Let's guess…you won't go to a barbershop more than once a month because: a) It's too expensive, b) it's out of the way c) you don't have time d) you can do it yourself, e) all of the above.
Excuses, excuses – we've heard them all. We wholeheartedly respect you and your DIY haircuts, we just don't necessarily agree with that logic. (Friends don't always agree, right?) Just give us a minute or two to convince you otherwise with these eight reasons you should most definitely, without a doubt, be visiting a barber shop every week. Gasp.
1. Keeping up with your 'do is not attainable on your own.
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Let’s be honest, you can’t maintain the same level of perfection that Barry the Barber can. As hard as you try to line up your beard yourself, it’s just not the same. Sure – you can keep your hair and beard under control in between appointments, but if you go longer than a week, it's not going to look anywhere near as dapper.
Example: Ask your lady if she’s ever been able to keep her eyebrows in perfect condition in between waxes – she’ll say no every time. It's the same concept here, so why not take an hour out of your week to ensure you look your best 24/7?
2. Your barber will get to know you and your hair, so there will never be any surprises.
Sounds obvious, but most people don’t consider it. If you’re visiting your barbershop each week, your barber is going to get to know you, your hair, and your face very well. He will know what you like, and more importantly what you don't like. Whereas, if you go to a generic haircutter every three weeks, you run the risk of getting a nineteen-year-old stylist fresh out of beauty school who will cringe if you ask for a skin fade. (And if you've ever gotten a shoddy, poorly-blended fade, you know how painful the next two weeks of your life will be.)
3. They're trained in men's cuts – you're not.
Maybe you’re trying to save money, so you ask your girlfriend (or your mom – no judgment) to give you a trim. We’re not knocking your desire to budget, we’re just saying that there’s only one profession that is trained on how to cut men’s hair. Once you find a good barber, no DIY cut will ever compare.
4. Plus, you'll get a better cut than at a hair salon.
We clearly don't have a single thing against hair salons, but they often try to be a jack of all trades. Women's and men's cuts are inevitably extremely different, and you'll likely be able to get a decent trim at a salon, but the experience won't equate to what you'll get at a barbershop. It's the only place where the staff is trained specifically on all things to do with men's hair.
5. You can get more than just a haircut.
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If you opt for a generic haircutter, there are no bells in whistles. If you opt for a hair salon, you might get a complimentary hand massage and walk out smelling like flowers. But, if you visit a quality barbershop, your guy-centric services are endless. From beard and mustache trims to scalp massages and lineups, you'll get a truly worthwhile experience. A lot of shops even offer shoe shines, waxes, and skin treatments like facials.
6. The ambiance is unbeatable.
Where else can you go to escape life, hang with a bunch of guys, and be catered to all at the same time? The barber is a one-stop-shop to unwind, socialize, and be pampered (in the manliest way possible, of course). Barbers are known to have infectious personalities. Plus, there's really no better smell than an expensive, salon-quality pomade.
7. You'll learn a thing or two.
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When you go to a barbershop, you're sitting down with a guy or gal who knows all there is to know about men's hair. Your barber might be a natural teacher and explain what he's doing while he's doing it, but if not – ask questions. Ask about cutting and styling techniques, trends, and recommended products. And if he knows you're interested, he'll probably point you in the direction of the instore products they offer, giving you a personalized treatment plan so you can replicate your barbershop style at home.
8. You don’t have to break the bank.
The average haircut and lineup combo are $20. That's $20 a week that you probably already spend on Chipotle and Red Bull. Bottom line – whatever your poison is, you may be able to cut back in one area and put that cash towards a fresh cut each week.
How To Find A Barbershop That Works For You
Listen to the people. Sure – the barbershop’s website will tell you how amazing they are and maybe even offer some adulterated customer reviews. But if you want to know the real scoop, visit sites like Yelp and Facebook and the reviews there. You’ll know you’re getting the truth because people don’t hold back – especially when they’ve had a bad experience.
Need a little hair inspiration before your next barbershop visit? Check out these top short men's hairstyles.