How to Find a New Barber or Stylist

Finding a new barber shop or hair stylist, especially if you’ve just moved to a new town, can be a hassle. If you’re not new to town and you need to fire your barber or stylist, you are in the same boat! You’re possibly to end up with several bad experiences (and also perhaps a lousy haircut) along the way. To reduce the risk, I want to offer these 6 tips on how to find a new barber or stylist:

1. Ask Around. See a guy with a cut similar to the one you’re looking for? Don’t be afraid to walk up and ask, “Where’d you get your haircut? I’ve been looking for a new barber.” Don’t worry, the guy won’t think you’re creepy, and he’ll probably be (awkwardly) flattered that you complimented him on this cut.
2. Get a Trim. Not sure about your new haircutter? Get a light trim before you commit to a full cut. If the trim turns out badly, your whole look won’t be ruined, and you can go someplace else to have it fixed.
3. Skip the Yellow Pages. Just because the ad looks great, doesn’t mean your haircut will. A personal referral is always better than finding a new barber or stylist in the phone book.
4. Avoid Stereotyping. Remember that gender, age, race, and years of experience have nothing to do with real talent. Just because your old haircutter was a particular age/sex/race, doesn’t mean you have to find an exact duplicate. Natural talent transcends most age, race, and gender barriers, so keep an open mind.
5. Go Online. There are thousands of online resources for reviews of local businesses. Do a web search and check out what other guys are saying about barbers and stylists in your area. The web is a great place to start. That said, be sure to read reviews instead of just looking at stars. Why do people love or hate their experience? Read reviews and make your judgment!
6. Break the Chains. I am apparently going to get some hate mail about this tip, but most chain store stylists are underpaid and do not stick around for a long time. That’s because an excellent hair stylist or barber can earn a better living working for some better company or going out on their own. The result is that many chains have stylists who are less skilled or fresh out of school. Of course, there are some excellent people working in franchised chains, but it’s hard to find them. Ignore the advertising hype and stick with your locally owned shops. You’ll probably pay a bit more, but isn’t that worth it to maintain a great look? That said, expensive haircuts are not necessarily better, but experience counts!

Now, get out there and find a new barber or stylist. Before you do, follow my tips on how to choose either a barber or a stylist and how to make the most of your visit to them. Happy Hunting!

What to Expect from a Professional Barber

A professional barber can always be trusted to help you have the perfect look. It is important to build a relationship with your barber. Learn more about what to expect from a professional barber.