How to Choose the Right Barber

A good barber is worth their weight in gold. They know your preferences without asking, can fix that cowlick nobody else understands, and somehow always make you feel better when you leave than when you walked in. But how do you find that perfect match?

Look at Their Work

Before booking, do your research. Most barbers showcase their work on Instagram or their shop's website. Look for:

• Variety: Can they do different styles, or is everything the same?
• Clean lines: Are their fades smooth? Are edges sharp?
• Hair types similar to yours: Do they have experience with your texture and style?
• Consistency: Does their work look good across multiple posts, not just one lucky shot?

Photos don't tell the whole story, but they give you a good sense of skill level and style.

Check Reviews

Reviews matter—but read them critically. Look for patterns rather than one-off complaints. Things to watch for:

• Do people mention the same barber by name positively?
• Are there comments about the atmosphere and customer service?
• Do reviewers mention returning multiple times?
• Are there detailed reviews or just generic "great cut" comments?

A shop with consistently strong reviews across platforms (Google, Yelp, Booksy) is usually a safe bet.

Visit the Shop

If possible, stop by before booking. You can learn a lot in five minutes:

The Atmosphere

Is it clean? Does the vibe match what you're looking for? Some people want a quiet, focused environment; others want conversation and energy. Neither is wrong—it's about what works for you.

How Barbers Treat Clients

Watch a barber with their current client. Are they engaged? Taking their time? Rushing through? How they treat others is how they'll treat you.

The Clientele

Do the people leaving look happy with their cuts? Do you see hair types and styles similar to what you want?

Communication Is Key

The best barber-client relationships are built on clear communication. During your first visit:

Bring References

Photos help immensely. Showing what you want is clearer than describing it. Bring a few options—your barber can tell you what's realistic for your hair type.

Be Honest About Your Hair

Tell them about any cowlicks, thin spots, or problem areas. Mention if you've had bad experiences with certain styles. The more information they have, the better they can serve you.

Listen to Their Advice

Good barbers will tell you if something won't work for your hair or face shape. They're not being difficult—they're trying to help you look your best. Trust their expertise.

Speak Up

If something isn't right during the cut, say so. It's much easier to fix mid-cut than after. A good barber will appreciate the feedback, not be offended by it.

Give It Time

Don't judge entirely on the first cut. It takes a few visits for a barber to really learn your hair and preferences. If the first cut is good but not perfect, give them another chance. Relationships take time to build.

That said, trust your gut. If the experience was genuinely bad—poor communication, rushed work, dismissive attitude—it's okay to try someone else.

Building the Relationship

Once you find a barber you like, invest in the relationship:

• Be consistent: Regular appointments help them track your hair growth and preferences.
• Book with the same person: Don't just book with whoever's available—request your barber specifically.
• Show up on time: Respect their schedule and they'll respect your time.
• Tip appropriately: Good work deserves recognition. Standard is 15-20%, more for exceptional service.
• Refer friends: Word of mouth matters. If your barber does great work, spread the word.

Red Flags to Watch For

Some signs a barber might not be right for you:

• They don't listen to what you want
• They rush through the cut without attention to detail
• The shop is consistently unclean
• They're defensive about feedback
• They push services or products aggressively
• They're frequently late or cancel appointments

Your barber should make you feel valued and heard. If that's not happening, keep looking.

What Makes Traditions Pilsen Different

At Traditions Pilsen, we believe the barber-client relationship is everything. Our team of eight barbers brings diverse skills and personalities—there's someone here for everyone. We take the time to consult with new clients, understand what you want, and deliver consistent results.

Most of our barbers grew up right here on Chicago's South Side. We're not just cutting hair—we're building community. When you sit in our chair, you're not just another appointment. You're a neighbor, and we treat you that way.

Come see us. Let's find your perfect barber.