Haircut Consultation Tips: How to Get the Style You Want

Trying a new barber or stylist can feel like a big step. Maybe you’re growing your hair out, ready for a fresh fade, or finally making the change you’ve been thinking about for months. Whatever brings you through our doors, we’re here to make your first visit easy, comfortable, and personalized.

At Floyd’s, every great haircut starts with a conversation. A little preparation goes a long way in helping your stylist create a look that fits your hair, your lifestyle, and your personality.

If you’re curious about the full Floyd’s experience from check-in to a hot-lather neck shave, be sure to read our What to Expect at Floyd’s Barbershop guide.

Know What You Want (Even If You’re Not Sure Yet)

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to know the name of every haircut or barber technique. That’s what we’re here for.

Instead, think about a few simple questions before your appointment:

Do you like your hair short, medium, or longer?
How much time do you want to spend styling it each morning?
Are you looking for something polished for work, low-maintenance, bold, or trend-forward?
What do you love, and not love, about your current haircut?

The more you can describe how you want your hair to look and feel, the easier it is for your Floyd’s expert to recommend the right cut.

Popular Haircut Styles to Consider

Fade Haircut

One of the most requested men’s haircuts today. Hair gradually blends from short on the sides into longer hair on top.

Best for: Most face shapes, straight, wavy, or curly hair, and anyone wanting a clean, modern style.

Taper Haircut

A more subtle version of a fade that keeps extra length around the temples and neckline.

Best for: Professional settings and clients wanting a classic, versatile look.

Undercut

Short sides with noticeable length left on top for maximum contrast.

Best for: Thick hair and clients who enjoy styling their hair.

Textured Crop

Short, textured layers that create natural movement with minimal effort.

Best for: Fine to medium hair and anyone looking for an easy, everyday style.

Classic Scissor Cut

A timeless cut created primarily with scissors for a softer, natural finish.

Best for: Medium to longer hairstyles and clients wanting flexibility.

Not sure which one fits you? Your Floyd’s barber or stylist will help you choose a haircut that complements your face shape, hair texture, and daily routine.

Bring Visual Inspiration—It Makes a Huge Difference

A picture really is worth a thousand words.

Reference photos help eliminate guesswork and make it easier for your stylist to understand exactly what you’re envisioning.

For the best consultation:

Save 2–3 inspiration photos
Show the front, sides, and back whenever possible
Include examples of styles you don’t like
Keep expectations realistic based on your natural hair texture, density, and growth pattern

Remember: the goal isn’t to copy someone else’s haircut exactly, it’s to create the version that works best for you.

Learn a Few Hair Terms (No Quiz Required)

You don’t need to speak barber or stylist fluently, but knowing a few common terms can make your consultation even smoother.

Fade

A fade is a haircut where hair gradually blends shorter toward the neckline and around the ears.

Taper

A taper is a softer, more gradual shortening around the neckline and sideburns while maintaining more length than a fade.

Blend

Blending is the seamless transition between different hair lengths, creating a smooth and natural appearance.

Texture

Texture refers to cutting techniques that add movement, reduce bulk, and create a more natural-looking hairstyle.

Layers

Layers are different lengths cut throughout the hair to add shape, movement, and volume.

Bulk

Bulk refers to excess weight or thickness in the hair that can be removed without significantly changing the overall length.

Hard Part

A hard part is a shaved line that creates a defined side part for a clean, polished look.

Line-Up (Edge-Up)

A line-up, also known as an edge-up, sharpens and cleans the natural hairline around the forehead, temples, and beard for a crisp finish.

Pro Tip: Don’t worry if you don’t know the terminology. Describe the look you’re after, and your Floyd’s expert will guide you through the rest.

What to Bring (and What to Do Before You Arrive)

A little preparation helps us make the most of your appointment.

Bring:

A few haircut inspiration photos
An idea of how you normally style your hair
Questions about maintenance or styling

Before Your Appointment:

Arrive with clean, dry hair if possible
Allow enough time so you don’t feel rushed
Think about how often you’re willing to come in for maintenance
Be open to recommendations from your stylist

Common First-Time Haircut Mistakes to Avoid

The best haircut happens when you and your stylist work together.

Here are a few things to avoid:

“Just clean it up.”

This can mean something completely different to every person. Be specific about what you’d like to keep and what you’d like to change.

Staying Quiet

If something feels too short, or not short enough, say something during the appointment. We’d rather make small adjustments than have you leave wishing you’d spoken up.

Choosing a Style That Doesn’t Fit Your Lifestyle

Some hairstyles require daily styling or more frequent maintenance. We’ll help you find something that looks great and fits your routine.

Expecting a Complete Transformation in One Visit

Big changes sometimes happen in stages, especially when growing out length or correcting previous cuts.

Skipping Product Recommendations

Your haircut doesn’t end when you leave the chair. The right shampoo, styling product, or grooming routine helps recreate your look every day at home. The easiest way is to ask your Floyd's barber or stylist. Our team works with all hair types. We can recommend products based on your hair texture and length. We also consider your styling routine and personal preferences.

A personalized recommendation can help you get better results. It can also help you avoid products that are too heavy or too light.

Trust the Consultation Process

One of the biggest differences at Floyd’s is that we don’t just cut hair, we consult, collaborate, and customize.

Every appointment begins with a conversation.

Your stylist will:

Listen to your goals
Ask questions about your routine
Evaluate your hair type and growth pattern
Recommend styles that fit your lifestyle
Explain how to maintain your new look

It’s not a transaction.

It’s a collaboration designed around you.

What to Expect After Your Haircut

The perfect haircut doesn’t always happen in one appointment, and that’s completely normal.

As your stylist gets to know your hair and your preferences, each visit becomes even more personalized.

Keep in mind:

Hair behaves differently once you style it at home.
Your haircut may settle even better after the first wash.
Small refinements over future visits create consistently great results.

The more your Floyd’s barber or stylist learns about your goals, the better each haircut becomes.

Ready for Your First Floyd’s Experience?

You don’t need to know every haircut trend or barber term before sitting in the chair.

Just bring a few ideas, be open to the consultation, and let our expert team do what they do best.

From classic cuts and modern fades to personalized style recommendations, Floyd’s is here to help you look and feel your best.

Ready to level up your look? Find a Floyd's 99 Barbershop near you and book your first appointment today.

And if you’d like to learn more about the full experience, check out our What to Expect at Floyd’s Barbershop guide before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wash my hair before a haircut?

If possible, yes. Clean, dry hair helps your stylist better evaluate your natural texture, growth pattern, and length. If that’s not possible, don’t worry—we’ll work with you.

How do I know what haircut suits me?

Your Floyd’s stylist will recommend options based on your face shape, hair texture, lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and styling goals. You don’t need to have all the answers before you arrive.

Can I show my barber a picture?

Absolutely. Bringing reference photos is one of the best ways to communicate the style you’re after. Showing a few examples—including styles you don’t like—helps create the best results.

Need a Little Inspiration? Explore the Floyd's Barbershop Look Book

Step into a visual journey that defines the essence of Floyd's Barbershop, where classic barbering meets modern grooming. Our Look Book isn't just a collection of haircuts; it's a showcase of bold styles, precision fades, textured cuts, and expert beard grooming, all crafted by our skilled barbers and stylists.