Properly asking your barber for the haircut you want is the easiest and fastest way to ensure a positive experience at your next barbershop appointment. Understanding and using barber terminology can provide specific, meaningful instruction, allowing you to communicate effectively and avoid disappointment. In this expert guide, we will teach you how to tell your barber what you want.

The Best Tips For Effectively Communicating With Your Barber

Choose A Hairstyle

Choosing a hairstyle may seem simple, but it can be tricky if you don’t understand barber terminology. The fastest way to get started is to search for photo examples of haircuts on our website and then read the associated description to understand the language.

Some modern and classic haircuts complement particular hair types, lengths and facial features. A pompadour is most suitable for straight, thick hair, while a thick fringe can be a stylish look for guys with fuller straight, wavy or curly hair.

Furthermore, a hairstyle can shorten or elongate your head shape. If you have a round face, visually elongate it with a cut featuring longer hair on top, shorter sides and a full beard. Ask your barber for short- to medium-length hair and maintain a clean-shaven face or trimmed beard to shorten a longer face.

Your lifestyle can also impact the perfect haircut for your needs. Athletes or individuals who work outdoors will find that short styles like the buzz cut, comb over, and textured crop top fade keep them cooler with minimal styling effort required. The crew cut, side part or slick back may be a better choice if you work in a professional setting.

The Difference Between A Taper and A Fade

The difference between a taper and a fade is the classic taper blends from short to shorter hair lengths on the sides and back, while a fade seamlessly transitions into the skin on your head. Also known as a taper fade, a taper haircut is a versatile, timeless look that works well for casual and formal occasions, exuding sophistication and modern charm. The fade, like a skin or bald fade, is a modern haircut that involves using clippers and then a shaver to cleanly blend the sides and back.

When asking your barber for a taper or fade, you’ll need to determine where the tapering process begins — low, mid or high. You can also tailor the cut by communicating that you want a skin/bald, drop, burst, or temp fade.

Learn About Different Guard Numbers

Clipper guards are accessories that determine how short the clipper will cut your hair. Guard numbers range from 0 (no guard) to 10 or 12 (depending on the clipper brand). Each jump in guard size represents 1/8 of an inch of length. If a number 0 guard clips to the skin, then 1 is 1/8 of an inch, 2 is 1/4 of an inch, 3 is 3/8 of an inch, 4 is 1/2 of an inch, and so on. The higher the guard number, the longer your hair will be. Ask your barber to start with a higher guard number and cut shorter if you want to experiment with different lengths.

Determine Your Neckline Haircut

A neckline haircut can be tapered, squared or rounded to create the perfect finish in the back. Your neckline will dramatically affect the finished look but can also give the haircut more longevity.

A squared neckline features a straight line across the nape with sharp corners at the edges. A rounded neckline also cuts straight across but features rounded corners to soften the look. A tapered neckline follows the hairline as it exists, leading to a more natural look. A tapered back will also mean you can wait a little longer between cuts.

Talking To Your Barber About The Haircut You Want

After researching, learning the language, and determining how you want your hair to look, the next step is to express yourself to your barber. There are several essential points to cover.

• Length: Tell the barber how long you want your hair on the top, sides, and back.
• Gradient: Explain whether you prefer a taper (taper fade), a fade, or the same length all over your head, such as a classic buzz cut.
• Style: Describe how you prefer to style your hair, including factors like your preferred part placement, the amount of product to use, and how much time you have to style your hair regularly. You can also discuss your needs or lifestyle and ask for recommendations by saying: “I want a short, low-maintenance cut with a mid fade on the sides; what do you think would work well for me?”
• Neckline: Express your preference for a rounded, squared, or tapered neckline.
• Overall Aesthetic: Provide adjectives that communicate how you want your hair to look. Some descriptive words include modern, classic, business professional, edgy, easy and layered.

Bring Photo Examples

During your research, save three or four photos representing your desired haircut, remembering that only some cuts suit some hair types or faces. Your barber should be able to explain why a particular style may not look the same on you as it does in the photo. Some barbers may be able to tailor the cut in an image to your hair and face, but this is only sometimes the case.

Explain what you like best about each photo, such as how the hair flows, the layering or the neckline, so your barber can understand how to meet your needs and preferences. Don’t forget to take a photo of your new cut if you like it, as this can be invaluable for your next barber appointment.

Ask Your Barber For Advice

Ask your barber for advice on which haircuts and styles will look best for your hair type, head shape or facial features. They are professionals who have worked with countless people, and they can use their experience to recommend cuts, styles, and techniques that complement your unique features.

You can ask your barber how a specific cut might fit into your office job, whether a cut suits your favorite hobby, and which haircuts are versatile enough for casual wear during the day and more formal wear in the evening.