Hair salon or barbershop?
Both can give a great men's cut, and many men use both at different times. Barbershops often focus on short clipper cuts, fades and shaves. Hair salons cut all hair types and lengths, so they can suit longer styles, textured cuts, men who also want color, or families who'd like to book together.
What matters most is the person holding the scissors. When you call, ask whether the stylist cuts men's hair regularly and which styles they do most. A stylist who does a lot of short cuts will be at ease with clippers and the fine detail around the ears and neck.
The words that help
Haircut terms can sound like code. These are the ones that come up most, so you can describe the cut in a sentence or two.
- Clipper guard number: the attachment that sets the length. Lower numbers are shorter, higher numbers leave more hair
- Taper: hair gets gradually shorter toward the neck and around the ears, for a clean, natural finish
- Fade: a taper that goes very short, down to the skin or close to it, for a sharper look
- Scissor cut: cut mostly with shears, often softer and better for longer hair on top
- Texturizing: removing some bulk so thick hair sits flatter and moves more easily
- Neckline: the back edge, finished square, rounded or tapered
What to tell the stylist
Start with how the hair is worn day to day. Does he style it in the morning or want something he can towel dry and go? Is it parted, pushed back or left to fall forward? A cut that matches the routine looks good on the fifth day, not just the first.
Photos help more than descriptions. Bring a picture of a cut you like and, if you can, one you don't. Say how short the sides should be, how much length to keep on top and whether the sideburns and neckline should be left natural or cleaned up. Point out any cowlick, thinning spot or beard so the cut can work with it.
If he isn't sure what he wants, that's fine to say. Ask the stylist what would suit his hair and face shape, and how much daily styling each option needs. A good stylist will explain the choices in plain words.
How often to go back
Short cuts lose their shape fastest, because even a little growth shows on the sides and neck. These are common starting points to adjust with the stylist.
Some salons offer a quick neckline tidy between full cuts. It takes very little time and can stretch a short cut a bit longer, so it's worth asking about.
- Fades and very short sides: often every two to three weeks
- Short classic cuts: often every three to five weeks
- Medium-length cuts: often every five to eight weeks
- Longer styles: often every eight to twelve weeks, to keep the ends neat
Beards, gray and small extras
Many hair salons can also trim and shape a beard. Mention it when you book, so enough time is set aside to do both properly. Let the stylist know about a sensitive scalp or skin, too, especially before close clipper work or any color.
Some men want to soften their gray rather than cover it completely. Ask the stylist about subtle options, and do a patch test if the salon recommends one. A shampoo, a quick lesson on how to use a styling product or a tidy of the eyebrows are other small extras worth asking about.
Booking for someone else
If you're booking for a partner, a dad or a teenage son, give the salon the basics: the type of cut, roughly how short and whether a beard trim is wanted. Ask how long the appointment takes so you can plan the rest of the day.
Booking the family on the same day, back to back, can save a trip. It also helps the stylist get to know everyone's hair, which makes each visit quicker the next time. For a teenager trying a new style, let him talk to the stylist himself if he's comfortable, since he's more likely to look after a cut he chose.
Questions
What do I say to get a men's haircut at a salon?
Say how short you want the sides and back, how much length to keep on top and how you style it. A photo of a cut you like makes it much clearer.
How often should men get a haircut?
Short cuts and fades usually need a trim every two to five weeks, while medium and longer styles can go five to twelve weeks. The stylist can suggest a rhythm for the cut.
What is the difference between a taper and a fade?
Both get shorter toward the neck and ears. A fade goes much shorter, often down to the skin, while a taper keeps a little more length for a softer finish.
Can a hair salon do a fade?
Many hair salon stylists cut fades and other short styles. Ask when you book whether the stylist does them regularly.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. For scalp, skin or hair-loss concerns, see a dermatologist.