Barber's Guide to a Better Haircut (And Why Your Barber Isn’t a Mind Reader)

A lot of people walk into the barbershop hoping their barber will just know what to do. And sometimes we do! But if we’re being honest—getting a haircut isn’t that different from getting a tattoo. You wouldn’t roll into a tattoo shop without any idea of what you want and expect a perfect design, right?

Same goes for your hair. If you’re not sure what you want, it helps to at least have a starting point. Even a vague idea like “something low-maintenance” or “clean on the sides, but leave the top” gives us direction. Otherwise, your barber might default to what’s safe. You say, “What do you think I should get?” and we say, “A buzz cut would look good on you.” But maybe you were hoping for something stylish or unique. That’s a missed opportunity—and nobody wins.

At New Shanghai Barbershop, we believe the best haircut starts with a proper conversation. Here’s how you can help us help you get the look you actually want - a barber's guide to a better haircut.

Step 1: Bring Something to the Table

We’re not asking you to bring a full Pinterest board (though we don’t mind if you do). But showing a few photos of haircuts you like can help spark the conversation. Even telling us what you don’t want is helpful. The more info we get, the better we can tailor the cut.

Step 2: Know What’s Bothered You in the Past

Here’s something we see all the time: a client has something they hate about their hair, but they’ve never had a barber actually listen or take time to work around it.

Cowlick in the back? Hair grows in weird around the sides? You hate how it grows out after two weeks?

Let’s talk about it.

At our shop, we don’t rush through cuts. We take the time to figure out what’s actually going to work for your hair and lifestyle. That means dialing in what you like, what you don’t like, and what you might not even know is possible.

Step 3: Think About Your Lifestyle & Maintenance

Are you the type to style your hair every morning, or do you roll out of bed and go? Do you wear hats a lot? Do you work in a corporate office or a creative space? Your lifestyle should shape your haircut—literally.

We’ll always ask these kinds of questions during a consult. Because a great-looking cut that doesn’t fit your life isn’t going to feel good in the long run.

Step 4: Let’s Build a Style That Grows With You

Everyone loves their haircut on day one. But how it grows out over the next few weeks? That’s the real test. If your haircut starts to look awkward after a week or two, that’s a sign it wasn’t designed with your hair pattern or routine in mind.

At New Shanghai, we pay attention to how your hair grows, where it sticks out, and how often you come back. We design your cut to look good today and two weeks from now. That’s what a tailored cut really means.

Final Thoughts: A Great Haircut is a Collaboration

As barbers, we’ve got skills, experience, and an eye for what looks good. But the best results always come from teamwork. You bring your preferences, your experiences, and your goals. We bring the craft, the detail, and the game plan.

Together. That’s how we create a cut that feels uniquely you.

If you’re ready for a haircut that actually listens to you—drop by New Shanghai Barbershop. We’ve got time to talk, and we’re here to make sure you leave with a cut that fits your style, not just ours.