How to Tell Your Barber Exactly What You Want
Stop nodding and saying "looks great" while dying inside. Here's the proven 5-step formula that turns awkward barber visits into perfect haircuts.
The 5-Step Formula
Name the Style
Start with the overall style name. This gives your barber an instant mental image.
"I want a low taper fade" or "I'm looking for curtain bangs"
💡 Pro tip: Not sure what it's called? Browse our style library and show them the photo.
Describe the Length
Be specific about how much hair you want left — use inches or clipper guard numbers.
"Leave about 3 inches on top" or "Use a #2 guard on the sides"
💡 Pro tip: When in doubt, go longer. You can always take more off, but you can't add it back.
Specify the Fade / Blend
Tell them where the fade starts and how aggressive it should be.
"Low fade, nothing too dramatic" or "Mid skin fade"
💡 Pro tip: Low fade = subtle and professional. High fade = bold and clean. No fade = classic look.
Define the Texture
Do you want it smooth, textured, choppy, or layered? This controls the "vibe."
"Textured and messy on top" or "Smooth and sleek finish"
💡 Pro tip: "Textured" = movement and separation. "Blunt" = clean, sharp lines.
Mention What to Avoid
This is the step most people skip — and it's the most important one.
"Don't take the sides too short" or "Please don't touch my sideburns"
💡 Pro tip: Your barber isn't a mind reader. The "please don't" list saves more haircuts than anything else.
🔀 Lost in Translation
What you say vs. what your barber actually hears. Spoiler: they're never the same thing.
🧑 Customer
"Just a little off"
💈 Barber's brain
"Take off 2+ inches minimum"
🧑 Customer
"Clean it up"
💈 Barber's brain
"Buzz the sides to a #1"
🧑 Customer
"I want layers"
💈 Barber's brain
"Make it look like a staircase"
🧑 Customer
"Something modern"
💈 Barber's brain
"Whatever TikTok says this week"
🧑 Customer
"Not too short"
💈 Barber's brain
"Still kinda short though"
🧑 Customer
"Same as last time"
💈 Barber's brain
"I have absolutely no idea what that was"
🧑 Customer
"I trust you"
💈 Barber's brain
"I'm about to freestyle on your head"
🧑 Customer
"Make it look natural"
💈 Barber's brain
"Bowl cut it is"
This is why we built TellBarber. Skip the guesswork — just show them the picture.
🚫 What NOT to Say
These phrases sound harmless, but they're the #1 reason people leave the barber shop disappointed.
"Just a trim"
This means something different to every barber. One person's trim is another's transformation.
Say exactly how much: "Take off half an inch" or "Clean up the edges but keep the length."
"Do whatever you think looks good"
Your barber's taste might not match yours. This is a gamble, not a style choice.
At minimum, show a reference photo and say what you like about it.
"Same as last time"
Your barber might not remember, or it might be a different barber.
Keep your TellBarber guide saved on your phone — show it every time.
"Make me look like [celebrity]"
You have different hair texture, face shape, and head shape. The exact copy won't work.
Say what you like about the style: "I like the volume on top and the clean sides."
📋 Copy-Paste Templates
Save these to your phone. Read them word-for-word to your barber if you want. No judgment — we've all been there.
"I want a low taper fade with about 2 inches on top, natural part on the left side, and a clean line-up. Please don't take the top too short — I like to be able to comb it."
See this style"I'm looking for a textured crop with a mid fade. Keep the fringe forward and choppy. I want it to look messy but intentional — like I styled it in 30 seconds."
See this style"I want long layers with face-framing pieces starting at my cheekbones. Keep the overall length past my collarbone. Don't thin it out too much — I want to keep the volume."
See this style"I want a wolf cut — heavy layers on top with wispy ends. Keep it textured and a bit wild. I don't want it to look too polished. Think 'just rolled out of bed but make it fashion.'"
See this styleOr Just Skip the Talking Entirely
Browse haircut styles, pick the one you like, and generate a visual guide with front, side, and back views. Hand your phone to your barber. Done.
Browse Haircut Styles