Today’s proliferation of metrosexuals, or straight men who are concerned about their looks and wouldn’t hesitate to pay top dollar to improve them, has posed a new problem for men all over the world – should they now choose a hair stylist over the traditional barber? Is one really better than the other?

Generally, a stylist would have more months of training than the ol’ reliable barber, but these days many carry licenses in both fields, and that, of course, is most ideal. Stylists also charge considerably higher fees due to more extensive training or extra services rendered.

When you’re new in town, you’ll most probably miss your barber or stylist the most. This is because you have created a bond with that person through the years, and you used to just walk into the shop and say “the usual” and everything will be perfect.

Now that you’re a stranger in a strange land, the best way to choose a barber or stylist at this new place is to observe the locals who have good-looking cuts and ask them where they have their hair cut. Sometimes it’s also advisable to be open to the possibility of getting a female stylist as they know which cuts women favor.

Once you’ve found one, ask for a safe trim. Don’t jump into a complicated hair style or hair treatment at once since you’re still testing the waters, so to speak. In addition, if you want to know more about your service provider, don’t hesitate to ask.

You can try to find about how many years of experience he’s had cutting hair, what kind of training he has, who his clients are, and whatever else you feel you need to know about the barber or stylist before you see him on a regular basis.

If you’re not well versed about hairstyles or the terminologies thereof, it’s safer to show him a photo of the cut you want instead of attempting to describe it. You can also ask him for his opinion on the matter. This is because some stylists are too kind to tell a client that a certain cut may not actually be becoming.

Are you a sucker for extra service? Then find a barber or a stylist that would go the extra mile. If you’d notice, some give the simple haircut while others throw in a little neck and shoulder massage, clean up the fuzz on your nape, or get rid of that unibrow as well.

Now, if he seems to have missed the target on your first haircut, don’t scratch him off your list right away. Everyone deserves another chance – perhaps you’ve just described what you liked without showing him a photo or you gave him the liberty of deciding for you. Either way, be cautious next time by being more specific. Remember, it takes some time for people to be on the same wavelength.

Lastly, if the barber or stylist is obviously going the wrong direction, don’t be afraid to cut the session short and say that it’s best to postpone the session. Speaking up is definitely better than clamming up and regretting it afterwards.