Heading to your favourite barbershop is something most of us look forward to. You’ve got a chance to relax and enjoy the experience, but you also need to stick to the rules. Barbershop etiquette varies from shop to shop but some customs are only fair to stick to. Respecting your surroundings should be second nature and if you want your barbershop to be happy to have you, you need to play by the rules.
A Quick History of the Barbershop
The history of barbershops goes back thousands of years. In ancient civilisations such as Egypt and Greece, barbers were highly regarded and their shops served as social spaces for men to gather, talk, enjoy each other’s company, and exchange news. In medieval times, barbers were about more than just hair. Barbers even performed minor medical procedures including bloodletting and tooth extractions. Over time, as the demand for medical services waned and hospitals and medical professionals became more commonplace, barbershops became solely focused on grooming and personal care.
Fast forward to today, the barbershop remains essential in many men’s lives, combining grooming with social interaction. At Chaps & Co we like to marry the tradition of our trade with modern life, providing a relaxing space for grooming and conversion. Let’s explore some basic barbershop etiquette all customers should know.
1. Be on Time
Barbershop schedules are often tight, so arriving on time is essential. Being on time shows respect for your barber’s schedule and ensures you receive the full attention you need. Arriving late can rush your barber and potentially result in a less-than-perfect cut. While no one wants to be hurried, you leave your barber little option if you do not stick to your scheduled appointment. You may find you are even turned away depending on how late you arrive.
Sometimes you can’t help it if you’re running late, so make sure to let the shop know and they can advise whether you can still come in for your appointment or if you need to rearrange.
2. Know what you want
A good barber will help you choose the right style or cut, but you need to have some idea of what you’re after. It’s not helpful to turn up to the barber and have no clue what you’re looking for unless you’re willing to give your barber full creative freedom. Barbers work with all kinds of hair all day every day so can offer advice, but being indecisive is not great.
3. Wash your hair
We don’t mean directly before you turn up for your appointment but it’s nice to ensure your hair is clean before you arrive. Your barber may wash your hair again but at least they haven’t had to contend with your greasy locks. It’s only courteous to arrive clean and tidy for your appointment.
4. Don’t forget to tip
We’ve talked about tipping in depth previously, but it is a great sign of your appreciation. The time you spend with your barber is a little like a short-term contract where you’ll pay at the end. If they’ve done a great job and you’ve enjoyed the experience, it makes sense to add a tip to the fee. Tips are not expected but they have become a common courtesy especially if you’ve had a great experience. 10-15% is usually a fair amount to tip.
5. Share honest feedback
All business owners want a true picture of their business, and this means collecting honest feedback from their customers. If something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to speak up, politely, of course. Barbers appreciate constructive feedback, as it helps them improve their service and they equally love a good boost so if you’ve had a great time, say so!
6. Exercise patience
A good haircut can take time to perfect, not all styles can be done in 10-15 minutes so be patient and you’ll receive the best possible service. Rushing your barber won’t lead to the desired result. If you’re on a tight schedule, it’s best to inform your barber in advance so they can accommodate your needs without compromising quality.
7. Read the room, respect the culture
Every barbershop has its personality and has been designed to meet the needs of its customers, with its owner’s take. Some spaces may encourage friendly conversation, while others maintain a quieter, more professional setting. You’ll soon get a feel for the place and decide whether it’s right for you.
Respecting and following basic barber etiquette guarantees a good experience every time. Our barbers love the work they do and love welcoming in customers from all walks of life, ready to embrace the Chaps & Co barbershop culture.
Heading to your favourite barbershop is something most of us look forward to. You’ve got a chance to relax and enjoy the experience, but you also need to stick to the rules. Barbershop etiquette varies from shop to shop but some customs are only fair to stick to. Respecting your surroundings should be second nature and if you want your barbershop to be happy to have you, you need to play by the rules.
A Quick History of the Barbershop
The history of barbershops goes back thousands of years. In ancient civilisations such as Egypt and Greece, barbers were highly regarded and their shops served as social spaces for men to gather, talk, enjoy each other’s company, and exchange news. In medieval times, barbers were about more than just hair. Barbers even performed minor medical procedures including bloodletting and tooth extractions. Over time, as the demand for medical services waned and hospitals and medical professionals became more commonplace, barbershops became solely focused on grooming and personal care.
Fast forward to today, the barbershop remains essential in many men’s lives, combining grooming with social interaction. At Chaps & Co we like to marry the tradition of our trade with modern life, providing a relaxing space for grooming and conversion. Let’s explore some basic barbershop etiquette all customers should know.
1. Be on Time
Barbershop schedules are often tight, so arriving on time is essential. Being on time shows respect for your barber’s schedule and ensures you receive the full attention you need. Arriving late can rush your barber and potentially result in a less-than-perfect cut. While no one wants to be hurried, you leave your barber little option if you do not stick to your scheduled appointment. You may find you are even turned away depending on how late you arrive.
Sometimes you can’t help it if you’re running late, so make sure to let the shop know and they can advise whether you can still come in for your appointment or if you need to rearrange.
2. Know what you want
A good barber will help you choose the right style or cut, but you need to have some idea of what you’re after. It’s not helpful to turn up to the barber and have no clue what you’re looking for unless you’re willing to give your barber full creative freedom. Barbers work with all kinds of hair all day every day so can offer advice, but being indecisive is not great.
3. Wash your hair
We don’t mean directly before you turn up for your appointment but it’s nice to ensure your hair is clean before you arrive. Your barber may wash your hair again but at least they haven’t had to contend with your greasy locks. It’s only courteous to arrive clean and tidy for your appointment.
4. Don’t forget to tip
We’ve talked about tipping in depth previously, but it is a great sign of your appreciation. The time you spend with your barber is a little like a short-term contract where you’ll pay at the end. If they’ve done a great job and you’ve enjoyed the experience, it makes sense to add a tip to the fee. Tips are not expected but they have become a common courtesy especially if you’ve had a great experience. 10-15% is usually a fair amount to tip.
5. Share honest feedback
All business owners want a true picture of their business, and this means collecting honest feedback from their customers. If something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to speak up, politely, of course. Barbers appreciate constructive feedback, as it helps them improve their service and they equally love a good boost so if you’ve had a great time, say so!
6. Exercise patience
A good haircut can take time to perfect, not all styles can be done in 10-15 minutes so be patient and you’ll receive the best possible service. Rushing your barber won’t lead to the desired result. If you’re on a tight schedule, it’s best to inform your barber in advance so they can accommodate your needs without compromising quality.
7. Read the room, respect the culture
Every barbershop has its personality and has been designed to meet the needs of its customers, with its owner’s take. Some spaces may encourage friendly conversation, while others maintain a quieter, more professional setting. You’ll soon get a feel for the place and decide whether it’s right for you.
Respecting and following basic barber etiquette guarantees a good experience every time. Our barbers love the work they do and love welcoming in customers from all walks of life, ready to embrace the Chaps & Co barbershop culture.
