The One Question Your Barber Wishes Youd Ask

Barbers hear the same requests over and over. But there’s one question most clients never ask – and it’s the one that could completely change how your haircut turns out.

The Question

“What would you do with my hair?”

That’s it. Simple as that.

Most clients come in with a specific style in mind, show a photo, and expect an exact replica. But barbers see hundreds of heads every month. They know what works with different hair types, face shapes, and growth patterns. They often have ideas that would suit you better than whatever you saw on Instagram.

Why It Works

When you ask a barber for their opinion, you’re giving them permission to use their expertise. Most won’t volunteer suggestions because they don’t want to seem pushy or make you feel judged. But if you ask? They’ll usually have something interesting to say.

You don’t have to take their advice. But at minimum, you’ll learn something about your hair that you didn’t know before.

How to Ask

Timing matters. Ask before they start cutting, not halfway through. Something like: “I usually get [your regular cut], but I’m open to trying something different. What do you think would work for me?”

The worst that happens is they suggest something similar to what you already wanted. But you might discover your new signature look.