By: Rob

michaelcee 1 month ago on Twitter

@artofmanliness trying out gents place today after seeing http://artofmanliness.com/2009/08/18/how-to-pick-a-barber/

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MarcLittmann 1 month, 3 weeks ago on Twitter

How to pick a barber. A guide to avoid getting scalped. http://bit.ly/5zJ4df

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Tip: Your Hair Is Your Hat Suit - The Exceptional Man, Chicago - Men's Style and More 2 months, 4 weeks ago on Wordpress

[...] information on how to choose a barber, check out these guides by GQ and The Art of Manliness. I also found TAofM’s Barbershop Locator to be quite [...]

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GailMetcalf 3 months ago on Twitter

For all the men out there - http://bit.ly/3eqwgt

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libertymansoap 3 months, 1 week ago on Twitter

Getting your haircut at a salon is NOT manly.. Here's how to pick a great barber. http://bit.ly/1Eirq8

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Tim 3 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

Many years ago I frequented a traditional “two chair” barber shop in Chicago. The old Italian barber was classic – straight edge around the ears, lather and talc on the neck, the whole bit. The only problem was that I don’t think he could see very well anymore and thus gave a pretty bad haircut. I’d have to have my wife cut the parts he’d missed when I got home. So after a dozen or so bad cuts, I began to lurk outside the shop, peeking into the window until the older barber was busy and the younger barber was free. Sometimes I’d go weeks without getting a haircut at all! The shop has long since become a taco stand and I moved away, but I’ll always remember the shop fondly. ... See all content Hide content

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uberVU - social comments 3 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

Social comments and analytics for this post…

This post was mentioned on Twitter by artofmanliness: How to Pick a Barber: http://artofmanliness.com/2Nlm…

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Kevin 4 months ago on Wordpress

Sadly, my hair is a bit of a rat’s nest at the moment. I’m not happy with my current barber and am likely to be forced the unisex salon route. A year ago, though… now THAT was a different time!

I had the World’s Greatest Barber: George Tomasic of Tar Heel Barber. The man was brilliant. He knew everything there was to know about the art of cutting hair and the even more subtle art of conversation. Whatever your preference, he was engaged, interested and able to dive right in: politics, technology, sports, business. Anything.

He died last January two weeks after taking his last appointment. He wouldn’t put down his scissors until he was too weak to stand. The reaper had to fight him to take him and I do believe the reaper would think twice if he had to face George again!

So this is my little tribute to George: a Man’s Man and World’s Greatest Barber. You are still missed!

http://www.chapelhillnews.com/news/story/38797.html ... See all content Hide content

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cam 4 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

ive been pretty lucky with my barbers. i used to go to the same guy my familys been useing for ever but hes not open all the time now a days so i had to go looking for a new barber an i think i found the right one doing these thing without even knowing it.

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Choosing wigs – knowing what matches the shape of your face | Hana-Sui Online Boutique 4 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

[...] How to Pick a Barber (artofmanliness.com) [...]

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Turn-On: Manning Up | Tools of Attraction 5 months ago on Wordpress

[...] Art of Manliness is a blog that covers, well, how to be a man. Everything from how to pick a barber and good sportsmanship to being decisive and apologizing for your mistakes is covered in this [...]

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Marc 5 months, 1 week ago on Wordpress

I used to go to a really good barber who did nice flat top haircuts for me, with white wall sides. Now my hair is really receded so I opt to shave it myself every couple of day with a razor. Keeps it neat a clean looking. I don’t believe in trying to pretend I am not loosing my hair and doing the dreaded comb-over.

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Les Chaps 5 months, 1 week ago on Wordpress

Whenever I have a new barber, I try to figure out as quickly as possible whether he was trained in the military or in prison. Both types will ask you what you want, but the military barber is not going to ask your opinion again, and you’ll get what he’s decided you are going to get. The prison barber is going to try to give you what you want, in case you are armed. Keep in mind, though , that he *is* armed, so don’t mess with him too much. ... See all content Hide content

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John Beeler 5 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

I’ve cut my own hair for 10 years with clippers – I know what I want to look like. But I miss the barber experience too. Went to one until he died about 15 years ago, an Italian immigrant whose shop was like stepping back in time before the ’60s changes. He even had one of those ’30s massagers you strap on your hand with the big motor on top. RIP Luca.

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Andrew 5 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

I’ve been fortunate to find three (!) actual barbershops as an adult; amazingly, one of these was located on my university campus (complete with old-school leather chairs and B&W television, and right across from a “salon”). My current barber has thirty years’ experience, and is a fixture on the city’s East Side, knows how I like my hair cut, and certainly does NOT just run the clippers over my head like some other places I’ve tried (for more money, too, I might add :\). Now, when I want to step Out On The Town, I’ll head down to the local haberdashery for the full-on treatment for $25, and get the hot towel, straight razor shave, etc., and it’s worth every penny. ... See all content Hide content

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Matt 5 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

Bruce: Where is Rita’s Barber Shop in Rockledge? I’ve been looking for a good barber since I’ve moved down here.

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Ben 5 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

This article really brought me back; I remember going to a wonderfull small town barber as a kid. I havent hought about that man is years. The shop was very smoky, this was way back before smoking in a public building was so frowned upon. The shop was decorated with stuffed fish and i remember a small bear with sunglases and a police hat on. This was a truely manly place. When i was about 13 i started going to the foo foo shops and the tarts mentioned above i have to admit was the primary motivating factor. I kept with them through highschool when i finally realised the bad cuts outweighed the flirty women. Now I cut my own hair but I do miss that old shop. ... See all content Hide content

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MIKEY 5 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

for the 7-8 years i was going to a very nice lady stylist who cut my hair very well just the way i liked it… but at the end of the day i was in after all a ladies hair salon no matter how you slice it… little old ladies getting perms, high school prom queens getting their hair done for the big dance… and around xmas time forget it… i could wait an hour for my appt that’s how far behind she could fall…. most of the bona fide barbers (few and far between) in my neighborhood on Long Island were mostly these skinny 90 year old Italian guys with shakey hands… you’d be lucky to get out of there with both ears and eyes intact! now in all places north carolina i’ve found a young barber… cuts my hair perfectly and shaves my neck with hot lather and a straight razor! two big plasma screens on the wall tuned into the sports channels with the volume turned low to keep it peaceful… the magazines are all “man oriented” not a ladies home journal in the bunch… no kids… and when i went to pay the first time… sorry no credit cards… cash or check only and the cash register is hand operated… like stepping back into a much better time! ... See all content Hide content

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A ARTE DA MASCULINIDADE | PIX 5 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

[...] COMO ESCOLHER O SEU BARBEIRO – Item muito importante na vida de um homem… [...]

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Larry Caragnano 5 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

As a just retired barber/stylist from The Mens Room I agree with all the above comments. If you find someone who cuts your hair the way you like it , stay with that person and if moving to a new city ask your barber if they know someone in the new city to refer you to, whether male or female. Chances are they do. Also a cut using the razor over comb system always results in a more controlable style . The idea is to never have to look like you need a cut or just have had a cut. ... See all content Hide content

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Paul 5 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

I just recently tried a real barber, and it was worth every penny ($20 each for cut and shave)

The guy has been cutting hair for decades, and really knew his stuff.

A tad shorter than I like on the cut, but the shave was perfect and the best I’ve ever had.

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Ric 5 months, 2 weeks ago on Wordpress

When I lived in Phoenix, I found the best barber shop ever called V’s. This was a great place that not only had the decor of a man’s barber shop, but gave an outstanding haircut and perfect straight-razor shaves. Unfortunately, I had to move not long after I found them.

Now I’m in central Missouri and trying to find a decent barber shop is less than easy. There is one that has horrible hours for someone who has a job, and finding a parking spot on Saturday, is insane. I have finally succumbed to going to Sport Clips. It is not bad, and pretty consistant.

I just took an extended trip to San Antonio and found a place called Rooster’s. Although on comparison it is not as good as V’s, it is definitely good. One of the more interesting parts is that as soon as you walk in, they offer you a beer. That is unique at least.

I think my biggest annoyance is that some states, or even local areas, do not allow straight razor shaves. Granted, I would not get one as often as a haircut, but when shaving the neck a straight-razor should be used too.

Without the straight razor, some actually use disposable razors, but others use a trimmer. The worst part about the timmer is that there are barbers that feel they need to put full body weight into it so that it will actually cuts the hair.

If that occurs, I will never return. ... See all content Hide content

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Todd Serveto 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I got so burned out on those “unisex salon” places that I’ll only go to them in an ABOSOLUTE emergency—and even then, I’d usually rather just do without a haircut until I can get in to the barber. My experience at those places has been pathetic. One place I went to, all the “stylists” had call-girl nick names (I.E. “Bubbles”, etc), and the one cutting my hair would talk to me in this sensuous, vampy voice–I’m a married man, and I’ve got my limits.

Here in Oklahoma, most of the “stylists” in those places got their license by going to the vo-tech while still in high school. I absolutely DESEST this barrage of stupid questions they are trained to ask–ostensibly in an effort to sound “with it” or something. They’ll be like “the last time you had your hair cut, did you get a scissors cut or a clipper cut”—I’m thinking, “HOW SHOULD I KNOW? JUST CUT MY HAIR!!!!” My hair is wavey and not the easiest to cut, and I’d almost always come out looking like Aunt Matilda got out a bowl and a pair of scissors and chopped my hair at the kitchen table.

I want to go to a clean barber shop that looks, smells, and feels like guys belong there. I want a barber who can make me look sharp, and I want a haircut that’s going to stay sharp-looking, even a week or so later–not one that makes my hair look uneven the first time I shampoo it or the next time I brush it. I also want a barber who acts glad to see me, and who remembers a few details about me so he can make friendly conversation when he sees me. I don’t want a barber who hurries.

And while I usually prefer to go to a man if I have my druthers, In all honesty, I have had a couple of good female barbers. But I can’t stand female barbers who, on one hand, try to flirt with me or act like a little tart, OR who go the other way and don’t say two sentences to a guy if they don’t think he’s cute and available.

Fortunately, here in my town there is a barber I’m happy with. But I’ve been “between barbers” before, and it’s a real pain. Thanks for a good article! ... See all content Hide content

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Frank 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I travel to New York City often and now schedule my trips around haircuts and shaves. I now exclusively go to a place in midtown called Truman’s (www.trumans-nyc.com). This place is top notch in every way and do everything right based on the criteria above. Not your average barber and well worth the time and money. I highly recommend it.

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mrmoisture 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Twitter

@corinnestruder http://bit.ly/3eqwgt

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Mark 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I have come to realize that nobody really leaves a shop with a bad haircut. The stylist (or whoever) would be out of business in no time if customers left the shop a mess. It usually takes two weeks to find out how poorly your hair has been cut. So I get my hair cut every two weeks or so, using a barber and paying $10 – 14. Twice a month at that rate is till cheaper than a foo-foo shop, and by the time I get trimmed again I know whether to go back. Of course sticking with a good barber once found is ideal. ... See all content Hide content

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Steve Doran Trail Boss 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

There is nothing like a barber cut, you can have a real conversation with the guy, he takes his time and the hot lather on your neck followed by a straight razor cut is the best.

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Long Hair | All Days Long 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

[...] How to Pick a Barber | The Art of Manliness By Brett & Kate McKay I've been keeping my hair long since I graduated high school, so finding a barber for me isn't really an option, and I find that a shame. I have this sinking feeling that even if I were to try and find a barber to get a good wet-shave, … The Art of Manliness – http://artofmanliness.com/ [...]

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Cameron A 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

Geat! I just recently found a wonderful barber but I didn’t go though any of these steps, most of the information I got was from people from work. I love the shop but it is no piece of cake, it’s about 2 hours for a haircut, and half of that is waiting for the barber. But, as long as I’m living in this area, I won’t be going anywhere else.

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jim 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I’ve never had my hair professionally cut. My mom would use the electric clippers, and now I do it. I keep it pretty short. Its a pain in the ass because my hair doesnt grow nicely, all different ways making it impossible to do anything neat with. So I end up needing to use hair gel as the only way to comb it neatly. I would like to possibly try a professional cut to give me something that looks good and is easier to maintain but I’m horribly shy about it. Never been to any sort of barber/stylist so have no idea what I’m looking to get. My hair is thin on the top and I’m not ready to shave it all off, I dont even think I have the head to pull that off anyway. So how can I go about just finding out what may work for me? Without sitting down for an actual cut and probably getting screwed over. ... See all content Hide content

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Torrey 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

Get a referral. I don’t really think how his hair is cut in a sign that the person is a good barber. Many barbers don’t trim their own hair. Find someone with a style that you’d like, and ask them who they have as a barber. Surefire way not to have someone experimenting on your scalp.

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Bruce Williamson 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

The unisex stylists are not for me anymore. Sure you can ask for a particular stylist or you can make an appointment for your favorite. But for my summer haircut, a simple buzz, the stylist is a bit pricey and overkill. So, I went to a barber shop in Rockledge PA called Rita’s barber shop. Rita is a Russian immigrant and she IS a barber.It was at Rita’s that I was re-introduced to the straight razor used to trim the edges. In Pennsylvania only barbers may use a razor or put an edge to the skin. Stylists cannot and must use an electric trimmer. I have since made the buzz my normal haircut. Rita charges $8 for a haircut and $8 for a shave! I usually give her $12 and feel like I am getting a bargain.

One thing not mentioned in the article is that most barber shops are not part of a chain. They are usually owned by the barber. Whenever I can I use locally owned businesses. ... See all content Hide content

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David 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

Great post. Although I don’t use a barber anymore (not enough hair on the ol’ brain basket), I do actual miss the ritual. When I was just a kid, my Dad always cut my hair. Then, one day my Grandpa took me to a real barber shop – like a real man. I still remember the smells, the other men, all the guy talk, the whole experience. I guess those good “manly feelings” and bonding stuck. So, find a good barber and if you have a young man around – introduce him to this manly ritual and get him started on the right track early. ... See all content Hide content

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Jack 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

Be careful about just walking into any place and trusting your hair to whomever is available. I once spent a week looking like Lloyd from Dumb and Dumber because I didn’t shop around more.

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Dan 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

It’s tough to find barbers who can take care of us long-haired gents. I had to swap my barber (who was fantastic in all other respects) for a woman’s stylist who could manage my shoulder-length curls… I miss the barbershop experience.

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Marcus 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I moved to Washington, DC 4 years ago, and for the first 6 months, bounced from bad haircut to bad haircut – as I found the best option for testing a barber, was to sit in his chair. I wish I head these guidelines then! But I’ve since found a great barber in a shop just a few blocks from home. She does a great job, knows what I want, and honestly gives the best cut I’ve had in my life. And though it’s pricey, I figure that it’s OK for me to treat myself to their whole routine (wash, shampoo, condition, hot towel for the face, toner for the face, cut, styling, and shoulder rub with that weird vibrating hand thing) once every a month or so.

I’d put them on the map, but I don’t have a google account – if someone else could throw it on, I’m sure it would be appreciated by future DC noobs.

The Grooming Lounge, DC

1745 L Street, NW

Washington, D.C. 20036

Phone: 202.466.8900 ... See all content Hide content

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Lee 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I have a feeling I’m going to be in the vast minority on this, but I’ve got to pipe my voice up anyway, just because I’m a stubborn cuss like that.

I’ve been keeping my hair long since I graduated high school, so finding a barber for me isn’t really an option, and I find that a shame. I have this sinking feeling that even if I were to try and find a barber to get a good wet-shave, they (or their other patrons) would judge me for choosing to keep my hair the length of the warrior’s of old rather than cutting it short. I feel that I keep my hair neat (it’s never not in a neat queue at the nape of my neck) but I still feel leery around a guy with scissors and clippers, and a poor opinion of “them dirty hippies.”

Feel free to agree or disagree with my position; I’d like to hear some of AoM’s readership’s comments on the manliness/unmanliness of keeping one’s hair long. ... See all content Hide content

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Murchada 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

You don’t pick your barber at my shop. One guy consistently gives bad haircuts and I dread when I walk in and he’s up to bat.

There is a shop in Boston that tries to look very old school (but isn’t – it’s kind of hip). The haircutsa are good but expensive. They do throw in a beer.

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Kevin 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

About ten years ago, I landed in the barber’s chair of a quiet, Bosnian war refugee at the local barber shop and, 25 minutes later, I had received one of the best haircuts of my life. As time went on, I realized this guy was good – in a shop with 6-8 barbers working at once, some of them would sit idle while “my” barber would have a handful of men (and even older women!) waiting for him to finish up with his current cut. Long story short – he eventually left that barber shop (which is less than a mile from my home) and started his own shop with his wife; that shop is about a 50-mile roundtrip for me now, but I gladly make the journey (and hand over a $20 for a $12 trim) for the best haircuts I’ve received in my life. ... See all content Hide content

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Dave 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

Shaun

I’m in the same boat.

I started shaving my head a couple of years back and it’s a 2minute ritual when I get in the shower now.

What I have done in the past, is to ask a barber if he (a she in a couple of cases – she knew what she was doing, I must say) could shave my head with a straight-razor.

I must actually go do that again, it’s quite a thrill.

Sorry, forgot to add great post! Can’t wait to see your next post! ... See all content Hide content

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BK 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

For an at-a-glance way of measuring how clean the place really is, look at the where they keep their combs — they should be in a glass tube that’s full of blue disinfectant. If not, have fun swapping filth with the greaser who just got out of the chair.

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Lando 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

Having a good barber who knows the contours of your noggin and how you like to have your hair cut is a definite plus, if you can find one.

I remember I moved to a new city a few years back, and I had to search for a new barber. Suffice it to say it took me nearly 2 1/2 years goinf through 1/2 dozen barbers before I found one that was both knowlegeable and experienced who could cut a decent head of hair.

I remembered the first time when he broke out his old fashioned switchblade razor to line the front of the edges of my hair after using his clippers then his scissors. I was like this man knows his profession well and knows you need more than one tool to do a good job. ... See all content Hide content

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Ammon 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I haven’t been to a barber since I was a kid. “Chuck” treated me like a man even though I was still in cub scouts and he gave a mean flat-top.

Back when I was still at university, my wife started doing my haircuts to (forgive the pun) cut back on costs. Several years later, she still does it. I’m always happy with the results–she’s good. But, I’ll always have fond memories of going to see Chuck with my dad, he’d been his barber when he was young, too! ... See all content Hide content

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Blake 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

Easily the worst part about moving to a new city is finding that new person to cut your hair.

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Playstead 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

Great post. I wish there were more real barbers around these days. I go to a new “barber” shop that is employed by all women, but cater exclusively to men. The leather chairs and flat screens are a nice touch, but it’s not the same.

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RitualMensGroom 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Twitter

How to Pick a Barber:

Image from Joe Leland Unfortunately, many men today are missing out on the benefits of ha.. http://bit.ly/FXc8E

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artofmanliness 5 months, 3 weeks ago on Twitter

How to Pick a Barber: http://artofmanliness.com/2Nlm

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