For someone who takes grooming seriously, finding a good barber is more than finding the right person to cut your hair. It is more about the skills, the expertise, trust and consistency.

At Men Zone, we believe that your barber must understand the texture of your hair, your likes and lifestyle. It is a craft that a barber gradually masters with experience. Whether a client is looking to get a sharp fade, a classic haircut, or a textured cut, the one way to achieve perfection lies in the barber’s skill and expertise. 

In this blog post, we will discuss the essential steps to select a barber according to your hair type.

Start by Identifying Your Hair Type

Discovering what type of hair you have comes first; finding a barber comes second. When you know your hair type, it is easier to find a barber who has special expertise working on that specific hair type. There are four definitive categories of hair:

1. Straight

Straight hair always lies flat. Talking about maintenance, you’d not have much trouble. However, the real challenge is adding volume or texture, for which you must know the right styling techniques.

2. Wavy

When you have wavy hair, it tends to form loose, wavy patterns. Some may be soft, but others may emerge as more distinct curls. They have more texture than straight hair, for which you need a skilled barber for cutting and shaping. Only then can you avoid frizzy hair and ensure your hair falls into waves naturally.

3. Curly

Curly hair has two types: tight curls or ringlets. Due to its thickness, frizz is a constant issue. A barber who knows the A to Z of cutting, shaping and maintaining these natural curls will help it regain its beauty without making it look too voluminous or greasy.

4. Coily

Hair that is more tightly curled or appears in a zig-zag pattern falls into the coily hair type. They require special cutting techniques to maintain their definition and be managed easily. A skilled barber for coily hair can help achieve the sharpness and clean style that enhances its natural texture.

Finding the Right Barber for Your Hair

Your search for a barber begins once you know your hair type. If you want to always carry a haircut that suits your style and makes maintenance easier, you must find a barber experienced in working with your hair type. Here are some proven ways to map your way to the right barber:

1. Go By the Recommendations

A great way to find the right barber is always to go by recommendation. You can talk with friends, family members, or your colleagues. They must have come across someone brilliant with their grooming tools.

2. Check Barbershop Portfolios

Social media has become an essential part of our lives today. Barbers utilize this space to market their skills. Go through their profiles, observe their style and see if it meets your expectations. Have a close look at the before-and-after photos of clients with a similar hair type to yours.

3. Read Online Reviews

Reviews posted on online platforms bring you closer to your barber. In these places, other customers talk about their experiences. Consider the positive reviews; you’ll find skilled barbers who excel at cutting and styling your hair type.

4. Check out the Barbershops in Person

You have gone through the above three steps and are still confused about which barber to choose. It is time for some in-person barbershop visits. Your visit doesn’t have to be an appointment; you can visit some of the nearest barbershops to observe the environment. Check how the barbers interact with their customers and how they use the tools.

Evaluating a Barber’s Experience

Not all barbers have the same experience of handling all hair types. This is why you must evaluate their experience before getting a haircut. But, how do you assess their expertise?

Any skilled barber would regularly update their portfolio, showcasing their work with various clients. You can check their work on customers with a similar hair type to yours. You can also review the client’s feedback about the barber’s work. It allows you to check their satisfaction rating. 

If you prefer one-on-one conversation, you may try meeting the barber in person and ask directly. Learn about their experience of working with different hair types. You may get a sign of a good barber if they explain to you their approach and how they work with your hair type with full enthusiasm. Do not forget to ask if they offer personalized services to make sure you get a haircut matched to your preferences.

Never rush into getting a haircut. Book your appointment with the barber. This meeting allows you to share details about the type of grooming you are looking for. You may ask them what kind of approach they’d take to help you reach your goals. You will also gain insight into their knowledge and be assured that they understand your requirements.

A Story that Ended a Years-Long Search for a Barber

Take the example of Mark, a client with thick, wavy hair who has spent years searching for a barber who would cut his hair the way he wants. Whenever he went to a different barber, his waves would not be properly shaped or would be trimmed too short, resulting in a lopsided texture. Mark thought about this case and went to a local barber who was recommended for working with wavy hair. During his consultation, he expressed frustration and presented photos of what he desired to the barber. The barber promised him that he would be able to do a haircut that would not over-shape his waves, yet make them flow naturally. Mark walked out of the store with a fresh haircut that took into consideration his natural texture, as well as ensured that his waves could be seen more clearly and had added volume. This event taught Mark how necessary it was to find a barber who exactly knew his hair type, which had eluded him all those years.

Making Your Barber Understand Your Style

No barber is a magician who would understand what you want if you don’t express what you are looking for. Here is how you can build a strong bond with your barber:

• Be specific when you describe your desired haircut to your barber. Don’t use vague terms like “I want a trim.” Explain how short you want your hair to be and the shape you want.
• If you’re struggling to describe a haircut, try showing your barber some photos. This will help them understand what you are looking for.
• Maintenance for every hair type is different. Talk with your barber about your daily schedule, be honest about how much time you are willing to spend on self-care. If you have a really busy schedule, discuss low-maintenance options. Your barber will be able to provide you with maintenance choices that match your schedule.

Assessing Your Barber’s Skills

Once you are seated for a haircut with the barber you have chosen, it is time to assess their skills. Here are some details to look at:

• A superb barber will be mindful of every minor detail of your haircut. It can be making sure the fades are all the way even, or that the length is just right, a proficient barber will make sure every step of the cut is done right.
• No two clients have the same hair; therefore, the barber must be in a position to adapt his methods to match your hair type. Make note of them adapting the cut to suit your particular texture instead of applying the same technique to each and every client.
• When a barber is good, they will be checking on you at intervals while they cut your hair to be sure you are comfortable with what is going on. Whenever something feels wrong, please say it; good barbers will be happy to get the feedback to fix the situation.

Building a Lasting Bond with Your Barber

Establishing a long-term relationship with your barber should bring more positive outcomes in the long run. A bond of trust and communication will enable your barber to know your taste and change your style according to your needs. These are some of the means by which to ensure that you stay connected:

1. Be Consistent

Visiting the same barber will help them better understand your hair. This familiarity will ensure your hair is groomed regularly, and you will feel confident each time you leave the barbershop.

2. Trust Your Barber’s Expertise

Although communicating the intended style is necessary, do not hesitate to take the recommendation of your barber. Owing to their expertise, your barber may recommend subtle adjustments that you may not have thought of. They make sure the end result is better.

3. Review Your Visit

Before you leave the barbershop, make sure you honestly provide feedback. Share your satisfaction level about the haircut or suggest what can be improved. Your barber will definitely work on how they can make your next visit better.

Conclusion

Finding the right barber to care for your hair can be a challenging process, especially if you’re looking to enhance its natural texture and appearance. Begin by determining your hair type, then conduct research to evaluate the barber’s expertise and find a specialist who can help you achieve your desired appearance. 

Clear communication and trusting your barber will build a lasting bond and make sure that you leave the shop feeling good about yourself and your looks, every time. Your hair forms an essential part of your personality. This is why picking the right barber ensures that you are portraying your best to the world.