lisa5•22d ago

I was in a barber shop in Cincinnati that had a 'no phone' rule for clients in the chair

The sign said it was to help focus on the cut and make conversation easier. I watched a guy get a fade and he just stared at the wall for 20 minutes. On one hand, it seems like it could make for a better haircut and a real chat. On the other, some people might just want to zone out and relax. What's the general take on a rule like that in your shops?

4 comments

4 Comments

masonbell22d agoMost Upvoted

Honestly, that's a tough one. I get the barber wanting to focus, but what about the client's comfort? Is the point of the rule to guarantee a perfect haircut, or is it more about forcing a social experience the customer might not even want? That guy staring at the wall says it all. What happens if someone is just painfully shy or had a rough day and needs to disconnect? Do they get a worse cut for not playing along?

brookeross21d ago

That's a good point from @masonbell about shy folks. My barber just asks if I want to chat or chill.

susan_mason13d ago

Ever just say you're tired and need a quiet one? I tried that last week, just mumbled something about a long day. My guy just nodded, put on some music, and gave me one of the best cuts I've had.

vera_campbell13d ago

Tell your barber you prefer a quiet cut at the start. I just say "I'm gonna zone out today, thanks." It sets the tone and they can focus on the work. In my experience, they appreciate the clear signal and it never affects the quality.