Men’s Grooming: How to Get Your Perfect Haircut
Ditch the barber and head to the salon for your next haircut. (Photo: Stocksy)
While a lot of men are comfortable going to the barber for cuts, going to a salon can seem intimidating. Women, myself included, know understand that a certain amount of prep work is needed before you sit in a stylist’s chair. I’ve got an album on my phone of inspiration photos, a Pinterest board dedicated to my favorite hair colors, and a mental list of celebs with awesome hair that I can spout off at my stylist’s request. “I think it would be great if a guy brought in a Pinterest board,” says celebrity men’s groomer Diana Schmidtke. “But most guys are not really surfing Pinterest like girls do.” So what should guys know before stepping into a salon? I asked Schmidtke to share some of her tips for making sure you get the haircut you want every time.
Get a consultation
Take advantage of the consultation services offered at salons, especially if you are trying somewhere new. “In 10 minutes, you’re going to know if you feel confident, understood, and that you want to proceed forward with that person,” says Schmidtke. “There is nothing worse than sitting down, meeting an artist, and thinking, ‘Oh no.’” The consultation is free, and allows you to meet with a stylist, communicate your needs, and decide if they will be able to give you the right cut. “If I’m not willing, as an artist, to give 10 minutes of my precious time to be able to get you in my chair for the next 10 years, then shame on me,” she says.
Bring a visual
You might not make a Pinterest board, but bringing in a visual is the best way to communicate what you want and what you don’t want. Schmidtke recommends checking out the menswear shows on Style.com for diverse inspiration. Bringing in a photo also allows your stylist to understand how you see yourself. For example, if you have fine hair, but bring in a photo of someone with big, thick hair that will indicate to a stylist what your goals are.
Be specific
“If you say what you don’t like, that allows me to create boundaries for myself in getting to know what I can or cannot do,” says Schmidtke. It’s important to be open and share with your stylist — remember: they are not mind readers. One of the biggest mistakes a client makes is sitting down in the chair and saying, “Do whatever you want.” For Schmidtke, that is a red flag. “No man or woman really, actually means it. If we always do what we wanted to do, then we probably wouldn’t have repeat customers,” she says.
Use your last cut as a reference
Schmidtke cautions against referencing a clipper setting since barbers and hair stylist often use different tools and clippers do not always match. A well-trained stylist will ask you when your last cut was and use that as a guide to determine how fast your hair grows. “If you cut your hair six weeks ago and thought it was too short or too long, I can know what the right length is,” says Schmidtke.
Don’t be afraid to invest
You get what you pay for, especially when it comes to hair. For the most part, the price of a hair cut is dependent on the level of skill and education of a stylist. “If you’re looking for a $12 haircut, please know that you’re going to get a $12 haircut,” says Schmidtke. Inquire with the salon receptionist or manager about the level of education a stylist has had. A lot of stylists continue to take classes and attend trainings throughout their career, making them more skilled and a better investment.
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