How to ask your barber for a haircut and nail it first time

Knowing how to ask for a haircut makes the difference between leaving the barbershop feeling unstoppable and spending two weeks waiting for it to grow back. You don't need to be an expert: four concepts, well communicated, are enough. Here's the guide to speaking your barber's language.

Talk in numbers: the guards

When you ask for "a two on the sides", you're referring to the clipper guard. The lower the number, the shorter the hair: a number 1 leaves about 3 millimetres and a number 3 leaves around a centimetre. If in doubt, start with a longer guard: you can always cut more, never the other way round.

Fade, taper and skin fade

The fade is a gradient from long to short on the sides and nape. It can be low (starting above the ears, discreet and elegant), mid or high (bolder and more striking). The taper is its subtle version: it only fades sideburns and neckline, perfect for a classic look. And the skin fade takes the gradient down to the skin, with that maximum-precision clean finish.

A photo is worth a thousand words

Bring two or three images of the style you're after and show them to your barber. Be honest about your routine: if you're not going to style it every morning, say so. A good professional will adapt the cut to your hair type, your face shape and the real time you'll dedicate to it. That two-minute conversation is the best investment of the whole visit.

Live it at 357 Hair Gallery

At 357 Hair Gallery (Andorra la Vella) we don't just cut hair: we sculpt presence. Book your appointment online in 60 seconds or message us on WhatsApp at +376 666 966. We'll be waiting.