Hair cuts

[vern]

Over the years, I have gone between Barber Shops and Styling Saloons such as Super Cuts for my hair cuts.The last Barber I went to was a retired guy who worked out of his home. Did a fine job and just got to old to continue his work. Since then just been taking the easy way. A new Super Cuts opened in the area and have been a regular every 4 to 6 week for the last year. The same 2 ladies have been there and have done a good job. However, I always felt there was something missing. Well last week I stopped in on Saturday afternoon, and there was a new Stylist/Barber. I had gotten to know the 2 Stylist over time and really didn't want to go with the new guy, but he got my tag. I went to his chair and as I sat down I noticed a bottle of Clubman AS. I mentioned jokingly the that bottle was out of place or was contraband being in a Super Cuts. Well this young man promptly replied..Sir, I'm a Barber! He said I have a stylist license also, but I'm a Barber first, and I believe in the old school. Well that opened the door to all kinds of conversation. He told me he was 30 years old, been cutting hair for 10 years, and he likes to cut hair the old fashion way, and Clubman helps add to the experience. He also said he offers straight razor shaves, and has a pretty full schedule just with Barbershop shaves. I asked about if he uses the hot cream machines, and he said no, he uses VDH, and whips up the lather. Hot towels and the whole process. Said he has to use Fromms or Shavettes because of regulations. I thought it kind of nice that the younger generation still cares about the experience. I watched as he took in some of the back to school kids and gave them a taste of old time, and splashed some Clubman on them after-wards. Someday they too will talk about the old time smell when the got their hair cuts. I'll be back in his chair in a few weeks for sure.
Barbers or Stylists, anyone have a preference?

 

[RF1963]

Barber

Just no comparison!

Back in the UK I moved back to a small town I'd moved away from about 3 years previously.

I went to my old barber and without blinking or pausing he said "your usual?" and without prompting was bang on. I was seriously impressed.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I only go to barbers. Barber cuts always seem to grow out better than ones from stylists. Besides, I much prefer the old hole-in-the-wall shops better than the styling salons with racks and racks of products for suggestive selling.

Sounds like your new barber ought to open up his own shop - I bet he'd do very well.

 

[Walker]

Barber

 

[Bflobill 1125]

Barber..........A great friend, has cut my hair for 30 years!

 

[hotwheels]

Hi,

I got to a place called The Grateful Head. My stylist, I mean barber, uh, Barbarella? does a good job at a good price. That sounds almost dirty. Pretty short men's cut, layered, tapered neck, leave some sideburns-it's not rocket science. My Barbarella does it mostly with clippers and touches up with scissors and wields a blade on the back of the neck.

Cheers,
-Snick

 

[MikekiM]

The situation is the boss for me... I much prefer going to a barber and there two local I love. Authentic to be sure, and fun.

But their hours are too restrictive, so I am forced to go elsewhere...

 

[Niles]

I've only gone to barbers since my first hair cut.

 

[BladeRunner001]

Definitely barbers...These salon types never understand what you want or how you want it and they charge you an arm and a leg. My barber just nails it every single time.

 

[my19]

Barbers, without a doubt.

My problem with Super Cuts et al is I might have the same cutter a couple of times in a row, but then next time out, they're gone, never to return. On the other hand, my barber has been working the same chair for 35 years.

My advice, Vern, is to get your barber's phone number, just in case he goes missing from the Super Cuts in a couple of months. At least you'll be able to track him down.

 

[SpyvSpy]

My wife...but if she's out if town for a job then of course the barber.

 

[noahpictures]

Anytime I've gone to a salon type place like Supercuts or Fantastic Sams, the lady alway says: Oh my, you have so much hair. A Barber has never said that to me. He better not, but I digress.

A good barber, like a good mechanic is hard to find.

 

[jstutman]

A good barber, like a good mechanic is hard to find.

This is true, and thus why I drive over 60 miles for mine

 

[p.m.a.]

Definitely barber, though I'm looking for one who is more reliable. My recent haircuts have only been sporadically successful.

 

[peacefrog33756]

Barbers only.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I guess I've gotta go against the grain, because I go to a salon. Its a long story, but the owner is a friend of mine. I had gone to the same barber for years, since I was about 6 years old, but when the long hair style of the 60"s and 70's caused most barbers to find jobs elsewhere, my barber went into the local G.E. I tried several other barbers who were still working, but the haircuts were not very good. I guess it takes time for a barber to get to know your hair. I used to go by my friends salon all the time, and he'd say to me to stop in sometime, my hair looked really bad. Now this was going on before men really started to go to salon's, but one day I took him up on it. So there I sat in his chair which was right in the front window, all covered up with a flowery cape, clips in my hair, and to work he went. He told me whoever had been cutting my hair had made a real mess of it, but that he could fix it up, but it would probable take several times over about a 10 to 12 week period.

Well I stuck with it, and long story short, that was 36 years ago. I still go to my friend, my hair looks great. He really knows what he's doing. In fact I just had it cut yesterday, I go in every 4 weeks.

 

[KittensAndRainbows]

I've recently converted to Barbershops, mainly for the reasons listed above. I went to chain salons for about 10 years prior, rarely getting a haircut I was pleased with, but I generally wore a hat or wore my hair disheveled so it didn't matter. I've only had a couple Barber cuts, but they have both been far superior to any chain salon. The biggest difference is that I feel like they want to give me a good cut, rather than just make it as quick as possible so they can move on to the next client.

 

[Wingnut]

After going to my local SuperCuts for years (and being usually disappointed at the result, and frustrated at having a new stylist every time I walked in there), I discovered a local traditional barber shop thanks to a thread here at B&B. While slightly more expensive, the quality is light years better, and I'm now to the point where I don't need to tell "my guy" anything or even look in the mirror when I'm done. Yes, he's that good, and I get a neck and sideburn cleanup with a shavette to boot!

 

[breadstick]

I usually go to the barbershop on base (military) but when I get back from Korea, I'm going to find a local barber. A friend of mine found one that still gives straight shaves (which is, apparently, much harder than one would think) so I'm going to check him out when I come back for my mid tour in January.

 

[Arkansas]

I usually go to the barbershop on base (military) but when I get back from Korea, I'm going to find a local barber. A friend of mine found one that still gives straight shaves (which is, apparently, much harder than one would think) so I'm going to check him out when I come back for my mid tour in January.

Is it just me, or does anyone else have the impression that each stylist, or barber, is really only capable of one specific haircut? That's been my experience, and basically tells the story of my dissatisfaction with both.

I've recently found a lady barber who does a great job.
Good cut, nice lady, price is right, shop doesn't look like a bus station.
What more could a guy ask for?