Long or short? Which to choose? When determining how to choose the right length haircut, there are several factors to keep in mind, including lifestyle, profession, how much time you wish to spend styling, and if you’d like a conservative or trendy look. Let’s talk with Brian about hair length and which is appropriate for you.
Short haircuts are generally appropriate for most men, but are especially well suited to men who lead active lifestyles, athletes, those who work outside, or those who want a style with minimal maintenance. Shorter haircuts are almost always the best option for men who are balding or thinning. Most short styles require very little styling, but will require more frequent haircuts to maintain a neat appearance. Extremely short styles may be a bit too aggressive for professional environments.
A medium length haircut is appropriate for most any situation, especially guys who work in a professional office environment. The advantage to a medium length cut is that it can be incredible versatile — comb it conservatively for the office, or add some styling product and mess it up for a night on the town. A medium length style will require a bit more maintenance in the morning, but fewer trips to Brian the barber.
A longer hairstyle is most suited for guys in creative fields or for those who have a bit more time to spend on hair care. Long hair often does not work well for men in professional office environments or for men who are balding and will require more time for styling and care each date. Styling options can be somewhat limited for long hair as well. Longer styles require much less frequent trips to the salon.
Brian is a big stickler for cleanliness. On your next visit, look around and observe how sanitary the shop is. Was the floor swept before you sat down? Did your hair stylist use a clean comb (as opposed to one already laying on the counter)? Are the operator’s clippers or shears free of other client’s hair? Did your barber or stylist place a neck strip or clean towel around you neck before putting the cape on you? Did your barber remove the straight razor from a sanitizer rather than using one already laying on the counter? These are a few basic sanitary issues that can clue you in to how well your shop and haircutter are following sanitary regulations. Barbershops and salons can spread diseases and infections such as ringworm, hepatitis, lice, and impetigo (just to name a few) by using improperly sanitized combs, brushes, clippers, and razors. If your answer was “no” to any or all of these questions, fire your barber or stylist.
Sloppy Work
Next time you leave your barber or stylist, when you get home take a good look at the work. Stand in front of your bathroom mirror with a hand mirror and check out the cut. Is the haircut free of visible lines? Are the sideburns and neckline even? Is the outlining clean and crisp? Is everything laying as it should (especially around the crown)? These are all things to look for. If your answer was “no” to any or all of these questions, fire your barber or stylist.
Lack of Interest
When was the last time your barber or stylist suggested a new style or told you about a new product? Does the person cutting your hair seem more interested in talking about his latest drama than he is in listening to you? It is a haircutter’s job to listen to you and recommend options haircuts and products that will help you get the most out of your hair and keep you looking your best. Not doing so is just bad service. So, if you are stuck in a rut (at least as far as your hair is concerned), it may be time to fire your barber or stylist.
Many of us get stuck going to the same person cut after cut because it’s comfortable and we’re hesitant to try someone new. Sometimes it’s easier to stick to the devil we know than the saint we don’t. Doing so may result in us not always looking our best, so if your barber or stylist is guilty of any of the above offenses, take a leap of faith and try someone new. You may be glad you did!