How to Choose a Barber

Face it: you want your hair to look great. To make this happen, you need a good barber. Your haircut says a lot about you, and if you want to make the right statement you will need to know how to choose a barber that will make your strands look their best.

Introduction

Don't be ashamed to admit it -- you care about your hair. A healthy, groomed mane is a man's pride and glory, and if you love having well-kept locks you will want to find a good barber. Whether your style is clean and simple or shaggy and stylish, you need a barber that will give you the look that fits your personal tastes.

Step 1: Evaluate Your Needs

If you are a basic flat-top or buzz cut kind of guy, you probably don't want to spend a fortune on a trendy stylist who will only want to sell you on the latest looks and then charge you an arm and a leg. Conversely, if you prefer a more styled and sophisticated look, your friendly neighborhood barber may not be able to give you the trendy tresses you desire.

(Creative Commons photo by Shawn Zehnder Lea)

Step 2: Look Locally

Once you know what your needs are, do a little research. Call around for pricing and hours. You will want to find a barber that works on your schedule and does not charge more than you are willing to pay.

Step 3: Ask Around

You probably have some male friends whose locks you admire. It's okay to tell them that you dig their style, and want to know where they get their hair cut. They will probably be flattered, and happily divulge the scoop on their barber. If you have family members that live nearby, it is a good idea to ask them about local barbershops, as well. Request names, if possible--there is likely to be more than one barber at the shop, and you want to make sure you get the one whose work you like.

Step 4: Check it Out

Skill is not the only factor to look for in a barber. You also want them to be sanitary, and work in a clean area. If the floor of the shop is covered in hair, or you see that tools are not being sanitized, keep away. Even the most amazing haircut is not worth suffering through head lice or a scalp infection.

Conclusion

Any man who cares about his hair will want to find a good barber to keep his style in top shape. Referrals are a great way to find one, but ultimately it takes a trip down to the barbershop itself to find out for certain who you want to entrust with your locks. Be persistent. Once you have found your barber, don't be afraid to tell him or her exactly what you want. It's your hair, and you want it to look great.