Communication is key when it comes to getting a perfectly-executed men’s haircut.
But the question is, how?
The more knowledgeable you are about what to look out for, the better you can convey your expectations and get the results you want, especially if you’re working with a new hairstylist for the first time.
Of course, you can also download a few images on your phone to show your hairstylist. One thing you can avoid is vague statements such as “short back and sides”; such statements are subjective and may lead to different results than you’re imagining!
Here are 5 tips to help you get the right men’s haircut for you:
1. Chat with your hairstylist about what they can do for you
Every hairstylist comes with their own experience and expertise. Ask them for their opinion and see what they recommend: don’t be afraid to be as specific as you can. “Can you tell me more about what look I’m suited for? How will the back and the sides look?
Be familiar with how your hairstylist will finish the hair once it’s at the right length and choose the technique you prefer. These provide different resulting textures and layers so it’s best to have an idea beforehand.
Be familiar with how your hairstylist will finish the hair once it’s at the right length and choose the technique you prefer. These provide different resulting textures and layers so it’s best to have an idea beforehand.
Not every hairstylist will use these techniques, so ask if you’re unsure of what they’re doing or what their particular preference is to achieve the look that you want. Can you show me some examples?” These questions can help you to get a clearer picture of whether you’re both on the same page.
You may have done your research, but in the end, your hairstylist or barber is the one who has spent hours cutting countless heads of hair, so they will be knowledgeable about what would work for your specific hair texture and head shape.This is also the time to show your hairstylist some of the looks you have in mind.
However, it may also turn out that he or she believes that what you want may not work for you; be open to what they may have to suggest instead. It’s much better to work with a hairstylist who can be honest with you, it shows that they have integrity and confidence in what they do!
2. Use keywords to convey your desired look
Using keywords to describe the ‘mood’ of what you’re going for or the type of overall style you want to carry may be helpful too. Consider keywords such as Korean, romantic, hipster, retro, fashionable, conservative. Don’t hesitate to use films or actors as examples.
3. Indicate The Length
Using a word like “trim” can also be subjective. Use clipper guard numbers as a guide if you are familiar with them.
If you’re not sure, ask the hairstylist to see the guards and compare. However, if you have longer hair, show them by holding a few strands in different areas between your fingers. If you’re both still unsure, ask your stylist if he or she is comfortable with reducing the length until you’re happy. Better to not cut enough rather than too much.
4. Know the different ways your hair is finished on top
Be familiar with how your hairstylist will finish the hair once it’s at the right length – there are various techniques that your stylist may use.
These provide different resulting textures and layers so it’s best to have an idea beforehand. Not every hairstylist will use these techniques, so don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure of what they’re doing, or what their particular preference is to achieve the look that you want.
Choppy: hair is cut at 45° angles at different lengths to provide a texture that’s varied. This can create the illusion of volume for thinner hair and makes it easy to style messy looks.
Layered: longer hair rests on top of short hair. Ideal for thinning or finer hair as it creates the appearance of depth and volume.
Razored: this technique reduces volume and sculpts the hair with a razor blade. Best done by a professional with a good eye and steady hands! It’s also the best way to thin out and flatten hair so it can grow back naturally.
Thinned: thinning scissors are used to reduce volume by selectively reducing length and thinning out the hair. It’s great for thick hair, but hair may grow out unevenly over time.
5. Think about how you want the back to look
Learn the basic techniques that your stylist can use to finish the back, sides and and hairlines. These are the little touches that come together to create a sharp and well-executed look.
Get to know some basic terminology:
Nape:
Referring to the back of the neck, the style of nape typically comes in three forms: blocked, rounded and tapered.
Tapering:
This is the way that the hair length diminishes down the back and sides, creating a fading effect which is why it’s also referred to as a Fade. Comes in high, medium and low.
Blocked:
A blocked nape is good for thin necks, but may require more frequent visits for touch-ups as it may grow out quicker.
Rounded:
Simply a blocked nape but with rounded, softer edges. A little more forgiving as it’s not angular, but of course still requires regular visits for touch-ups.
Tapered:
The tapered look is the most common and is often paired with faded sides. It’s popular for a reason: this look grows out most evenly and requires less upkeep as compared to the other two looks. Also helps to make thick necks appear narrower.
Arches:
The arches refer to the hairline around the ears. High arches are ideal for smaller ears and offer a neat finish. However, like blocked napes, they may grow out more unevenly and require regular touch-ups. A natural arch simply follows the hairline, meaning that it grows out well and can be forgiving for long periods between your trip to the salon.
Side Burns:
You probably know this one already. Be sure to talk to your hairstylist about how your want your side burns finished if you’re clean shaven.
We believe in being as transparent as possible, especially because we know you’re spending good money on your hair!
Here are some trade ‘secrets’ that may be helpful for you to know:
Here are some trade ‘secrets’ that may be helpful for you to know:
1. You don’t have to wash your hair before you come in
That’s because we’ll always wash your hair before we do anything to it. Coming in with hair that’s been unwashed for a day or two gives the stylist a chance to see your hair in its natural state. In fact, leaving two days without washing your hair prior to coming in for a colouring session can actually be helpful.
2. You don’t need to buy matching shampoo and conditioner
It’s okay to mix and match to suit your hair needs. Just be sure to be consistent when it comes to certain ingredients. E.g. if you are using sulphate-free products, make sure both the conditioner and shampoo are sulphate free.
It’s fine to bring a picture, but it’s also good to be realistic
A picture is always helpful and is a great reference point for what you like – but sometimes, a look may not be achievable or will just not turn out the same way because of different hair texture, type, head and face shape. We will do our best to explain to you how we could possibly adapt a style to suit you, but it will most likely not look 100% like the picture you brought in!
4. It’s okay to tell us you don’t like your new hair
We will always do whatever we can to make sure your hair is done to your satisfaction, so if you don’t like the end result, please don’t hesitate to let us know! Don’t need to feel awkward or weird about it, we’re professionals and our aim is to make sure you’re happy with your hair.
5. A salon blow dry is always worth the money
A home blow-dry will never achieve the same effect, especially for the back of your head. You can definitely maximize your experience though, and here’s a post that shares some tips on how to get that great home blow-dry. But that professional finish can never be re-created at home. So if you want to look flawless for that special event or meeting, a salon blow-dry is irreplaceable.
Every salon experience should be relaxing and carefree – arming yourself with knowledge helps you to prepare yourself for your visit. Any other doubts or queries on your mind? Feel free to reach out or drop us a message on any of our social media channels!
Did you know that the follicle is the only living part of your hair? That’s the reason why you can only improve the condition of your hair, but you can’t really make it healthier as it’s already dead.
The scalp is the foundation for the hair follicle – taking care of it will impact your hair health significantly. If it is not in good condition, the chances of you experiencing problems with hair growth and health increase significantly. In fact, some research has shown that a flaky, itchy scalp can cause and/or worsen hair loss in certain individuals.
However, there are many ways to help your scalp. Here are some of them:
Begin with deep, effective cleansing
cleansing is for your scalp, while shampooing is for the strands. See your scalp as an extension of your face and skin. By keeping it in a good condition, healthy scalp will in turn lead to healthy-looking, gorgeous hair.
Cleanse at least every two days in order to remove oils, sweat, dirt, and environmental pollutants.
Washing your hair too infrequently may lead to an irritated scalp , causing more blocked pores and pimples. Use a gentle brush — the best are those with rounded, plastic prongs. Metal-pronged brushes can scratch the scalp and be quite damaging.
What you eat affects the health of your scalp.
Some foods can trigger dandruff flare-ups and make them worse; the most common are full-fat dairy products (especially cheese), spicy and sugary foods, as well as some alcoholic beverages. Eating more healthy proteins like fish and lean meat will be beneficial. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you must be mindful of food combination, as well as quantity, to make sure you are intaking all essential amino acids and in great enough amounts.
Keep your stress levels in check.
Stress can also exacerbate flaking and itching. We often suggest yoga, pilates, and mindfulness to manage stress levels.
Consider scalp treatments to rescue damaged scalp.
Scalp treatments can rebalance the scalp and replenish moisture, banishing flakes for good. At Hairloom, our scalp treatments target the five common problems: hair loss, dandruff, an imbalance in the sebum level of the scalp (too dry/too oily), red or sensitive scalp and damaged hair.
We can’t overemphasize the importance of taking care of your scalp if you want beautiful, healthy hair. To find out more, make an appointment with us today, and we’ll customize a solution especially for you.