What clipper number should I ask my barber for?

Clipper guards go from #0.5 (very short) to #8 (longer). A #1–#2 is a short fade base, #3–#4 is a medium length on the sides. Tell your barber the number for the sides and roughly how much to keep on top.

Should I bring a photo to the barber?

Yes — a clear photo is the single best way to communicate a haircut. Bring one of the exact look you want, ideally on someone with similar hair type to yours.

How do I ask my barber for layers?

Say what the layers should do: ask to be layered on top to add height and volume, or to point-cut and texturise to remove weight from thick hair while keeping the length. Bring a photo of layered hair you like.

Barber Tips

How to Ask Your Barber for the Haircut You Actually Want

Q: How do I describe a haircut I want?

Name the type of cut (e.g. taper fade, textured crop), say how short the sides should be (clipper number), how much length to keep on top, and how you like to style it. A photo makes it foolproof.

Q: How do I tell my barber to keep my hair long?

Be specific instead of saying 'just a trim.' Say you're growing it out and to only take off the split ends (about half a centimetre), or to tidy the neckline and around the ears without touching the length on top.

Q: Can you ask a barber for recommendations?

Yes. Barbers cut hundreds of heads and can suggest what suits your face shape and hair type. It's normal to ask 'what would you do with my hair?' and to ask about styling products and upkeep between visits.

We've all been there: you sit in the chair, say "just a trim" or "the usual," and walk out with something that isn't quite right. The problem is rarely the barber — it's the brief. Here's exactly how to explain what you want so you get it every time.

1. Bring a photo — it's the best tool you have

Words are vague; a picture isn't. A clear photo of the exact look you want tells your barber more in two seconds than a paragraph of description. Choose one on a man with a similar hair type and face shape to yours, so the result is realistic. One or two angles is plenty.

2. Learn the clipper numbers

Barbers work in clipper guard sizes. Roughly:

#0.5–#1 — very short, near the skin (skin/low fade base)
#2–#3 — short, still tidy on the sides
#4–#5 — medium length on the sides
#6–#8 — longer, more blended

Telling your barber "a #2 on the sides, fading up" is far clearer than "short but not too short."

3. Describe the three key areas

The sides — how short, and whether you want a fade (gradual) or a taper (subtle) or one length.
The top — how much length to keep, in centimetres or "take off about a third."
The finish — how you style it day-to-day, so the barber cuts it to work for you.

4. Use the right words

A few terms that instantly communicate a look: taper fade (gradual blend), skin fade (down to bare skin), textured crop (short, choppy top), scissor cut on top (softer than clippers), square it off or round it off (the neckline shape).

5. Speak up during the cut

Don't wait until the end. If the sides look shorter than you wanted or you'd like more taken off top, say so while there's still hair to work with. A good barber wants the feedback.

How to ask your barber for layers

Layers add movement and take weight out of thick or flat hair. Don't just say "layers" — say what you want them to do. For volume on top, ask for layered on top to add height. To thin out heavy hair, ask your barber to point-cut or texturise rather than blunt-cut. If you want length kept but less bulk, say "keep the length, just take the weight out." A photo of layered hair you like seals it.

How to tell your barber to keep your hair long

If you're growing it out, the classic mistake is saying "just a trim" and losing more than you wanted. Be specific: "I'm growing it out — only take off the split ends, about half a centimetre," or "tidy the neckline and around the ears but don't touch the length on top." Naming the exact areas to leave alone is the trick. A good barber would rather you over-explain than guess.

Can you ask your barber for recommendations?

Absolutely — and you should. Barbers cut hundreds of heads and know what suits different face shapes and hair types. It's completely normal to sit down and say "what would you do with my hair?" or "what cut would suit my face shape?" Ask about styling products and how to maintain the cut between visits too. A short consultation at the start of the appointment is where the best cuts come from — and it's exactly why an unhurried, at-home barber has the edge over a rushed shop chair.

The advantage of a consistent barber

The real fix is having one barber who learns your hair over time — so you stop explaining and just show up. That's exactly what an at-home service gives you. Maison Cut sends the same barber to your door across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, starting every visit with a quick consultation so the cut matches your hair, face, and how you actually style it. Book once and you've got a barber who already knows what you like.

FAQ

What clipper number should I ask for?

#1–#2 for a short fade base, #3–#4 for medium sides. Give the number for the sides plus how much to keep on top.

Should I bring a photo?

Yes — a clear photo of the exact look, ideally on similar hair, is the best way to communicate a cut.

How do I describe a haircut I want?

Name the cut, give the clipper number for the sides, say how much length to keep on top, and how you style it. A photo makes it foolproof.

How do I ask for layers?

Say what they should do — layered on top for height, or point-cut/texturised to remove weight while keeping length. A photo helps.

How do I tell my barber to keep it long?

Skip "just a trim." Say you're growing it out — only take the split ends, or tidy the neckline and ears without touching the top length.

Can you ask a barber for recommendations?

Yes — ask "what would you do with my hair?" and about products and upkeep. That consultation is where the best cuts start.

Book a consultation haircut at home