Haircare
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Take photos of your haircut from the front, sides, and back immediately after a cut you like to show your barber next time.
It is easier than describing what you want, helps if you switch barbers, and ensures you get the same style.
- Some barbers dislike seeing photos or cannot replicate another stylist's work.
- Do not take selfies from high angles that only show the scalp.
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- Have your barber or stylist take photos of your finished haircut from all angles rather than taking selfies yourself.2
If you are comfortable maintaining your own ends and bangs, cut your own long hair to save money.
You get exactly what you want and avoid salon costs.
one person who lived it
Ask the stylist to measure your hair length with a ruler comb to set a baseline.
It is easier to request a specific length than to describe vague amounts of trimming.
one person who lived it
Recognize that pre-cut photos may be less reliable for curly hair because stylists cut it wet.
Curly hair changes shape once it dries at home.
one person who lived it
Ask your barber for specific technical details (clipper settings, lengths, blending techniques) after a cut you like so you can replicate it elsewhere.
This helps you describe the cut to another person or tell a new barber exactly what was done.
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Bring a photo of a celebrity with a similar style as a reference if trying a new look.
It helps if the stylist recognizes the image and it matches your desired style.
one person who lived it
- Use a photo from an old ID card as a haircut reference if it captures a style you liked.1
If traveling to a country with a language barrier, bring a photo reference for your desired hairstyle.
It saves confusion and hassle.
2 people, independently
- Have a haircut reference photo ready when communicating with a barber who does not speak your language.1
Tell your stylist if you want a change during the haircut.
It is okay to request adjustments while the service is happening.
one person who lived it
Condition-only wash long hair and rinse well instead of using shampoo to preserve natural oils.
Shampoo strips oils from the hair.
one person who lived it
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Ask the salon to note exactly what they did in their computer system so you can receive the same cut every time.
Knowing the clipper guard measurement helps ensure consistency.
one person who lived it
Show a photo to your barber even if you see them regularly, as they may not remember every detail of past cuts.
Unless in a small town, saying 'same as last time' often leads to guessing.
one person who lived it
- Go to a reputable barbershop rather than a cheap chain when using photo references.1
Wash your hair less frequently to allow natural oils to balance.
Daily washing causes excess oil production; stopping leads to fuller, nicer hair.
one person who lived it
Be aware that stylists may not remember individual cuts from months ago, even if you request 'exactly like last time'.
Hairstylists likely cannot recall specific details from appointments over 3 months prior.
one person who lived it
Do not rely solely on front-facing photos when showing your barber reference images.
Front-only photos do not help barbers see the full shape of the cut.
one person who lived it
Wait until you have washed and styled your hair yourself before deciding if you like the cut or taking reference photos.
Hair often looks different when styled by the dresser versus how you style it at home; one person noted they never liked the cut initially but preferred it after styling it themselves.
2 people, independently
Get your driver's license photo taken immediately after a haircut you like.
The photo will always be with you and reflect your preferred look.
one person who lived it
Understand that simple styles like 'short and tight' or bowl cuts are easier to communicate without photos.
Most people cannot communicate complex styles verbally unless they are very simple.
one person who lived it
One approach that helped: tell the barber to do what they think looks best rather than giving specific instructions.
one person who lived it
Spend time browsing and pinning multiple slight variations of a desired haircut on Pinterest before deciding which one to get.
one person who lived it
Be aware that bringing photos of sponge-roller curls to request a specific perm style may still result in an unwanted spiral perm, as one person experienced despite clear visual instructions.
- One person reported this approach resulted in the wrong curl type (spiral) despite providing photos.
one person who lived it