About#
Many men only start to worry about how to deal with their hairstyle when they walk into a barbershop. They struggle with communication, fail to connect with their barber Tony, and end up with a terrible hairstyle. That's why this article will cover knowledge about men's hair salons and hairstyles. It's also suitable for women to read and help their boyfriends do their homework.
Truly Authentic Barbershops#
Based on my observations of different types of barbershops, they can be categorized into three types: "community, chain, and specialty."
Community types are like the 10 yuan quick cut shops downstairs. They meet the basic needs of haircuts and provide quick services. However, their hairstyling and techniques are considered "underground."
Chain types have notable features such as card promotions, prepaid packages, and fancy combos. They operate on an assembly line, precisely timing each customer. The skill level of the hairstylists varies, and they often have a high turnover rate.
Specialty types are labeled as "BarberShops" and are mostly associated with men's slicked-back hairstyles. They are characterized by wide and cluttered workstations, and the hairstylists often have tattoos.
Genuine or Fake Specialty Types?#
When it comes to barbershops, let's focus on the specialty types. Firstly, there are some chain types that try to imitate specialty types, or specialty types that struggle to maintain their uniqueness and gradually turn into chain types. Both of these situations require attention.
The first situation involves using the slogan of slicked-back hairstyles, but in reality, the operation and payment methods belong to the chain type. You will most likely fall into a trap before realizing it.
The second situation is when a typical BarberShop has too many chairs. If they can accommodate more customers, it means they have started operating like a production line, gradually eroding the brand value. If they can leave, they will.
Specialty Types#
In China, a large proportion of men have never been to a specialty type hair salon, also known as a BarberShop. They may not even know if they need an appointment and might run in and ask if they can wash their hair. This is a common situation, so there's no need to feel embarrassed.
Specialty types are generally categorized as American, British, or Japanese slicked-back hairstyles. Some shops only specialize in specific hairstyles (such as medium-length hairstyles for men).
For the younger generation, BarberShops may offer braids, reggae styles, or African-American perms, leaning towards a HipHop style. However, not everyone can pull off these hairstyles.
Once you have determined which style you prefer, the next step is to understand the individual styles of the hairstylists in the shop. You can check their work on social media (not every hairstylist is a hexagonal warrior).
Communication about Hairstyles#
There is no one-size-fits-all hairstyle that suits everyone. To find a hairstyle that suits you, you need to observe and understand more. Only by determining your own style can you shape your hairstyle.
A person's style is presented visually and is related to their clothing and overall appearance. It is inappropriate to separate the hairstyle from this overall image. You need to consider whether the hairstyle suits your usual appearance.
In fact, barbers usually create a closed conversation space to draw out your true thoughts or make you show them pictures of hairstyles you like.
Communication Details and Perm Details#
Communication is the first step in shaping a hairstyle. You can't just start by saying, "I'll leave it to you today!" This is terrifying for the hairstylist.
Of course, we are not professionals in hairdressing, so it is important to make sure that Tony understands what we mean. Here are a few examples:
- For Asians, avoid cutting the sides too short. Tell the hairstylist to maintain the contour on both sides without going too short or leaving a harsh line.
- Avoid a heavy look on the top. Tell the hairstylist that you want a soft and light feel.
- If you want some layers, ask the hairstylist to cut the ends of your hair into pieces to create a layered effect.
- For example, if you have a round or square face, discuss it with the hairstylist and let them provide a suitable solution.
Most men have straight and slightly coarse hair, and they usually don't take care of it. If you want to achieve your ideal hairstyle, you may need to get a perm. To look cool, there is always a price to pay.
There are many ways to perm hair, but the basic goal is the same. The first step is to break certain bonds in the hair to soften it and make it easier to style (the effect is temporary, as the new hair that grows will not be affected). The second step is to restore the broken bonds to achieve the desired look.
Many people say they want to get a perm, but what they really want is to add some curvature to their hair, not to make it look like instant noodles. The key lies in communication with the hairstylist.
For example, let's say I go to a hairstylist to get a perm. Beforehand, I have done my homework, looked in the mirror, and understood my hair texture and length. I found hairstyle photos online that are similar to my hair length, with three types of curls: C, J, and S. I clearly tell the hairstylist that I want a C-shaped texture. The purpose of perming my hair is to make it easier to style, not to create curls.
The consequences of a failed perm can be seen from Korean ajummas.
If you want to get a perm, you need to be mentally prepared for the chemicals used. All chemicals have side effects, and the cost of the chemicals can vary. For specialty shops, they usually have only one type of perm package. For packages with different prices, the actual effect of the chemicals is similar. Don't fantasize about buying chemicals online. The chemicals you can buy online usually have maximum strength and maximum side effects.
As for those Korean-style curling irons and Korean-style adhesive perms, it's better to throw away the curling iron toy early. It may be exciting to use it once or twice, but using it every day is troublesome and expensive, ugh! The adhesive perm is just a lousy thing, and there are very few that look good.
There are two points to communicate with the hairstylist about perming.
- If you are lazy and don't like to style your hair, just let them know. They will probably give you a curlier perm.
- If you are willing to learn how to take care of your hair but are unsure if you can stick to it, just tell them. They will teach you the basics of hair care.