3 Simple Ways on How to Ask for a Haircut in 2024 ✅ (2024)

We’ve all done it…

Walked into a barbershop and wondered; how do I ask for my favorite haircut?

The truth is that it can be stressful trying to describe the type of haircut when you don’t know which terms to use.

And:

While mostexperienced barbers pick up what you want from your description quickly, some don’t.

When that happens, you may have to settle for what you get.

But:

I’m sure, the last thing you want is to walk out of the barbershop with a hairstyle you didn’t want in the first place.

And that’s why, in this post,I’m going to show you how to describe a haircut and the right barber terms to use.

How to Ask for A Good Haircut in 3 Easy Ways

Take it from me (an experienced barber):

The key to getting the type of haircut you want is by using the right words.

In fact, if you are familiar with what to ask for when getting a haircut, it becomes even easier for you to use fewer words in your description.

Note:

The smaller the number of words you use to describe your haircut, the lower the chances that your barber will get confused in the process.

So, what are these words or terms?

Well, that what this post is all about.

I’ll highlight the most common haircut terms with pictures so as to ease the process of describing your favorite haircut to a barber.

So, let’s look at a few tips on how to ask for a haircut in 2024…

Know the Name of the Haircut You Want

Yes,haircuts have names.

You’ve probably seen or heard of them at least once in abarbershop.

Now:

Thegood thing about knowing the different types of haircuts andtheir names is that it takes away the need for a description.

For example:

If you walk into a barbershop and ask for abuzzcut,your barber will automatically know what you want.

Plus, it’s way better than this description:

I want a size one haircut all around.”

Yes! It still makes sense but a lot of words have been used;unnecessarily.

Nowadays, the most common haircut names you’ll come across include:

  • Buzz Cuts
  • Taper Fades
  • Crew Cuts
  • Ivy League Haircut
  • Pompadour and so on…

You can find mylist of thebest 20 hairstyles trending in 2024.With a hairstyle name in mind, life becomes a tad bit easier.

But what happens if your hairstyle doesn’t have a name?

Come Up with a Short and Clear Description of What you Want

Let’s face it,not all mens haircuts have names.

True?

Well,some of us have very unique hairstyles.

And when that’s the case, a short and clear description is the only way to get your barber to understand what you want.

Note:

The only way to come up with a clear description is by using correct terminologies.

But:

Which are these terminologies?

Here are some common examples:

  • A Fade: This is a haircut that has hair reducing in size as you move from the top of the head to the sides and back. In most cases, the hair will become shorter until it “fades” into the skin.
  • Taper: Tapers follow the same principle as fades. The only difference is that a taper has longer hair; it’s not as short as a fade but the top hair is usually longer than the back and sides.
  • Guard Combs: These are the comb-like fixtures that are fitted onto clipper blades to allow the barber to cut hair at very precise lengths. Guard combs are labeled in numbers rangingfrom #0(the shortest length)to #10(the longest).
  • Texture: Sometimes referred to as “layers.” It is the appearance of your hair depending on thickness, how it’s cut, and the amount of curl. A layered texture is achieved by cutting some parts of the hair shorter so that the longer parts rest on top.
  • Thinning: This is simply the process of removing weight/excessive hair to make thick hair more manageable.
  • Neckline: It’s the line just below the back of your head. Necklines can be cut as either blocked, rounded, or tapered. It all depends on what you want.
  • Undercut Fade: It’s a fade haircut that features longer hair on the top and extremely short back and sides.

With these terms in mind, it will be easier for you to know what to ask for at the barbershop.

And you are unable to come up with a clear description, here’s something else you can do…

Use a Picture of the Haircut You Want

I know, right?

Hairstyle pictures can also make your life easy if you’re looking for ways on how to ask for a haircut at a black barber shop.

There are millions of haircut pictures online today.

With a picture, you’ll easily know how to do.

And the best part is that you don’t even need to know the name of the haircut or how to describe it.

Easy, right?

Anyway, as we conclude…

All you need is ahaircut nameor aclear description of the hairstyleora picture of the style you want.

Either of these items will help you get exactly what you want from your barber.

Do you know of any other genius/easy way on how to ask for a haircut?

Feel free to post it in the comment section below; I’m always open to learning new ways of doing stuff.

3 Simple Ways on How to Ask for a Haircut in 2024 ✅ (2024)

FAQs

How do you ask for your haircut? ›

Examples of What to Ask For a Haircut
  1. For a short, classic style: “I would like a short back and sides with a little length on top, tapered at the back and sides with a #2 clipper guard. ...
  2. For a modern look: “I want an undercut with a fade on the sides. ...
  3. For medium-length hair: “I'd like a layered cut with scissors only.

Is Wolf cut in style in 2024? ›

The edgy, rebellious wolf haircut is here to stay! You may have seen it popping up on social media and even seen a few DIY versions, especially after it became a viral sensation on TikTok back in 2022. However, this much loved and versatile cut is definitely best left to the professionals!

How do you say I want a haircut? ›

I would like a simple haircut. "I would like a simple haircut." Okay. This is a very basic phrase that expresses that you want just a trim, essentially.

What to say when making a hair appointment? ›

Hi, my name is Jane Doe. I would like to book a hair wash and cut appointment with Bob on March 15, 2023. Preferable style is layers with steps cut in the long hair. My convenient time is between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., ideally, 10.30 a.m. Please let me know the exact time for the appointment along with the rates.

What do I say when I get my haircut? ›

A brief description of the basic overall style you are looking for. Any specific details you can give about: The length of hair you want on top, side, back of head. The type of gradient you want to achieve e.g., Fade or Taper.

What is the number 4 haircut? ›

The number 4 haircut leaves hair half an inch long, making it a medium-short style that's versatile and popular. It allows for more styling options and is less severe than lower numbers. The number 4 haircut is great for those who want to keep their hair short but stylish.

What is a butterfly cut? ›

A butterfly haircut combines short layers with long layers to give your hair dimension, movement, and body. The short, wispy layers hit around the chin to frame your face, highlight your features, and even contour a round face shape.

What is a kitty cut? ›

Nestled between the length of a long bob or shoulder cut, the kitty cut features long textured layers and an overgrown curtain fringe that softly frames the face. It's crafted for low maintenance and a soft texture, aligning with our philosophy of embracing natural beauty.

Are wolf cuts for girls? ›

Wolf Cut: 60 Best Wolf Haircut Ideas for Women

The wolf cut is a stylish and versatile haircut that can be adapted to suit all hair textures and lengths.

What can I say instead of haircut? ›

Synonyms of haircut
  • hairdo.
  • hairstyle.
  • ponytail.
  • coiffure.
  • cut.
  • Mohawk.
  • perm.
  • do.

What number is the shortest haircut? ›

You don't get any shorter than the zero haircut. A zero cut means your barber won't use a clipper guard. This hairstyle is basically a skin fade or a shaved head.

How do I say I'm going to cut my hair? ›

Today I will cut my hair,” is a declarative sentence stating your intention to cut your own hair, today. “I will have my hair cut today,” means that you are going to have your hair cut, i.e. that someone else will be cutting it.

How to ask a hair stylist for a haircut? ›

Use the Right Lingo

For example, say how many inches you'd like off, or if you want a hard or soft cut. If you want layers, don't just say you want short layers or long layers—let your hairstylist know you'd like short layers in one place and longer layers in another.

What not to do before a hair appointment? ›

It's generally not ideal to arrive with heavy product build-up from styling your hair the day of your appointment, especially if you're getting a dry cut or highlights before washing. It can cause hair color to go on unevenly and affect how your hair stylist evaluates your pre-cut hair type and texture.

How do you refer to hair? ›

Hair can be a countable noun or an uncountable noun. Each of the thread-like things growing on your head and body is a hair. You can refer to several of these things as hairs.

How do I tell my stylist what haircut I want? ›

Use the Right Lingo

For example, say how many inches you'd like off, or if you want a hard or soft cut. If you want layers, don't just say you want short layers or long layers—let your hairstylist know you'd like short layers in one place and longer layers in another.

How do I know what haircut to get? ›

Choosing a haircut depends on various factors: face shape, hair type, lifestyle, and personal style. Consider your face shape for a flattering look, consult with a hairstylist for their expertise, and think about maintenance and styling preferences.

What are the numbers for haircuts? ›

Common Haircut Terminology
  • Number 1: One-eighth of an inch.
  • Number 2: One-quarter of an inch.
  • Number 3: Three-eighths of an inch.
  • Number 4: Half an inch.
  • Number 5: Five-eighths of an inch.
  • Number 6: Three-quarters of an inch.
  • Number 7: Seven-eighths of an inch.
  • Number 8: An inch.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 6198

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.