Since this one’s going to be hella embarrassing I decided to make an account just for stuff like these.
Just for the record, I am 15, and my dad used to cut my hair (as in giving me a haircut), and it stopped after I went into 6th grade, then my mom always used to book an appointment or however it’s called with a barber not very close to where I live.
It used to be like this until recently when she told me that I’d have to go to the barbershop that’s very close to my home, now, I have no problem with this. The opposite, actually, I could finally not have to rely on anyone to get a haircut.
On the other hand, however, I have never gotten a haircut on my own, and so I have no clue how to actually book an appointment or what to say when I actually get there.
This has been a problem with me for quite a while, where I just don’t know certain amount of stuff that someone would consider basic.
I do have slight social anxiety, but it has gotten way better over the years and so therefore it’s not really that big of a problem. So yeah, looking for some tips. Thanks in advance.
9 comments
Well your assignment is to figure it out. We are not going to be your internet mommies.
Phone their number and ask to book an appointment. They’ll ask what dates and times are good for you or let you know whats the closest openings. When you get there tell them you have an appointment and your name.
You’re over thinking it dude, literally walk in and every damn time they’ll say “just take a seat well get to you when we can”
That’s literally it. Just don’t forget to pay on your way out.
I’d start by checking their website, if they have one, as they might have an online booking system – and as a person who hates making phone calls and stuff, if they don’t have such system, I’d look for a barbershop which does. Now of course that might not really be a thing in your area. In that case, I’d walk in (since you say it’s pretty close) and ask whether they have time to give you a haircut, or if it’s preferred/necessary there to make a reservation over the phone first – they’ll explain and should give you a card with a phone number, if a phone call is required (ask for one if they don’t). If you’re cool with making a phone call, they might also have their phone number on the door, so you don’t need to enter. As to the phone call, you say you want a haircut, maybe ask for a specific time, they’ll counteroffer with another time becuase that’s a law of nature that they never have time when it’s ideal for you, you’ll finally agree on a specific time. Write that shit down, ’cause you’ll forget. Once you get there, just say you have an appointment for that time for a haircut and then they’ll take charge.
You can book ahead, I tend to just walk in and wait, I’ll describe that in painful detail to be as helpful as I can, although your experience may vary a little.
You’ll walk in, if a barber is free they’ll call you over to sit down. If not, there will be an obvious seating area. Sit down, make a note of who’s already sat down.
Twiddle your thumbs, check your phone, whatever, until everyone who was already there has already been served. When your turn comes and a seat frees up, walk over, greet the barber, and sit down.
The barber will put a cape/bib thing to cover your clothes and ask you what cut you want. If you know your number/style, let them know. I normally say “like it is now, but shorter”, which works fine. Once that’s sorted they’ll begin.
You can make small talk if you want, or just stare at the mirror in silence. Occasionally they’ll move your head, in which case don’t fight them and just hold it where they want it. They’ll blow dry you, use a couple different tools, just let it happen.
When theyre done they’ll bring out a mirror to show you. If you’re happy say so, if you want some touchups, say so. Once you’re happy they’ll take your cover off and you can stand up.
I’ll normally ask something like “so how much do I owe you?” to prompt the payment process. Normally the barber will take you to the till to pay themselves, but they might direct you to a colleague. Either way, you pay the money, perhaps leave a little as a tip per your choice, wish them a good day and walk out.
It’s very much a simple and self evident process, you can watch others whilst you’re waiting to see what’ll happen to you.
Hope that helps.
If you have an idea in mind how you want it cut, bring a picture of it.
To make it easier as to what you want them to do for you, I’d say find some pictures of the kind of haircut you’d like and show them. Even if you don’t know what to ask for (ie. specific terms), the barber will now what you mean if you show them what you’re after.
Depending on the place, they could possibly take walk-ins, or they might require appointments. Again, just search for the place and you’ll be able to find this out.
If you’re having any type of social anxiety about what to talk about with the barber while they’re working, or whether you should even be talking, just know that they encounter many many different types of people in their chair. They’ll be able to gauge whether you want to talk or not, and won’t be bothered if you don’t. They’ll simply cut your hair and send you on your way.
Best of luck, and hope you come out looking sharp.
Just go there a say you want a haircut, they’re let you sit or tell you the time and the date. Don’t forget to pay
Some barbers have an online appointment system, but the best way is to just go there and ask how making an appointment works.
Find a picture that’s roughly what you want your hair to look like.
Also, if it’s a good barber, he might have some good ideas of what kind of hairstyle will fit you.