Getting a great haircut isn’t just about the barber’s skills—it’s also about how clients prepare and communicate. Many barbers have unspoken wishes they’d love their clients to understand. Here are 12 things your barber wishes you knew for a smoother, better grooming experience.
1. Come with Clean Hair
Barbers highly appreciate when clients arrive with clean hair. Clean hair is much easier to work on, as it allows the barber to see the natural flow, texture, and condition of your hair without the interference of excess oils, dirt, or heavy styling products. Dirty or overly styled hair can pose a challenge for barbers, as it may lead to uneven cutting or difficulty in achieving precision.
For instance, built-up hair gel or wax can make it harder for scissors or clippers to glide smoothly, which could compromise your final look. Clean hair not only helps your barber but also contributes to better overall results, allowing the style to come to life as intended. Washing your hair the night before or the morning of your appointment with a mild shampoo is usually sufficient preparation.
Additionally, if you’re coming from work or a sweaty gym session, consider giving your hair a quick rinse before heading to your barber. This simple step ensures that your barber can proceed hassle-free, and it shows respect for their craft and tools.
2. Know What You Want Before Sitting in the Chair
When it comes to getting a haircut, having a clear idea of what you want can make a world of difference. Barbers value effective communication, and knowing your desired haircut in advance not only saves time but also ensures you leave the chair happy. If you’re unsure about the terminology or specific names for styles, reference pictures can be a game-changer.
Bringing photos that showcase the look you’re aiming for allows your barber to visually understand your preferences and make adjustments based on your hair type, facial structure, and lifestyle. Keep in mind that not all styles suit everyone, so be open to professional recommendations as your barber may have valuable insights to achieve the best result for you.
Vagueness can lead to miscommunication, so try to be as descriptive as possible. Whether you’re looking for a fade, a pompadour, or a simple trim, identifying key details such as the length, texture, or overall vibe you want can help your barber deliver the style you envision. This preparation shows that you value their time and expertise, setting the tone for a collaborative and successful haircut.
3. Barbershop Etiquette Matters
Barbershops in a fast-paced city like New York operate like well-oiled machines, balancing numerous clients throughout the day. Practicing good etiquette ensures not only your experience is smooth but also shows respect for the barber’s time and effort. Punctuality is crucial; arriving late can throw off the tightly scheduled appointments for the day and affect other clients waiting. If you think you might be late, giving the shop a courtesy call is a polite gesture and allows them to adjust if needed. While in the chair, avoid distractions like phone calls unless absolutely necessary, as holding still helps the barber work efficiently and safely.
Additionally, being mindful of the barber’s workspace—keeping unnecessary items off their counter and refraining from spilling food or drinks—is equally important for maintaining a clean and professional environment. Remember, time is money, especially in a busy New York barbershop, so treating the process with a sense of respect and efficiency contributes to a positive experience for both you and your barber. Simple acts of courtesy go a long way in ensuring you build a rapport with your barber, leading to better haircuts and a more enjoyable grooming relationship.
4. Pre-Shave Techniques Make a Difference
For a close and comfortable shave, paying attention to proper pre-shave techniques is crucial. This preparation not only minimizes the risk of irritation but also ensures that your barber can work with precision. First, exfoliating the skin is an essential step. Using a gentle exfoliator removes dead skin cells and debris, which can clog razors and lead to uneven shaves. It also helps free up ingrown hairs, reducing the chances of bumps and discomfort post-shave.
Next, hydrating the skin is equally important. Warm water opens up the pores and softens the hair, making it easier for the razor to glide smoothly. Before heading to the barbershop, consider applying a pre-shave oil or cream to further protect your skin and create a slick surface for the shave. Investing time in pre-shave preparation sets the foundation for a clean and irritation-free experience, ensuring your barber achieves the closest, most polished shave possible.
5. Regular Trims Keep Hair Healthier
Maintaining regular trims is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your hair in prime condition. Waiting too long between haircuts can lead to the development of split ends, which not only make hair appear frizzy and unkempt but also hinder overall growth. Regular trims prevent this by removing damaged ends before they can travel further up the hair shaft. This practice also helps keep your haircut’s structure intact, ensuring your style remains sharp and well-defined.
For those aiming to grow out their hair, frequent trims every six to eight weeks might seem counterintuitive, but they actually support healthier and longer growth by keeping the hair in optimal condition. Your barber can also identify and address any issues like uneven growth patterns or thinning areas, tailoring their approach to your specific needs. Ultimately, scheduling regular trims is not just about appearance—it’s about fostering healthier, stronger hair overall.
6. Hair Styling Products Can Enhance Your Look
The right hair styling products can transform a good haircut into a great one, elevating your look and adding a heightened sense of personal style. Different hair types require specific products to achieve the best results, so it’s essential to choose wisely. For instance, lightweight pomades or gels are excellent for fine or straight hair, offering structure without weighing it down, while heavier clays and waxes are more suitable for thicker or coarser hair, providing increased hold and texture.
Additionally, certain products, like sea salt sprays, can bring out natural waves for a more relaxed, beachy look, while smoothing creams or serums tame frizz and add shine to unruly locks. Your barber is an invaluable resource when it comes to product recommendations. They understand your hair texture, scalp condition, and personal style preferences, so don’t hesitate to ask for tailored advice.
Learning how to properly apply these products—whether warming a small amount in your hands or working it through damp or dry hair—can make a significant difference in maintaining your haircut at home. Remember, even the best haircut can fall flat without the right finishing touches, so investing in quality styling products is worth the effort.
7. Be Honest About Your Hair History
When visiting your barber, transparency about your hair’s history is crucial. If your hair has been colored, chemically treated, or damaged in any way, sharing these details upfront allows your barber to take the right steps to treat your hair with the care it needs. For instance, hair that has undergone bleaching or chemical treatments like relaxers can be more porous and fragile.
Barbers need to know this to avoid applying products or techniques that could exacerbate damage. For example, using heat-intensive styling tools on already-compromised hair might lead to breakage, while certain coloring techniques might need to be adjusted to avoid uneven results.
Additionally, if you have tried DIY treatments at home, like box dye or chemical straighteners, explaining what has been done allows your barber to work around any potential challenges. Honesty not only facilitates better outcomes but also builds a stronger relationship between you and your barber, ensuring that both parties are on the same page about what’s best for your hair.
8. A Barber Knows Local Trends
Skilled New York barbers aren’t just masters of technique—they are also trendsetters and keepers of style knowledge. The fast-paced, fashion-forward energy of New York keeps barbers on their toes, consistently immersing them in the latest hair trends. Whether it’s a sharp fade, a textured crop, or a classic scissor cut that’s making waves in the city, New York barbers are well-versed in these styles and how they suit different face shapes, hair types, and personal aesthetics. Trusting their expertise can elevate your look to one that not only complements your unique features but also aligns with current trends.
If your barber suggests adjusting your typical cut or experimenting with a new look, it’s worth considering their advice. They might recommend a modern variation on a timeless cut or a trending style tailored specifically to your lifestyle, which can save you the hassle of trying to figure out what’s “in” on your own. After all, barbers in a city like New York work with a dynamic and diverse clientele, honing their skills in customization and adapting to individual needs while staying on the cutting edge of fashion.
9. Tipping Is Appreciated
Tipping your barber is a simple yet meaningful way to show appreciation for their skill and effort. Just as you would reward good service at a restaurant, a standard 15-20% tip for a barber is a customary and welcomed gesture. Barbers provide more than just a haircut—they offer personalized consultations, execute your chosen style with precision, and ensure you leave their chair feeling confident and refreshed.
Acknowledging this dedication to service through tipping reinforces the effort they put in to meet and exceed your expectations. Furthermore, if you receive extra attention, such as a beard trim, a hot towel shave, or a particularly intricate hairstyle, tipping above the standard range is a thoughtful way to recognize the additional time and skill required. Remember, tipping helps foster goodwill and rapport with your barber, potentially enhancing future visits.
When clients regularly tip as a sign of recognition, it contributes to the morale of the barber, as they feel valued for their craft. Showing gratitude through tipping ensures you not only receive exceptional service but also build a strong, mutually appreciative relationship with your barber.
10. Don’t Rush the Process
A great haircut is as much about patience as it is about skill. Barbers are professionals who take pride in their craft, and each step they take is deliberate. From the careful sectioning of hair to the precise snips of the scissors or strokes of the clipper, every part of the process is essential to achieving the desired result. Rushing your barber can disrupt their workflow and increase the likelihood of errors or inconsistencies.
Beyond that, the process itself is a form of artistry that requires attention to detail and focus, much like painting a masterpiece. When you allow your barber the time they need, you ensure they can deliver their best work without feeling pressured or hurried. Furthermore, relaxing in the chair and trusting their expertise can transform your haircut experience into something enjoyable—a moment to unwind and appreciate the care being given to your appearance. Remember, great things take time, and this is especially true when it comes to a haircut that will keep you looking your absolute best.
11. Speak Up During the Cut
Communication is key when it comes to achieving the haircut you envision. If, during the appointment, something feels off—whether it’s a length that seems too short, a fade not quite matching your expectations, or a shape that doesn’t suit your face—don’t hesitate to speak up. Barbers highly value your feedback because their ultimate goal is your satisfaction. It’s far more effective and easier for them to address concerns during the cutting process rather than after it’s completed, when adjustments could be more difficult or even impossible without starting over.
Constructive feedback, expressed respectfully, helps your barber align their work with your preferences. Whether you want a specific tweak or need to clarify something, your input can guide them toward tailoring the haircut perfectly to your liking. Open dialogue creates a trust-based relationship, ensuring you leave the chair happy and confident. Remember, your barber is there to serve your grooming needs, and clear communication is the foundation of a successful outcome.
12. Maintenance Advice Matters
Barbers are not just skilled in cutting hair; they are also valuable sources of knowledge when it comes to maintaining your look between visits. After your haircut, many barbers take a moment to offer personalized tips for at-home care. This advice might range from how to properly wash your hair, which shampoos or conditioners suit your hair type, to the best styling techniques for maintaining your fresh look. Listening carefully to their suggestions can significantly extend the life of your haircut, keeping it sharp and well-maintained for weeks to come.
For example, your barber may explain the importance of avoiding over-washing to prevent drying out your scalp, especially if you use products daily. They might also recommend specific styling tools or products, such as pomades, gels, or sprays, tailored to your hair type and desired style. Following these tips not only helps you preserve the appearance of your haircut but also ensures that your hair stays healthy and manageable over time. Proper maintenance can delay the need for touch-ups, saving you time and money while keeping your hair looking its best every day.
Additionally, barbers may offer insights on seasonal care. For instance, they might suggest moisturizing creams during colder months to prevent dryness or lighter products during the summer to avoid weighing your hair down in humid conditions. By integrating their expertise into your daily routine, you’ll find it easier to recreate that freshly styled look you leave the shop with.
Final Thoughts
Understanding these 12 tips can truly transform your barbershop experience, making it more enjoyable, productive, and ultimately more worthwhile. Each step, from preparing properly for your appointment to maintaining an open line of communication with your barber, contributes to a haircut that suits your individual needs and preferences. Implementing simple advice like arriving on time, bringing reference photos, or following their maintenance tips can make all the difference.
A great haircut is more than just a quick visit to the chair—it’s about building a relationship with your barber, sharing expectations, and trusting their expertise to deliver excellent results. By improving how you approach your grooming session, you set the foundation for consistently positive outcomes. Not only will your haircut better reflect your style, but your hair’s health will also improve, thanks to the proper care and techniques your barber shares with you.
Next time you visit the barbershop, keep these pointers in mind for an effortless session that leaves you feeling refreshed, confident, and looking your best. Grooming doesn’t have to be a chore—with preparation and thoughtful communication, it’s an opportunity to enhance your personal style and self-care regimen.
