Manscaping 101 Men\’s Grooming Tips from head to toe for looking and smelling great

Men’s Hair Tips: Top Ten Ways to Get a Great Haircut

by Tris Hussey on April 16th, 2008

How many great haircuts have you had?  How many times have you had a great haircut twice in a row?

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If you’re like me, probably not many.  What is it with us guys and haircuts?  We wait until the last minute and just go to Super Cuts or the barber down the street (granted I’ve had good cuts at Super Cuts-esque places and barbers).

After my last haircut, which was awesome btw, I thought about how to get a great haircut and, better, get more than one in a row.  So here are my top ten tips for guys to get a great haircut … and more than once!

1. Ask for recommendations.  You know “Wow, I need to get a haircut … know a good place?”  Personally I’m going to my girlfriend’s stylist.  My girlfriend has been going to this woman for years.  This is a good sign.
2. Know what you want when you go in. Even if you want “something different”, just know what you want and like.  I like pretty short cuts, but a little longer on the top.  Beyond that … it’s open.
3. Take a picture of a great cut in. Whether it’s one of you or someone else, it helps to say “I like this style”.  Though I tried that with a picture of Daniel Craig from Casino Royalle … ya that didn’t turn out so well.
4. Pay attention to the process and comment.  When your stylist ask “How’s this?” Don’t be afraid to comment.  I used to answer, after putting my glasses back on–I’m really blind without them, “Sure that’s fine”.  Yeah well, sometimes I wanted the sides shorter or something, but trusted him/her.  No, if you want it shorter, say so.  They are asking because they want to know.
5. Try something different, it’s okay.  Yes, you’ve been getting the same cut since you were 12, well except for that bad mullet experience in the 80s, time to change.  It’s okay.  Look, I think only anchormen aren’t allowed to get newer cuts.  Times change and so do men’s hairstyles.  Lucky for us our changes seem to be on the decade level.
6. Chat with your stylist.  Have a conversation.  Talk, laugh, have a good time.  You know if your stylist knows more about you as a person he/she might be able to give you a haircut that matches that.
7. Tip well.  Do I really have to explain this one?  Next.
8. Take her/his advice.  These folks see a lot of heads.  If your stylist says “you know short hair isn’t great for your hair” or “I think your shampoo is not doing a good job” … take the hint.  You might try the salon shampoo–sniff first–but don’t feel like you have to, just get suggestions.
9. Try a little product if offered, it won’t kill you.  Again … when the stylist says “this cut looks great with a little gel/paste/wax …” there is a reason for it.  Like the opener “do you use any product?” that might be hint that you should be.
10. Book the next appointment before you leave.  I did this for the first time recently.  Had a great cut, I know I get busy and forget for way too long, so I’m already booked for May.  It’s there, in the calendar.  Done.  Now I know that I’m going to get a good cut then.  Saves starting to look like the Geico caveman before I “get around to it”.

I asked my lovely and charming colleagues in the Beauty & Style channel on this list and the List Maven herself, Deb Ng, gave me this one: Send a thank you note.  Wow.  When was the last time you sent a thank you note?  How much you want to bet that the next time you go in there you’re going to be treated like Prince Charming?  That and your momma taught you better.

It’s your turn guys, what are your tips?

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