Your new barber will appreciate a clean head of hair to work on!
Avoid styling products and hair oils
Adding to the above clean hair tip, avoid putting styling products, gels or other hair oils to your hair. It will make it harder for the barber to see how your hair should look naturally and adds more work for them.
Be specific about hair length
Rather than just saying you want short hair on the sides, try to tell them the guard clipper number you normally get. Most people know they take a “number 4 cut on the sides”, “number 2 haircut” and so on. It will help them a lot.
Don’t wear a hat
Wearing a hat on the day you visit a new barbershop flattens your hair and changes the style shape you normally keep your hair. Avoid wearing a hat so the barber can see how your hair normally lays on your head and fade cuts.
Speak up during the haircut
If you can see the progress of your haircut in the mirror and don’t think it looks right, speak up. It may take a few times for a new barber to get your style right. Speaking up about tapers, fades and how long or short it should be will help both of you.
Don’t use your phone
Everyone loves their phones, but you can wait to check it after your haircut is done! Moving your head to see a text may make the barber make a mistake. It’s also just rude. Put your phone away or on silent until after your haircut.
Tip your barber
Like a lot of personal services, it is common to tip a barber 15% to 20% of the total bill. For a very cheap haircut throw in an extra 5 bucks. They will appreciate it and you will feel better the next time you see your new barber!
I hope the list above helps you out if you need to visit a new barbershop or get a new barber. Following these tips will make sure your new barber cuts your hair the way you want it in the length and style you want.
It will also put you on the best terms with them, showing them respect and consideration. In return they will look forward to serving you and do their best to give you a great haircut. Happy early St. Patrick’s Day! 😀
