The Subtle Art of Asking for a Haircut Without Knowing What It’s Called

Not everyone speaks fluent barber. And that’s absolutely fine.

Some clients arrive with photos saved, references ready, and a clear vision. Others sit down and say, “Just make it look good.” Both approaches are valid, though one involves a bit more detective work.

At Sandy Barber, we’ve heard every variation imaginable. “Short on the sides but not too short.” “Tidy but not boring.” “Like last time, but better.” These are not problems; they’re part of the process. A good barber knows how to translate vague descriptions into something that actually works for your head shape, hair type, and lifestyle.

The truth is, most people don’t need to know the technical names. You don’t need to request exact guard numbers or explain the difference between fades. That’s our job. What helps most is honesty. How much time do you spend styling? Do you want low maintenance or sharp and structured? Are you growing it out or keeping it tight?

From there, the conversation flows naturally. A few questions, a bit of guidance, and suddenly the haircut makes sense. No jargon required.

So if you’ve ever worried about “saying the wrong thing” in the chair, relax. We’re here to help, not test you. Whether you know exactly what you want or not at all, you’ll leave with a cut that suits you.

And if you accidentally invent a new haircut name along the way, we promise not to laugh. Much.

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