Pro Advice

How to Talk to Your Barber: A "No-Fail" Guide

Never leave the chair in tears again. Learn the lingo the pros use.

Most bad haircuts aren't because the barber is bad; they happen because of a "translation" error. Here is how to speak their language.

1. Show, Don't Just Tell

A "trim" means one inch to you and three inches to someone else. Bring three photos: one of the front, one of the side, and one of the back of the look you want.

2. Know the Numbers

If you get a fade, know your guard numbers. A "#1" is 1/8 of an inch. A "#4" is half an inch. If you aren't sure, ask for a hair clipper guard set to keep at home so you can visualize the lengths.

THE GOLDEN RULE: Always tell your stylist what you don't like about your current hair before they start cutting.