You may know exactly how you want your haircut to look, but don’t have the words to describe it. That’s a problem, especially if you have a specific look in mind. My name is George, and today I’m going to tell you exactly how to tell a barber what haircut you want.
Before I go any further, I do want to stress that in most circumstances, it’s actually pretty easy to communicate the haircut you’re looking for, and our barbers will definitely help you with that. This article is for those guys who want a super-specific look or may be coming in for a fade the first time, and want to make sure everything goes as planned.
So, here’s what you need to do:
- Bring photos.
- Get specific.
- Learn key terms.
- Ask questions.
1. Bring photos to cut out the guesswork.
Reference images help your barber understand what you want better than words ever can. Find the haircut you’re looking for on Google, Instagram, or your social media of choice, and come prepared, if that’s what you want.
Your barber may make one or two minor adjustments to fit your hair type, but they can get super close to the photo.
You might not have the same face shape or hair texture as the guy in your photo, so your barber may need to make a few tweaks. That’s for the best.
Like your cut? Grab a selfie and use that for future reference.
Take your selfie right there in the barbershop, immediately after your haircut. Then use that as your reference the next time you come in. A photo of you with your preferred style is always going to be better than an image you find online.
2. If you have really specific length requirements, let your barber know.
The word “trim” means different things to different people. Same with terms like “short on the sides” or “longer on top.” Use measurements if possible, like half an inch or a finger’s width.
Remember, your barber can’t read your mind. Tell them if you want a tapered or squared neck and how long your sideburns should be. Specificity helps avoid misunderstandings.
Remember that clipper number.
There are nine lengths of clipper guard, from 0, which is 1/16 inch, to 8, which is 1 inch. Each time you bump the number up, the guard adds 1/8 inch.
After you’ve found your go-to clipper number, remember it and guard it with your life.
3. Learn a few key barbershop terms. It helps.
If you want to know how to tell a barber what haircut you want, know your terms: taper, fade, etc., and get some familiarity with the terms that describe the cut you want.
Terminology or no terminology, you’re going to get a fresh cut.
Trends move fast, as do hyper-specific haircuts. If you ask for a “mini mullet” or “slick back curtains,” we may ask for some clarification, but chances are your barber knows the cut.
4. Feel free to ask questions. Your barber should always have an answer.
Sometimes you’re not exactly sure what you want, and that’s okay, too. Don’t be afraid to ask your barber for suggestions or to help clarify things for you.
Tell them how you like to style your hair or what products you like, then see what they think. Barbers get how hair grows and behaves, and keeping a running dialogue can make the process smoother.
Get the cut you want.
Our experienced barbers know how to work with you to deliver your haircut of choice. Schedule a cut today, and we’ll see you in the chair.
