How Should I Talk to My Barber?
Barber St George want their customers to leave the shop happy and confident. This requires good communication.
It is a good idea to bring a photo of the haircut you’re hoping for. It is also important to give your barber creative freedom.
1. Talk About Your Hair
A good barber will listen intently when you explain what kind of haircut you want. They'll ask you what sort of hair products you use, whether or not you blow dry your hair, and even if you like to comb or brush your hair, all in an effort to get a better understanding of your hair and what sort of look you want to achieve with it.
When explaining the exact style of haircut you want, be as precise as possible. This will help your barber understand exactly what you're after, and it'll make it easier for them to replicate the haircut on your head. But be careful not to go overboard; it's okay for your barber to offer some creative freedom when it comes to your cut.
It's also a good idea to tell your barber about any cowlicks, whorls or unruly curls that tend to show up at certain lengths, as well as anything else that's a part of your hair that you don't like (like the fact that it falls straight when you shake it). This is important information for your barber, as it will allow them to take those factors into account while cutting your hair.
Another great way to keep the conversation going is by asking your barber about themselves. They'll likely enjoy this, and it's a good opportunity for you to practice some small talk — something that can be helpful in any conversation. Besides, it's polite to ask how someone is doing or what they're up to. And it's a conversation that you can carry over into conversations at work, with friends or on dates.
2. Talk About Your Lifestyle
There’s a lot that goes into being a barber – assisting people in their personal transformation, building relationships with their clients, and the sheer volume of work that can be physically demanding. This can be hard on a person, especially if they don’t prioritize balance and self-care. If a barber starts to burn out, it’s likely that their work will suffer and they may not perform at the same level for you – or for their own health and well-being.
So while it’s important to have a conversation about your hair, you should also be sure to talk to your barber about your lifestyle. This will help them better understand what sort of cuts will fit your look and lifestyle, and it can also lead to a deeper relationship that helps you both live a happy and fulfilling life.
Barbers aren’t just interested in your haircut – they’re looking to form a lasting bond with their clients and build a community of men who love what they do. To do this, they need to get to know you a little bit, so it’s a good idea to show up early and engage in small talk about your hobbies and interests. You might even make friends with your barber!
Just be careful not to start talking about politics or other controversial topics – it’s probably best to stay away from these topics in such close, intimate quarters. You can also support your barber by leaving a tip, as this shows them that you’re committed to their craft and that you value the work they put in for each appointment. This can also inspire them to do the same for other customers – and what could be better than that?
3. Ask Questions
Whether it’s how long you want your hair or what kind of haircut looks best on you, asking questions will help your barber better understand what you’re looking for and get the result you want. It’s also a good way to build a relationship with your barber, which is always a plus.
In addition to the typical small talk topics, you can ask your barber about their experiences in the industry and what they like about their job. This can give you a good idea of their style and help you decide whether or not they’re a good fit for you.
You can also ask your barber about their favorite music, TV shows, or movies. This is a great way to break the ice and build a friendship, but be careful not to get too personal. Save the sob stories and avoid controversial topics.
If you’re not sure what you want, it’s OK to show your barber a picture of a haircut you’d like. However, it’s not a good idea to show your barber an image of a hairstyle you’ve already had done. Your hair will have grown out since then and may look different.
You can also ask your barber about the styling products they use, or even ask them for suggestions on how to style your hair at home. Asking these questions is a great way to learn more about your barber and develop a friendship that will benefit you both in the salon and in life.
4. Ask for Suggestions
A barber is an expert in haircuts and styles, so don't be afraid to ask them for suggestions. They'll be more than happy to help you find the right look for you and your lifestyle. Just make sure that you have a strong notion of what you want before you get to the salon.
A hairstyle that looks great on a model may not work with your own hair texture or face shape. For example, a pompadour might be a great choice for someone with wavy or thick hair, but it could look terrible on an older man with straight or fine hair. Bringing a picture of the style you're looking for can help save time and confusion.
You should also be clear with your barber about how much you want to cut off. Rather than just saying "short," you should give him a specific length in inches. This will prevent confusion and ensure that you're both on the same page. Alternatively, you can use clipper guard numbers or even your fingers to show him what you're thinking.
Finally, be sure to talk about how often you need your hair cut. Some people need to visit a barber every four weeks, while others can go longer. This is a good question to ask during your initial consultation so that you can be on the same page with your barber.
While small talk isn't necessary at all barbershops, it can be a fun way to connect with your barber and build a rapport. For example, if you and your barber have the same favorite movie, you might bring this up in conversation and see how they react. This is a great way to break the ice and get a feel for your barber's personality and style.
5. Be Direct
In general, it's a good idea to be as direct as possible with your barber. That's because your hair is an important part of your identity, and you want to make sure you're getting a cut that's in line with your vision.
That said, it's also a good idea to be respectful of your barber's professional opinion. If they're telling you that a certain haircut won't look right with your face shape or hair type, listen to them. They're a lot more experienced than you are, and they know what works with different kinds of hair.
Finally, it's a good idea to keep the conversation lighthearted and fun. It can be awkward to sit in a chair for an hour in close proximity with someone you don't know, and it's probably best not to bring up controversial topics like politics or religion. It's just not a good idea to rock the boat, especially when it's a barber who's holding sharp pointy things.
Communication with your barber is a unique social interaction, and one that many men struggle to navigate. Whether you're dealing with an inexperienced barber or a longtime favorite, the tips above can help you to express your vision and leave the shop feeling confident and satisfied. And as a barber, knowing that your clients are happy with their haircuts and experience is what matters most. That's why it's worth investing time in your client relationships to help ensure the best results. It's a small investment that can have a big payoff. So if you're ready to improve your client satisfaction, try these tips today. You might just see the difference in your next review.
Barber St George want their customers to leave the shop happy and confident. This requires good communication. It is a good idea to bring a photo of the haircut you’re hoping for. It is also important to give your barber creative freedom. 1. Talk About Your Hair A good barber will listen intently when you…