14 Things You Didn’t Know Your Barber Could Do

Jan 20, 2025

A trip to the barbershop is often seen as a simple task—getting a trim, shave, or style. However, barbers offer a range of services and grooming tips that can elevate your experience. Here are 14 things you didn’t know your barber could do, adding value to your next visit.

1. Provide Hair and Scalp Treatments

Many people overlook the range of hair and scalp treatments a professional barber can offer. A New York barbershop isn’t just a place for haircuts—it’s also a resource for addressing common hair and scalp concerns. Barbers are equipped with the training and knowledge to help clients tackle issues such as dandruff, dry scalp, excessive oiliness, and even early signs of hair thinning. They understand the importance of maintaining a healthy scalp and hair to promote long-term growth and vitality.

During your visit, the barber can assess your scalp’s condition, identify any underlying issues, and recommend tailored treatments. This might include the use of specialized shampoos, conditioners, or leave-in treatments designed to alleviate specific problems. For dandruff, for example, barbers may use products with ingredients like zinc pyrithione or tea tree oil, which are known for their soothing and antifungal properties. For clients with excessively dry scalp or brittle hair, a nourishing deep-conditioning treatment or hot oil treatment can work wonders, restoring moisture and adding shine.

Hair thinning is another concern that many clients bring up during their visits to the barbershop. While barbers aren’t dermatologists, they can provide practical advice and suggest hairstyling techniques to make thinning hair less noticeable. They might also recommend products like thickening shampoos, volumizing sprays, or scalp treatments infused with biotin or caffeine to support healthier growth. Overall, a skilled barber doesn’t just cut your hair—they ensure your hair and scalp are in top condition, giving you a more polished and confident look.

2. Offer Beard Grooming Advice

Beard grooming goes far beyond just an occasional trim, and a professional barber can be your go-to guide for creating the perfect beard style and keeping it healthy. A New York barber focuses on more than the aesthetics of your beard—they also provide valuable insights into proper beard care and maintenance. Grooming advice starts with understanding the unique texture and growth pattern of your beard and how it complements your overall appearance.

For starters, the barber might discuss the importance of hydration and conditioning. Beards have a tendency to get dry and wiry, which can lead to discomfort and even irritation for the skin underneath. Barbers often recommend a tailored routine that includes high-quality beard oils and balms. Beard oil helps soften the hair and hydrate the skin, reducing itchiness and flakiness. Beard balms, on the other hand, offer moisture along with a light hold, making them perfect for shaping and styling your beard to perfection.

Barbers also help you determine the best beard shape for your face. Whether you prefer a full, bushy beard, a groomed goatee, or a clean and sharp stubble look, your barber can shape your beard to flatter your face shape and accentuate your features. Additionally, they often provide tips on grooming tools, such as recommending trimmers with adjustable guards for maintaining length or detailing scissors for precision work. By following their advice, you can ensure that your beard not only looks great but also feels comfortable and well-maintained.

3. Give Expert Haircuts for All Face Shapes

Choosing the right haircut can make a world of difference in how you look and feel, and a skilled barber understands how to craft cuts that suit every individual client. One of the most valuable skills a New York barber brings to the chair is the ability to tailor haircuts to different face shapes. Whether you have a round, square, oval, heart-shaped, or diamond-shaped face, your barber will take these proportions into account before taking the first snip.

For individuals with round face shapes, for instance, barbers often recommend cuts that create height and volume at the top while keeping the sides shorter. This helps elongate the face and adds definition to softer features. If you have a square face shape with a strong jawline, barbers may suggest hairstyles that add texture at the top and soften the overall look, such as a classic side part or a modern textured crop. Oval faces, being naturally balanced, are often considered the most versatile, enabling barbers to suggest a wide variety of styles, from a slicked-back undercut to a messy fringe.

Barbers are not just skilled at selecting a cut—they’re adept at refining it to your hair type, thickness, and lifestyle. For example, if you prefer a low-maintenance routine, they might recommend a clean crew cut or fade that requires minimal styling. On the other hand, if you enjoy experimentation, your barber can guide you toward trendier styles like a pompadour, quiff, or textured layers. At the end of the day, barbers provide more than just a haircut—they deliver a personalized consultation, ensuring the final result highlights your best features and enhances your confidence.

4. Help with Hair Growth 

Hair loss and thinning can be concerning for many individuals, and barbers are often a great first point of consultation for addressing these issues. While they are not medical professionals, experienced barbers have a wealth of practical knowledge when it comes to enhancing hair health and promoting growth. One of the first tips a barber might offer is the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy scalp. Regular washing with a gentle shampoo can help remove buildup that might clog pores and inhibit hair follicle growth. Some barbers may also recommend nourishing treatments like scalp oils enriched with natural ingredients such as eucalyptus, rosemary, or tea tree oil, all known for their scalp-friendly properties. 

Another valuable piece of advice is to consider scalp massages as part of your hair care routine. Barbers emphasize that a scalp massage, whether performed during a haircut or as part of your routine at home, can promote blood circulation to the scalp, delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles and encouraging growth. Beyond practical techniques, barbers are also well-versed in the selection of hairstyles that can creatively disguise thinning areas while complementing your overall appearance. For instance, they may suggest shorter styles like a textured crop or styles that incorporate volume at the top to direct attention away from thin areas. 

Barbers might even discuss the importance of a healthy diet in supporting hair growth. Foods rich in vitamins like biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are often highlighted. While topical solutions and styling tricks can enhance the appearance, barbers understand the importance of holistic care to keep your hair looking healthy and strong. 

5. Provide Skin Care Tips for Men 

Barbers recognize that a polished appearance is not just about your hair but also about maintaining healthy skin. Skin care has become an essential part of the grooming process, and barbers today are well-equipped to share insights on how men can take better care of their skin. From pre-shave preparation to post-shave care, barbers are trained in techniques and products that promote a smooth, irritation-free complexion. For instance, before a shave, many barbers recommend using a hot towel or pre-shave oil to soften facial hair and prepare the skin, reducing the possibility of nicks and irritation. They may also suggest shaving creams or gels free of harsh chemicals to protect the skin during the process. 

After a shave, barbers often stress the importance of applying a soothing aftershave lotion or balm, ideally one without alcohol, which can dry out the skin. Barbers also highlight the value of regular exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs—a common issue for men, especially those with curly or coarse hair. Skincare doesn’t stop at the shaving routine, and many barbers encourage moisturization, reminding clients that hydrating their skin daily can prevent dryness and improve overall tone and texture. 

Barbers are also familiar with unique skin challenges that their clients may face, such as acne-prone skin or sensitive skin that irritates easily. With this in mind, they can recommend gentle, targeted cleansers and other grooming products designed to address specific concerns. Regular consultations with your barber can provide insight into the best practices and products to maintain a fresh, well-kept appearance tailored to your lifestyle and needs. 

6. Guide You in Choosing the Right Hair Products 

The vast range of hair care and styling products available today can make it overwhelming to select the right one for your hair type and personal style. Barbers can simplify this process by offering recommendations tailored specifically to your needs. They understand the subtle differences between gels, pomades, waxes, clays, mousses, and sprays, guiding you toward a product that will complement the look you want to achieve without damaging your hair. For example, if you have fine hair, your barber might suggest a lightweight mousse that adds volume without weighing your hair down, whereas someone with thick, coarse hair might benefit from a stronger-hold pomade or styling wax. 

Barbers are also knowledgeable when it comes to matching products to various hair types. They can help you identify whether you need moisturizing creams for dry or brittle hair, lightweight sprays for oily hair, or all-purpose solutions for normal hair. Importantly, barbers can offer advice on spotting high-quality ingredients in products, emphasizing the need to avoid those containing alcohol and sulfates, which can strip your hair of its natural oils and cause long-term damage. 

Beyond styling products, barbers may introduce you to specialized treatments tailored to your concerns. For example, if you struggle with frizz or flyaways, they might advise you to try a leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum. Alternatively, barbers often recommend heat protectants for individuals who frequently use hair dryers or curling irons to style their hair, protecting it from damage caused by high temperatures. 

Ultimately, a good barber doesn’t just provide a haircut; they take the time to educate their clients about proper grooming practices. By helping you select products that suit your hair type, lifestyle, and stylistic preferences, a barber can ensure that your haircare routine is not only effective but enjoyable. Their guidance ensures that your hair looks its best every day, not just when you leave the barber’s chair. 

7. Offer Hair Color Services 

While barbers have traditionally been known for their skill in cutting, trimming, and styling, an increasing number of barbershops are now offering professional hair color services. Whether you are looking to cover gray hairs for a more youthful appearance or want to experiment with a bold new shade to express your personality, your barber can help you achieve the desired result. By using high-quality dyes and precise application methods, barbers ensure a natural and seamless look.

They also take into account important factors such as your skin tone, personal style, and the health of your hair to create a color that complements your overall appearance. Barbers are trained in advanced coloring techniques, from simple highlights to complex color blends, and they can even provide advice on maintaining your color to extend its vibrancy. This personalized approach to hair coloring ensures a level of professionalism and expertise that at-home coloring cannot replicate.

8. Help with Hair Texture Management 

Understanding and managing different hair textures require specialized knowledge, and your barber is a great resource for learning how to enhance your natural hair. Whether you have curly, wavy, coily, or straight hair, barbers are equipped to recommend cuts that suit and accentuate your hair texture. For instance, individuals with curly hair may benefit from hairstyles that reduce bulk or emphasize the natural curl pattern, while those with straight hair might want layered cuts that add movement and volume.

Beyond haircut recommendations, barbers can suggest products tailored to your specific texture. For curly or wavy hair, hydrating creams and curl-defining products can help enhance your natural bounce, while lightweight mousses or sprays may be more suitable for straight hair. Additionally, barbers can provide styling tips, such as how to dry your hair properly to avoid frizz or how to use styling tools like diffusers and flat irons for optimal results. By tailoring their advice to your unique needs, barbers help you take control of your hair’s texture with confidence. 

9. Advise on Preventing Hair Damage 

Hair damage is an all-too-common concern, often caused by excessive styling, environmental factors, or chemical treatments. Your barber serves not only as a stylist but also as a guide in protecting your hair from further harm. They can identify early signs of damage, such as split ends, dryness, and weakened strands, and offer actionable solutions to address these issues. One of the most important recommendations they provide is to limit the use of high-heat styling tools, such as straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers, which can lead to brittle hair when used excessively.

When heat styling is necessary, they often advise using heat protectant products to minimize damage. Your barber may also discuss the importance of moisturizing and restoring your hair with nourishing shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks containing natural ingredients. If chemical treatments, such as coloring or relaxing, are a part of your routine, barbers will ensure these processes are performed safely and advise on aftercare to maintain your hair’s health. By providing these tips, your barber helps preserve the integrity of your hair, ensuring it remains strong, healthy, and vibrant for years to come.

10. Assist in Creating Signature Styles

If you’re looking for a unique look that fits your personality and lifestyle, barbers are skilled professionals who can help craft a signature style tailored just for you. Whether you’re seeking a subtle update to refresh your current look or a bold transformation that turns heads, barbers have the knowledge and expertise to bring any vision to life. They carefully assess aspects like your face shape, hair texture, and personal preferences to recommend styles that enhance your natural features.

From sleek fades and sharp undercuts to textured crops and classic pompadours, they are well-versed in current trends and timeless styles alike. For those who want to express individuality, barbers can work with you to incorporate unique elements, such as intricate designs shaved into the sides, creative use of color, or custom beard shaping. The process is highly collaborative, with barbers taking the time to ensure you’re comfortable and confident with the final look. By paying close attention to detail, they elevate your appearance and allow you to exude confidence, making their role in crafting signature styles invaluable.

11. Offer Hair Maintenance Between Appointments

Between your visits to the barbershop, maintaining a sharp and polished appearance can be challenging without proper guidance. Fortunately, barbers provide practical tips and tricks to help their clients keep their hair and beard in great condition between barbershop appointment. For those wondering how to manage slight regrowth or trim stray hairs, barbers can teach you simple at-home techniques using quality tools like scissors, clippers, or trimmers.

They might suggest specific products for keeping your hair soft and manageable, such as leave-in conditioners or pomades tailored to your hair type. If you have a beard, your barber can provide advice on shaping and trimming it to maintain symmetry and neatness while preventing common issues like uneven growth or skin irritation. Additionally, they can teach small styling hacks—how to tame flyaways, preserve clean edges, or touch up your fade—to help you maintain the fresh-from-the-barbershop look. With this guidance, clients can confidently extend the life of their haircut and retain a well-groomed appearance in between visits.

12. Teach You How to Style Your Hair

Styling your own hair may feel daunting, but barbers excel at demystifying the process and helping you achieve the perfect look. Whether you’re aiming for a polished, professional finish for the workplace or a relaxed, textured vibe for casual outings, barbers can demonstrate the techniques and tools needed to achieve your desired style. They often begin by explaining the importance of selecting the right products based on your hair type and desired hold—ranging from lightweight styling creams for a natural finish to strong-hold gels for structured looks.

Barbers can guide you through the process of properly using a blow dryer to create volume, enhance texture, or smooth out unruly strands. For men unfamiliar with layering styling products, they can show how to use combinations, such as pre-styling sprays, waxes, or finishing serums, to achieve optimal results without weighing hair down. Barbers also take into account individual habits and preferences, offering tips that fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Their expert guidance ensures that you feel confident replicating your favorite styles at home, empowering you to take control of your grooming.

13. Offer Relaxing Shaves and Trims

A visit to the barbershop is not just about maintaining your hair; it’s also an opportunity to experience a luxurious and rejuvenating grooming session. One of the most sought-after barbershop services is the relaxing hot towel shave, an indulgent ritual that combines skilled techniques with soothing sensations. During this service, your barber will begin by prepping your skin with a warm towel that softens facial hair and opens pores. This is followed by the application of a high-quality shaving cream or oil to create a smooth surface for the razor.

Using steady, precise strokes, the barber removes hair while minimizing irritation and leaving your skin feeling fresh and revitalized. For clients with facial hair, a carefully executed beard trim is another way barbers provide precision and care, ensuring your beard is perfectly shaped and balanced to complement your features. Many barbershops enhance the experience further by incorporating scalp massages, aromatic products, or skincare recommendations into the process, transforming your haircut visit into a truly relaxing escape. These pampering touches highlight the artistry and customer care that modern barbers embody.

14. Offer Professional Advice on Grooming

Barbers are not only masters of haircuts and styling but also serve as trusted advisors when it comes to personal grooming. Their expertise extends to a wide range of practical tips and tricks that address common grooming challenges and elevate your overall appearance. For instance, many barbers can explain how to prevent ingrown hairs by using proper shaving techniques, exfoliating the skin, and utilizing quality razors. They can also teach you how to maintain a sharp, clean hairline by paying attention to angles and proportions tailored to your natural features.

Beyond hair, barbers often share advice about skincare and scalp health, recommending products and routines that nourish your skin and promote strong, healthy hair growth. For clients who struggle to keep their hairstyle intact throughout the day, barbers may reveal ways to combat humidity, control frizz, or maintain hold with the right combination of preparations and finishing sprays. This wealth of knowledge reflects their commitment to helping clients look and feel their best—both in the barbershop and beyond. With your barber’s tailored advice, even the most elusive grooming secrets can become simple practices that enhance your daily routine.

Conclusion

Taking the time to book a Barbershop Appointment at a New York Barbershop can provide you with these additional benefits that go beyond just a haircut. By incorporating some of these tips and services into your routine, you’ll be able to enjoy better hair health and grooming for the long term.

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