What to Tell Your Barber to Get the Haircut You Actually Want

Most bad haircuts aren’t really bad haircuts — they’re miscommunications. “Just a little off the top” can mean a quarter inch to one person and two inches to another. The good news is that a few minutes of clear conversation fixes almost all of it.

Here’s what we wish every new client knew before sitting down at Moe’s Barbershop.

1. Bring a photo (or three)

A picture really is worth a thousand words in the chair. Bring a photo of the cut you want — ideally from the front, side and back. Bonus points for a photo of a cut you didn’t like, so we know what to avoid.

Pick photos of people with hair similar to yours. A textured crop on thick, straight hair will look different on fine or curly hair, and we’ll tell you honestly how it’ll translate.

2. Talk about the sides, top and back separately

Break the cut into zones:

• Sides: Fade, taper, or scissor cut? If clippers, which guard? (See our clipper guard numbers guide.)
• Top: How much length do you want to keep? Show us with your fingers.
• Back/neckline: Blocked (squared), rounded, or tapered?

3. Use length you can see, not “a little”

“Take an inch off the top” or “leave enough to push back” beats “a little off.” If you’re not sure of measurements, pinch the length you want to keep between your fingers and show us.

4. Tell us how you style it

Do you push it back, part it, leave it messy, or not touch it at all? A cut built for daily styling with product is different from one meant to look good straight out of the shower. Be honest — if you’re a “wake up and go” guy, we’ll cut for that.

5. Mention your routine and schedule

If you can only get in every five or six weeks, a high skin fade probably isn’t the right call. If you’re in every two weeks, we can go sharper. Your schedule should shape the cut.

6. Speak up during the cut

Don’t wait until the end. If something feels like it’s going shorter than you wanted, say so — a good barber appreciates it. We’d much rather adjust halfway through than have you leave unhappy.

7. Don’t forget the beard

If you have a beard, tell us how you want it connected to the haircut. A beard fade and lineup blended into your sideburns makes the whole look feel finished.

The consultation does the heavy lifting

Every appointment at Moe’s — from a Classic Haircut to the full one-hour Moe’s Haircut — starts with a quick consultation. That’s your chance to cover all of the above before a single hair gets cut.

Book your appointment at 99 Trafalgar Rd, Erin, Ontario, or call (519) 855-4455.