There are a few ways to instantly boost your mood and brighten your day like a fresh haircut. Finding a barber shop that delivers the perfect cut is the key to unlocking your most confident self and ensuring you always make a great impression. Whether you’re new to your neighborhood or simply ready to change it up, there are some tried and true ways to locate the barber shop that’s best suited to your needs.
Being the Closest Doesn’t Always Mean Being the Best
Nobody wants to travel any further than necessary for regular haircuts, which is understandable. However, just because a barber shop is close to home doesn’t mean it’s the barber shop for you. There are other criteria to consider when searching for a barber shop.
Consider how much you’re willing to pay for a quality cut. Barbershop prices range from only a few bucks to hundred dollars. Having a budget in mind is helpful because, in many cases, you get what you pay for.
Secondly, you’ll want to consider the services you’re looking for in your barber shop. Are you content with only a haircut? Or are you interested in shaving and styling as well as additional pampering? Once you’ve determined what you want, finding an outstanding barber shop that can fulfill your needs is much easier.
You'll also want to consider the reputation of the barbershop. Positive reviews reflect happy clients, and this shouldn't be taken lightly. The level of satisfaction among a barber shop's customer base tells you quite a bit about what you can expect. For example, 20th Salon and Barber in San Francisco, California has 100 Google reviews with a 4.7-star average rating. In a large city like San Francisco, look for salons that have at least 50 reviews with a 4.5 and up average rating. In smaller cities, it's acceptable to trust businesses with fewer reviews, but make sure they are satisfying their clients by checking their average rating.
A Little Detective Work Goes a Long Way
Once you've pinpointed a potential barber shop, there are a few ways to conduct further research before deciding to make an appointment. How often have you found that the best restaurants require making reservations far in advance? The same logic applies to a barber shop. If the shop accepts walk-ins at peak times throughout the day, it may indicate a less-than-stellar shop.
Another element to consider is how frequently the salon does men's haircuts. You want to find a place specializing in men's cuts because the techniques necessary to give you the haircut of your dreams are very specific. An experienced men's barber will likely deliver a killer cut. Additionally, the products your barber uses matter. A barber shop specializing in men's cuts will probably use high-quality men's hair products. Check out which brands of styling products and shampoo a prospective barbershop uses when making your assessment.
One of the less apparent metrics for assessing a potential barber shop is how long each customer stays in the chair. If you observe that each cut takes no more than fifteen or twenty minutes, it's safe to say that the client isn't being given the time and attention necessary for an impeccable cut. Speed is not always a quality you want in your barber.
Be the Ideal Barber Shop Client
Achieving the haircut you want is not entirely in the hands of your barber. It's up to you to be the ideal client to set your barber up for success. Don't underestimate the power of reference photos. Even if the cut you're asking for seems simple, reference photos are key in communicating what you want to your barber. Remember, even the most experienced barber in town can't read your mind. The best way to ensure that you are both on the same page is to bring reference photos to your appointment.
You may be surprised to learn that barbers also appreciate and are receptive to feedback. If you find that your barber is doing something you don't care for, you can politely let them know. They want you to walk away feeling your best, so don't be afraid to speak up.
When you find a good barber, invest in the relationship. Be sociable and engage in conversation to pass the time. After a few appointments, your barber will begin to feel like a friend. They'll also become accustomed to the kind of cut you like, and they'll be sure to get it right every time. Tip your barber well to show appreciation for their skill and attention to detail.
