When it comes to looking for a barbershop, we’ve all been to the bad ones, and regretted it almost INSTANTLY. You know how it do be when you sit down and immediately fill with dread…Here’s a few things to look for so you can get those good quality cuts with friendly staff and a comfortable atmosphere!
So before you take the plunge and make your next appointment, take a few moments to read through the essentials of what makes a great barbershop.
1. Cleanliness of the Environment
A bit of hair on the floor is expected, it’s a barbershop. I daren’t say you’ve seen the jars of blue liquid, this is essential! If they haven’t got this they don’t know what they’re doing and their tools aren’t clean! A tidy and clean space is crucial to having a positive, enjoyable experience at the barbershop nobody likes climbing over mountains of hair to the chair.
If a barber’s tools are everywhere and looks more like the back of a trades yard, that’s an indicator of a not well-maintained barbershop. Look for hair-cutting tools that are neatly organised, such as scissors, clippers, and razors, as well as bottles and sprays with “something something steriliser” on them, that means this shop looks after their tools and their clients!
2. Professionalism of the Staff
If you don’t get a g’day on the way in then turn around and walk out. Professionalism encompasses many qualities, if they don’t say hi, you should say bye. This should be the minimum when greeting a potential client. Punctuality is vital in any profession, and this is especially true in a barbershop. Some people might be running behind, but without them letting you know, you’re not in the right shop. When considering a barbershop, find out if they have a policy that requires clients to make appointments.
Friendly and attentive barbers at the door mean they’re going to look after you in the chair. Keep an ear out for if the barber you’re about to sit with for a service is offering advice to their client or just dead silent.
Often barbers have immaculately presented hair, ask yourself, does this come with being too busy to get haircuts because you’re good? We say no, usually if your barber’s hair is all over the shop, they’re probably too busy making other customers look better!
3. Quality Products
Is your barber asking you the questions to make the most out of your haircut…
“Are you using the right styling products?”
“Do you spend a lot of time on your hair in the morning?”
If a particular shop refuses to answer questions about your hair, or the service you’re in for, move on and keep looking for a place with better standards. Unlike Buddy’s Barbershop, these guys are not for you!!
4. Variety of Services
If your shop is not offering Shaves, Haircuts, Beard Trims, Excellent Banter, Skin fades, Mullets, Crops etc, they aren’t versatile enough for you. Checking their social media such as Instagram is particularly popular with shops and barbers. Here’s ours for an example @buddysbarbershop
A one trick pony is all good for that one thing but like the name says, outside of that, it’s not good and you deserve better for your Dollaridoos!
5. Reasonable Prices
You may feel they are expensive but have a look around, in Melbourne a good haircut will cost you around 50 Bucks plus add-ons, anything less and you are barking up the wrong tree.
Cheap haircuts ain’t good and good haircuts ain’t cheap!
I cannot stress this enough!
Conclusion
Choosing the right barbershop is a bloody important decision. It can mean a mean, great haircut experience or a terrible 4 to 5 weeks of growing it until you get another. It’s important to consider all of the above to obtain an excellent barbershop experience.
Do you need a barbershop in Melbourne? Check out Buddy’s Barbershop! A laid-back barbershop that does it all, from skin fades to mullets to long hair. We provide Carlton’s most excellent hair-cutting services in a great with pleasant sounds (depending on the day). Contact us today!