What is Barber Etiquette?
Barber etiquette is the set of guidelines that are expected of clients when visiting their local Barbershop St George. It is important to understand this etiquette so that you can maintain a strong and healthy relationship with your barber.
For example, it is a bad idea to give your barber instructions on how to cut your hair. This irritates them, and they are professionals.
Arrive on Time
Barbers are often busy and working on back-to-back appointments. If you’re late, it can throw off their whole schedule. Be sure to give your barber an appropriate amount of time before you arrive, and if you’re running late, call ahead and let them know as soon as possible.
If you’re going to switch barbers, be sure to give your current barber a few days’ notice so they can try to fill the appointment. This shows that you respect their work and want to make the transition as smooth as possible for them.
When you’re in the chair, it’s important to keep your head still and follow your barber’s instructions. Movement can throw off their cut and cause them to make mistakes. If they place their hand on your head, it’s a sign that you need to stop moving. Doing so can result in a better, more accurate haircut.
Many people like to chit chat with their barber while getting a haircut, and it can be a great way to build a rapport and enjoy a friendly conversation. However, too much chit-chat can be distracting to the barber and lead to a less than ideal experience.
In addition, remember to tip your barber! It’s not a requirement, but it is a good way to show your appreciation for their hard work. The standard tip is anywhere from fifteen to twenty percent of the total cost of your service. A small tip goes a long way for barbers, and can help them feel valued and appreciated for their craft.
Don’t Move Your Head
While some barbers enjoy chit-chatting, too much of it can be distracting. It’s also annoying to have to stop cutting just to answer a text message or take a phone call. It’s a good idea to put the phone on silent or down when you’re in the chair, so you can focus on the experience and building a rapport with your barber.
If you’re running late, try to give the barber shop a heads-up. Many barbers schedule clients back-to-back, so being even 15 minutes late can throw off their entire day. You can always reschedule, but you don’t want to leave your barber in the lurch.
It’s important to stay still when you’re in the chair, so your barber can work efficiently. Frequently moving your head will make it difficult for them to cut your hair, and it can cause them to miss areas of your scalp. Keeping your head still will make the entire haircut process faster, easier and more pleasant for everyone involved.
If you’re unsure how to sit in the barber chair, it’s a good idea to bring a photo of the haircut you want. This will help you communicate your expectations to the barber, and they’ll be able to ensure that your haircut is exactly what you wanted when you left the salon. Similarly, don’t be afraid to speak up if you are not satisfied with the service. Your barber will appreciate you letting them know if there are any issues so that they can correct the problem while you’re still at the barbershop. This will avoid any misunderstandings on both sides and make the next time you visit more pleasant.
Don’t Talk on Your Phone
Barbers want to create a positive and respectful experience for each client, and one surefire way to ruin the vibe is to be on your phone. Texting and scrolling Instagram distracts the barber, prevents them from answering your questions, and hinders their ability to build a comfortable rapport with you. It’s best to silence your phone and leave it at the door before you get a haircut.
If you are running late, call ahead to let the barber know, and try to arrive a few minutes early. It’s inconsiderate to arrive late, as it may cause your barber to get frustrated or irritated and can affect the quality of your haircut.
Moreover, when you are on your phone, it can be difficult to stay still and follow directions for the perfect haircut. A good barber is able to see the outline of your head and can understand if you are nodding “yes” or “no.” The international sign for stopping movement is placing your hands on your head to steady it.
Finally, be sure to tip your barber properly. Most barbers rely on tips for a large portion of their income and will appreciate if you are generous with your gratuity. Many clients also prefer to give their tip directly to the barber instead of to a receptionist for full transparency.
Appropriate conversation is welcome at the barber’s chair, but it is important to remember that your barber is a tradesman and has years of training under their belt. While a little friendly chit-chat is appropriate, it’s a good idea to let them focus on their technique and do what they are trained to do while you kick back, relax, and enjoy the experience.
Don’t Put Product in Your Hair
Putting creams and gels in your hair makes it difficult for the barber to cut. It can also make the hair more prone to static which is annoying for both you and your barber. While appropriate conversation is welcomed in most barbershops, it is important to keep in mind that your barber is a tradesman and a professional with years of training under their belt. One of the best ways to irritate your barber is to attempt to tell them how to do their job. It is better to let the barber worry about their technique and do what they do best, while you kick back and enjoy the experience.
It is a good idea to bring an inspiration photo of the haircut you want so that your barber can easily follow along with your vision. However, remember that the person in the photo has perfect hair and a flawless complexion, which doesn’t always translate to your own head of hair. It is a good idea to shower before you visit the barber’s, especially if you’ve recently been working out at the gym or have an active lifestyle. This helps to ensure that the hair is clean, dry and ready for a cut.
It is also a good idea to tip your barber. Depending on the service provided, a tip anywhere from fifteen to twenty percent is appropriate. It is considered bad manners to not leave a tip for your barber, which can lead them to think that you are dissatisfied with their work. It is always a good idea to thank your barber after the service for their hard work and dedication. A sincere "thank you" goes a long way!
Respect Other Clients
There’s nothing quite like getting a haircut at a barbershop—the smell of talc, the hot towel on your face, and the friendly chit-chat can all make for a truly pleasant experience. But how you behave in the barber chair matters just as much, and knowing the unwritten rules of etiquette can ensure that your next haircut is an absolute joy for both you and your barber.
It’s important to respect your barber’s trade and the years of training that go into being a professional in the industry. Moving your head too often while the barber works on your hair can frustrate them, lead to mistakes, and leave you with an undesirable haircut. If you feel that your barber is going too fast or too slow, let them know right away so they can fix it before it’s too late.
Similarly, talking on your phone or texting is not appropriate in the barbershop. It’s distracting for both you and your barber, and it prevents you from engaging in the kind of friendly chit-chat that can build up an increasingly comfortable rapport. It also interferes with your ability to answer any questions the barber may have about your hairstyle and to give honest feedback during the service.
It’s also important to remember that your barber has other clients who are scheduled after you. Arriving late can throw off their whole schedule and annoy them, so be sure to arrive on time or even a few minutes early. If you’re not able to attend your appointment, try to cancel at least a few hours in advance so the barber can fill your spot with another customer. This will save you the hassle of waiting around for an inconvenient cancellation fee and will show your appreciation to your barber for keeping you on their schedule.
Barber etiquette is the set of guidelines that are expected of clients when visiting their local Barbershop St George. It is important to understand this etiquette so that you can maintain a strong and healthy relationship with your barber. For example, it is a bad idea to give your barber instructions on how to cut…