Haircuts abroad: finding a barber or hairdresser

At home you probably have a barber or salon who knows exactly what you like. In a new city you are starting from scratch, often with hair that local stylists see less often. A little preparation avoids a bad cut, a big bill and hygiene risks.

Finding the right place

• Ask people whose hair is similar to yours where they go: classmates, older students, your cultural or faith society. This is usually more reliable than online star ratings alone.
• Look at recent photos the barber or salon posts, and search reviews for your hair type (for example 'curly', 'afro', 'fade', 'thick hair').
• Hair texture matters. A barber who is excellent at straight hair may have little experience with curly or coily hair, and the reverse. It is fine to ask, 'Do you often cut hair like mine?'
• If you prefer a stylist of the same gender, or a private area, for religious or personal reasons, ask when you book. Many places can arrange it.
• Book a simple cut or trim first. Save big changes, colour or chemical treatments for when you trust the place.

What to say in the chair

• Bring two or three photos of the result you want, from the front, side and back if possible.
• Say what you do not want as well as what you do: 'Keep the length past my shoulders', 'not too short on top', 'no clippers on the sides'.
• Use specific words where you know them: clipper guard numbers for fades and short cuts, or centimetres for length.
• Script for a beard or line-up: 'Please keep the beard shape, just tidy the cheek line and neckline, and use a fresh blade.'
• If something looks wrong part way through, say so calmly straight away: 'Could we stop there? I would like to keep a bit more length.' It is much easier to fix early.

Hygiene and safety

• Tools that touch skin should be cleaned between customers. Watch whether combs, clippers and capes are cleaned or changed.
• It is reasonable to ask for a new razor blade for a shave or line-up. The NHS lists razors as items that can carry blood and spread hepatitis C.
• The NHS also warns that unsterilised equipment can spread hepatitis C and recommends licensed premises, so use licensed, reputable salons, especially for anything that breaks the skin.
• Have relaxers and dyes done by a professional (Johns Hopkins Medicine), and tell them about any past reaction. Ask for a patch test if you have not used a product before.
• For close shaves, if you get razor bumps, ask for a slightly longer finish or a clipper finish not on the closest setting; Mayo Clinic says close shaving and tightly curled hair increase ingrown hairs.

Price, tipping and timing

• Ask the full price before you start, including extras such as washing, beard work, blow-drying or styling.
• Tipping customs differ by country (see the Culture abroad module). If you are unsure, ask a local friend what is normal.
• Book ahead before busy times such as graduations, university balls and Eid, and learn how far ahead your barber's diary fills.
• Between cuts, keep your hair tidy yourself: clean your neckline, trim a fringe carefully or use a small clipper, but leave anything complicated to a professional.

If it goes wrong

• Most bad haircuts grow out in a few weeks. Do not try to fix a big mistake yourself with kitchen scissors.
• If the result is clearly not what you agreed, say so politely before you pay: 'This is shorter than we discussed. Is there anything you can do?'
• If a product causes burning, itching or a rash, rinse it off, tell the salon and seek medical advice if it is severe.
• Leave honest, fair reviews. They help the next international student find the right place.