Picture this: You sit down for a haircut, and the barber asks, “So, what do we want today?” You have an idea in mind but no idea how to describe it, so you give a vague answer like, “a trim, maybe.” Has this ever happened to you? If it has, then this post is for you!
Many men struggle to explain what they want out of a haircut, but don’t worry, you don’t need to know a lot of technical terms to communicate clearly. We’re going to explain what to say to your barber to get a great men’s haircut in Winnipeg every time.
What to say to a barber for a haircut?
When your barber asks, “What are we doing today?” start by describing your overall goal, followed by specifics about the sides, back, and top. Mention any cowlicks or other tricky areas that your barber should know about. When in doubt, bring a photo.
Let’s go over these steps in more detail:
1. Start With Your Overall Goal
Starting with the big picture lets your barber get a feel for the overall vibe you’re looking for. Here are a few examples:
- “I want something clean and professional for work.”
- “I want to keep the length. Don’t take too much off.”
- “I want it short and sharp.”
If you know the name of a specific haircut you want, you can definitely mention it to your barber. That said, this is more of a helpful reference point that can be paired with more specific details about the length, shape, and overall look you want.
2. Talk About the Sides and Back
Once you’ve given your overall goal, you can get into more detail, starting with the sides and back. You can specify the clipper guard number you’d prefer (for example: #1 is very short, #3 is longer, etc.) or request a fade or taper. A fade goes from very short to longer for a high-contrast, sharper look, whereas a taper leaves more length for a softer, more natural blend.
If you’re unsure about specifics, that’s okay! You can say things like:
- “I’d like it short on the sides, but nothing dramatic.”
- “No fade.”
- “I do want a fade, but keep it low.”
- “I’m not sure about a fade or taper. Just keep the sides and back clean and natural.”
3. Talk About the Top
Let your barber know if you want to keep the length on top, or if you’re okay going a bit shorter. You can say things like:
- “Don’t take too much off. Just a trim on top, please.”
- “I’m fine going shorter on top. You can take a decent amount off.”
When talking about the top of your hair, it’s helpful to mention how you style it (parted, pushed back, messy, what type of products you use, etc.). This gives your barber an idea of what you will need for your haircut.
4. Bring Up any Tricky Areas
No one knows your hair better than you, so mention any trouble spots or tricky areas you might know about. This can include your hairline, cowlicks, or beard. You can mention things like:
- “I have a cowlick in front.”
- “My hair tends to stick up if it’s too short.”
- “I have a receding hairline that I’d like softened.”
- “Can you blend the sides into my beard?”
These details matter!
5. Bring a Photo
If you’re ever unsure how to ask for the haircut you want, bring a photo. This eliminates any guesswork! Even if the photo isn’t perfect, you can say things like:
- “This is close to what I want. Can you do it shorter on the sides?”
- “I like the texture on top, but can we keep it longer?”
- “I like this fade, but not all the way to the skin, please.”
Can I ask my barber for a recommendation?
Yes, you can absolutely ask your barber for a recommendation! In fact, this is one of the best ways to get a haircut that actually suits you, especially if you’re unsure about the details. A good barber can make a recommendation based on your specific hair texture, face shape, and lifestyle.
Instead of saying, “Do whatever you want,” try something like this:
- “What would you recommend for my hair type?”
- “I’d like a low-maintenance haircut that I don’t have to style every day. What do you recommend?”
- “I’d like a style that grows out well. Do you have any suggestions?”
You don’t need to learn the technical terminology to walk away from the barber with a great haircut. Just be honest about what you want (and what you don’t want!) and remember that it’s okay to ask questions. The more you communicate with your barber, the better the outcome will be. To book an appointment, contact us today at Savile Row Salon.
