Men’s hairstyles evolved from strictly clean looks ranging from traditional hairdos like a flattop, buzzcut, or fade, to a more dynamic style with striking undercuts, charmingly casual man buns, to wavy locks that add flair with every flick it makes. So when it comes to giving your hair some much-needed snip and sophistication, the debate boils down to two things: should you entrust your hair to a barber or a hairstylist?

While both barbers and hairstylists are licensed professionals in their respective fields, each has distinct purposes and focus for creating, or cutting, in this case, the ideal man’s hairstyle. You don’t go to a barber to get highlights and stylized, curly mane, nor is it a bang for the buck idea to ask a stylist to give you a simple, military-style do. 

The Making of a Man’s Hair: Barber vs. Hairstylist

What is a Barber, and What Type of Haircuts Do They Do? 

A barber is a person who cuts, styles, and shaves hair, giving your head a neat, clean look. They’re commonly found in barbershops and salons. Some barbers also do beard trimming and other facial hair grooming. Barbers usually have shorter training hours and lower educational requirements than stylists. Armed with just a pair of scissors and razors, they are usually the guy to call you when you want to get a quick, no-frills trim. Since they work on men, they can also expertly handle men’s haircuts, beards, and even their body hair with ease.

It’s Best to Go to Your Barber If…

  • You want him to cut your hair into a classic style like a fade, taper fade, or a flattop.
  • You want to maintain a clean, precision-cut look.
  • You want to sport an old-school pompadour and shave the sides.
  • You want a simple crew cut.

What is a Hairstylist, and What type of Haircuts Do They Do?

A hairstylist is the hairdresser closest to a celebrity. They will be the ones who come up with the most creative, practical, and elegant manes that you can’t help but stare at. They are professional stylists trained to work with all kinds of hair. They also do hair color and are trained in hair cutting and styling.

It’s Best to Go to Your Stylist If…

  • You want to sport a more stylish look.
  • You want to style your hair uniquely and reflect your personality. 
  • You want to stay on top of trends and go for a buzz-worthy haircut. 
  • You want to color your hair or play around with its volume and texture.

The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Professional to Care For Your Hair

While barbers and stylists are both required for all sorts of hair, there are specific jobs that each one is best at. In essence, going to a barber is all about embracing the clean and crisp styles of traditional men, while a stylist is where you can stay on top of trends and go wild with your hairdo. 

One profession is not necessarily better than the other, so the right choice for your dilemma largely depends on your specific needs. Whether you are getting your tresses trimmed or going for a full-on style revamp, you must find satisfaction and confidence in your new look. When in doubt, it’s best to ask for both a barber’s and a hairstylist’s opinion and decide for yourself which of the two best suits your taste.

Are You Looking for the Best Barber Shop in Denver? 

Are you on the hunt for the best barbershop in Denver? Look no further; you can count on Wise Guys Barber Shop to bring out the best version of yourself with our wide range of fresh men’s haircuts.

We have a team of professional barbers and hairstylists who have a passion for men’s styling, so armed with scissors and our wits, we aim to create a hairstyle tailored specifically to a man’s unique look and personality, and lifestyle. Book an appointment with us today!