What do you ask for at the hairdressers/barbers?

[-]

Far_Kaleidoscope_102@reddit

There’s nothing wrong with giving the barber a quick glimpse on your phone of your favourite style, you’re not exactly taking in an A4 sized photograph to show them are you…are you?

Reply

[-]

Obvious-Water569@reddit

4 on the back and sides with a bit off the top. Tidy up my beard and eyebrows too.

Reply

[-]

MissionFig5582@reddit

Errm... just tell them what number on the back and sides?

Reply

[-]

VolcanicBear@reddit

Yeah, I've not gone to a barbers in 20+ years, but when I did "3 on top, 1 back and sides" seemed to pretty much anyone ever asked for, with different numbers of course.

Reply

[-]

Familiar_Swan_662@reddit

When i got my hair cut into a different style a few years ago I showed them a couple of photos I'd saved to my phone. Its completely normal, nothing strange about it :)

Reply

[-]

Grade 4 round the sides, a bit off the top please. No, I don't want any product in my hair. No, honestly. Yeah, tidy up the eyebrows a bit so I don't look like Denis Healey. No, I still don't want any product in my hair. The thing that usually startles them is when I ask if I can take the clippings home with me.

Reply

[-]

mdmnl@reddit

Two on the back and sides, trim it and thin it on top. The secret is not giving a fuck how it turns out. Not only can I not even see *remotely* what they've done with the mirror-in-mirror presentation at the end (glasses off) but it'll grow back in four weeks. They could write their name back there if they wish. In fact I might ask for a discount if they want to shave the company name in back there.

Reply

[-]

insertitherenow@reddit

I just say “do you remember how you did it last time?” Yes? That then.

Reply

[-]

Additional-Nobody352@reddit

The usual.

Reply

[-]

DescriptionFuture851@reddit

"1 round the back and sides and a bit off the top, could you also fade it aswell please?" *Proceeds to draw a line halfway down the sides of my face*

Reply

[-]

Dissidant@reddit

Head shave and a beard tidy up, but you want someone who actually knows what they are doing for the latter Have to go a bit out of the way, locally its slim pickings, all buzz cut places, not even a Turkish barber anymore

Reply

[-]

Eckzilla@reddit

I just get a #2 on top & 0.5 on the back & sides,can't be bothered trying to style it these days. I'm at that age where i get my eyebrows trimmed as well,lol!

Reply

[-]

i-am-dan@reddit

Same and I get my ears done too!

Reply

[-]

crowort@reddit

I was shocked the first time I got my ears done. Then during covid I grow these massive hairs on my ears. Had to pluck them went I finally noticed lol

Reply

[-]

SpudFire@reddit

2 on the back and sides then finger length on top. I never used to know how to describe what length I wanted it on top but when I said about half off and was happy with that, the barber called it finger length so I go with that. Kinda hoping that she doesn't grow sausage fingers though because then my hair won't be cut as short.

Reply

[-]

Dry_Action1734@reddit

3.5 on the back and sides (4 in winter) and tidy it up on top.

Reply

[-]

MineMelodic5454@reddit

3 round the back and the sides and a bit off the top please

Reply

[-]

Substantial-Bug-4998@reddit

I have very straight, fine blonde hair. Scissor cut. Choppy texture through the top. Debulk the panels. Leave enough length on the sides that I can still work a bit texture through them. DO NOT GO TOO SHORT!!+

Reply

[-]

Houseofsun5@reddit

Number 1 all over, I have had the same haircut for 40 years, apart from COVID, it got a bit long then, drying it was a hassle after a shower, was glad to have it buzzed off again.

Reply

[-]

awakenkraken@reddit

‘Usual’ I am a bald man, and they just groom my beard. However, when I had hair, I’d usually ask for a short back and sides, blended into the hair on the top. I’ve previously just shown ‘em a photo too!

Reply

[-]

soagent@reddit

So different from a women’s hairdressers. I show up with photos, we have a full consultation, they pull out the salon Pinterest board, colour samples, the lot.

Reply

[-]

mysp2m2cc0unt@reddit

Blokes ones cost about £15 from my local Kurdish people smuggling ring laundering operation though.

Reply

[-]

1966batmobile@reddit

Every time I go for a trim I take a photo of me with a haircut I had a few years ago that I think looks alright. I point at it and say "Can I have it like that please?" they say "Yeah, sure no problem" then _without fail_ ask me how long I want the back, the sides, the top and how much I want off the fringe.

Reply

[-]

GabberZZ@reddit

Number one all over Kev.

Reply

[-]

Easy_Effort7985@reddit

Most, if not all barbers don’t really give AF what you ask for unless you’re specifically trying to change style. They’ll just do a short version of what they already see your hairstyle as, or what they’re comfortable doing. Go to a women’s hair salon with someone who also cuts men’s hair if you want someone who actually cares what you want and what the cut looks like

Reply

[-]

sporops@reddit

Completely agree

Reply

[-]

Competitive_Test6697@reddit

This is a crazy take.

Reply

[-]

Easy_Effort7985@reddit

Is it? Most barbers I’ve ever been to wanna give you a fade and that’s it. OP’s point was that he’s never quite happy with what he gets, so surely barber either isn’t listening, or isn’t asking enough questions or just doesn’t give AF

Reply

[-]

Louis2197@reddit

Tbh no matter what you ask for generally expect to get it a bit shorter than what you asked, I’ve tried several barbers in my area and I always end up with a result slightly shorter than I wanted even with reference photos etc. Nothing to be worried about tho 😀

Reply

[-]

UndulatingUnderpants@reddit

2 on the back and sides, trim on top, wax the nose and ears.

Reply

[-]

YogurtclosetFront700@reddit

How they live with ripping people off with their £20 skin fade.

Reply

[-]

Chopsticks_Charlie@reddit

£9, South East Essex and it looks pretty tidy to be fair

Reply

[-]

i-am-dan@reddit

£16 for me. Will a rip off tho.

Reply

[-]

ThatBandicoot4769@reddit

If I want a restyle then I always take a picture. It depends on the barber/hairdresser though. Some are better at styling from pictures than others. Mind is fabulous thankfully. Now I have the style I want, she knows what to do. I have evolved it a little just by discussing ideas with her. But yes, a new stylist or a new style, I would always use a photo.

Reply

[-]

Competitive_Test6697@reddit

Go to one that's a touch "higher end" they are always happy to have a chat and make sure you are happy before you start.

Reply

[-]

grepusman@reddit

"Shorter please". They're going to do what they want anyway.

Reply

[-]

The_Final_Barse@reddit

You need to go to an actual hairdresser/salon if you want any chance of them listening to you or giving you a decent haircut.

Reply

[-]

zaney_112@reddit

I get a 2 or 3 on the back and sides - you can ask for shorter if you want that look. And ask for a scissors only for the top and front. That will make sure you get a neat trim but can easily be adjusted (based on how much the barber will cut and not be confined to clipper blades). Also, hair looks fuller this way IMO. If you're barber isn't confident with scissors then he needs to be ditched!

Reply

[-]

docju@reddit

I’m losing my hair so it’s a quick “1 all over” then done in 5 mins. It’s also hard to get wrong! Before, I’d just say “short back and sides, a bit off the top” and generally be content with what I got.

Reply

[-]

PolarLocalCallingSvc@reddit

Nothing unusual about taking reference pictures - that's really helpful. I'm not too arsed about my haircut so I tend to let it get about an inch longer than the last cut then ask the barber for about an inch off, with a bit extra off the fringe (which seems to grow quicker). I'm always happy with the result.

Reply

[-]

Pikmanpikman@reddit

I’ve cut my own since Covid 😅 Short back and sides type of thing.

Reply

[-]

triptrapthirty@reddit

I do the same aa you, and come out with the same result as you, maybe next time...

Reply

[-]

AutoModerator@reddit

**Please help keep AskUK welcoming!** - When replying to submission/post please **make genuine efforts to answer the question given**. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. If a post is marked 'Serious Answers Only' **you may receive a ban for violating this rule**. - **Don't be a dick** to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on. - This is a strictly **no-politics** subreddit! Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Reply

Reply to Post

44 Comments