It’s no secret that many guys often have communication problems, which significantly affects their relationship with various people. It also applies when men go to the barber and fail to communicate precisely what hairstyle they want. In some cases, they just don’t have a command of the language that the professionals use.

The good news is that barbers are trained to interpret whatever you’re saying. They might even be able to tell you what you want when you aren’t entirely sure of it yourself. A barber’s number one priority is making you happy, so they aren’t going to take whatever you’re saying seriously until they can figure out the look you want. It’s easy to stick with clipper settings (“I’m a one on the sides and a three on top”) or technical terms that don’t mean much to you (“I want a fade on the back and sides”) but these often aren’t enough.

In this article, we’ll guide you through properly communicating with your barber so that you can get the hairstyle that you want. Read on below to learn more.

Show, Not Tell

Let’s say you’re going to the barber for a cut, and you want it to be like that of Ryan Reynolds. While it looks easy enough, can you describe it? Saying something like “short on the top and sides” isn’t going to cut it because your barber may have difficulty pinpointing exactly what you want.

For this reason, you should have pictures ready. If you want a haircut that encompasses different styles, just have pictures saved on your phone, and your barber will create the look for you.

Know Your Hair

Every person’s hair is different, not only in color but also in moisture, texture, and thickness. By understanding the kind of hair you have, you can find a style that works for your hair and prevent future problems. Your barber will also be able to tell you if the haircut you’re asking for is a good fit or if your ideas are a little too far-out. If you don’t know what kind of hair you have, it’s easy: ask your barber.

Use the Proper Terms

It’s easy to say, “I want a layer on top,” but what if it turns out to be bad? Then you’ll be spending the next 4 to 6 weeks with a wacky haircut. For this reason, you should avoid using technical terms that you saw on the internet or heard from other barbers because you may not know what they mean. Just say what you want, and your barber will work on it from there.

Don’t Get a Fade (Unless You Want It)

Going back to using the proper terminology, you should probably never ask for a fade unless you really want it. Sure, it’s a timeless haircut that looks good on most dudes, but your perception of a fade and what it actually is may be different. A fade is when your hair is cut all the way down to the skin at your hairline. It’s probably not what you want because the skin is showing, so just ask for a taper instead.

Forget the Numbers

Many guys use the number system (the settings on a clipper) because they think it applies to all barbers, but it’s far from the truth. They’re just general references, and they’re also probably not a good one if you’re getting a haircut from a barber you’ve never worked with before. In short, different barbers have different clippers.

Putting in Work on Your Hair

When you get a haircut or a different hairstyle, that means maintaining it by using certain hair products to always look good. Are you willing to go the extra mile to achieve good hair? If not, then you’re better off getting a low-maintenance haircut.

Conclusion

Getting a haircut may be easy, but the tricky part is telling your barber exactly what you want. Just relax, tell your barber the kind of style that you’d like to have. It helps to have pictures ready because your barber won’t waste time making sense of what you’re trying to say.

If you’re looking for a top-quality barber shop in Denver, look no further than Wise Guys Barber Shop! We can give you various haircuts and styles, and we also offer beard shaving services—all for a reasonable price. Contact us today to learn more!