Navigating Barber Shop Etiquette Like a Pro!

So, you’ve decided it’s time to tame that wild forest growing atop your head, but you’re feeling a bit jittery about stepping into the mysterious realm of the barbershop. I, Stacey Simmons, your friendly barber and proud owner of Clyde's Barbershop, am here to guide you through the choppy waters of barber shop etiquette. Let’s embark on this hairy adventure together!

Dos:

1. Be on Time, Not "Fashionably" Late: Time is precious! Being punctual not only shows respect for your barber's schedule but also ensures you get the full treatment without feeling rushed. It also shows respect to the person with the appointment after you. Showing up late can affect your barber's schedule for the rest of the day. If you're running late, give us a heads-up. We'll appreciate the courtesy!

2. Communicate Your Needs: We're not mind readers (though we do have some pretty sharp intuition). Don't be shy about telling us exactly what you want. Be specific. Bring in photos. Whether it's a fade, a trim, or just some good ol' grooming advice, clear communication helps us work our magic and leaves you feeling like a million bucks.

3. Treat Your Barber Like a Human Being: We're not just scissors-wielding robots, you know! Strike up a conversation, share a joke, or even ask for recommendations on your next Netflix binge. Building a rapport with your barber makes the experience enjoyable for both of us.

4. Tip Generously: Ah, the age-old question: to tip or not to tip? Let me settle this once and for all—yes, tipping is appreciated. It’s like giving your barber a high-five for a job well done. Now, I’m not saying you have to mortgage your house to tip, but a little extra something-something goes a long way in showing your appreciation for those magical hands that just transformed your hair from drab to fab. Tipping your barber at least 15-20% of the final cost of your haircut shows gratitude for their hard work and attention to detail.

Don'ts:

1. Don't Hover Like a Helicopter Parent: We love having you in the shop, but standing over us while we work isn't exactly conducive to a chill atmosphere. We need our space to move about the chair. Take a seat, relax, and let us do our thing. We have had children of all ages in our chairs. We promise we won't disappoint!

2. Don't Be a No-Show: Life happens, we get it. But if you can't make it to your appointment, give us a heads-up as soon as possible. This may allow us to accommodate others who may be able to fill your slot. That way, we can keep the shop running smoothly and still pay the rent!

3. Don't Nitpick Every Little Detail: We're perfectionists, but we're also human. If there's a tiny imperfection in your fade, let us know politely, and we'll fix it up in a jiffy. We can appreciate constructive criticism. But constantly scrutinizing every snip and clip? That's not cool, my friend.

4. Don't Forget to Spread the Love: Had a great experience at Clyde's? Tell your friends, shout it from the rooftops, or better yet, leave us a glowing review online. Word of mouth keeps us thriving, and every shoutout warms our hearts!

So there you have it! Follow these simple guidelines, and you'll be the epitome of barber shop etiquette in no time. And remember, if you're ever in need of a fresh cut or just some good vibes, you know where to find us at Clyde's Barbershop. Until next time, stay sharp!

Works Cited:

• Personal Experience: Stacey Simmons, Owner of Clyde's Barbershop
• Petaccia, Leo. “Barbershop Etiquette 101.” Crown Shaving Co, 17 Mar. 2023, www.crownshavingco.com/the-blog/2023/2/27/barbershop-etiquette-101. Accessed 7 Apr. 2024.
• Green, Dennis. “8 Essential Rules of Barbershop Etiquette.” Business Insider, www.businessinsider.com/8-rules-of-barbershop-etiquette-2015-8. Accessed 7 Apr. 2024.
• StyleSeat. “11 Barbershop Etiquette Rules to Follow.” StyleSeat pro Beauty Blog, 6 July 2022, www.styleseat.com/blog/barbershop-etiquette/. Accessed 7 Apr. 2024.