Barber FAQ Zürich: how to get a haircut you actually like

Barber FAQ Zürich: how to get a haircut you actually like

If you’ve ever walked out thinking “it’s fine… I guess,” you’re not alone. Most haircut disappointments aren’t about skill, they’re about translation. You say “short on the sides,” your barber hears something different, and by the time the cape comes off it’s too late to rewind.

This post answers the most searched barber questions we see every week, from “what do I tell my barber?” to “fade vs taper” to tipping in Zürich. Save it, use it before your next appointment, and if you want help turning a reference into a cut that suits your hair and routine, start here: Our Services.

Barber FAQ Questions

What should I tell my barber to get the haircut I want

Start with a simple brief that gives your barber decisions, not guesses.

Say what you want to keep, not only what you want to remove. Most guys describe the sides and forget the top, then wonder why styling feels impossible.

Mention your daily routine in real minutes. If you style for two minutes before work, say it. If you blow dry, say it. If you never touch product, say it. Your barber will build the shape around the level of effort you actually live with.

Be clear about your “no” list. The fastest way to avoid regret is to name the one thing you don’t want. Too high on the sides, too tight at the temples, a visible part line, a squared neckline, anything. That one sentence saves a lot of back and forth.

If you want a Good Barbers style consultation that’s built around your hair type and schedule, book the right service here: The Good Classic Haircut or The Good Fade Haircut.

How do I tell my barber what I want without using barber terms

You don’t need perfect jargon. You need a clear target.

Bring one photo that matches your hair type, not just the vibe. Straight hair and curly hair behave differently even at the same length, so pick inspiration that’s realistic for your texture.

Then add one sentence that describes how you want it to feel after two weeks. Do you want it to still look sharp at meetings, or are you happy when it grows out softer and more relaxed. That tells your barber how tight to go and how to blend it.

If you want extra confidence before your visit, our guide covers common haircut choices and what to ask for: What haircut should you ask for.

Can I just show a picture to my barber

Yes, and it’s often the best move, as long as you frame it properly.

Tell your barber what you like about the photo. Is it the length on top, the softness around the ears, the neckline, the texture, the way it sits forward. If you only show a picture, your barber has to guess which detail matters to you.

Also tell your barber what you don’t want copied. Most reference photos include styling, lighting, and filters. Your haircut should be built to look good on an ordinary Tuesday, not only under perfect bathroom lighting.

If you want help choosing a style that fits your face and beard, this is a good place to start: Best haircut and beard for your face shape.

What haircut should I ask for if I want something low maintenance

Ask for a cut that grows out clean, not one that only looks perfect on day one.

A classic scissor cut with a gentle taper is one of the easiest styles to live with because it doesn’t punish you when your hair grows. A fade can still be low maintenance, but only if you choose the right height and don’t expect it to look “fresh faded” for weeks.

If you want the simplest option possible, a single length clipper cut can be the right choice when paired with a clean neckline and an honest plan for how often you’ll come back.

You can compare options on our service list and pick what matches your routine: View all services.

Taper vs fade: what is the difference

A taper keeps more length on the sides and back and tightens mainly around the edges, especially around the sideburns and neckline. It looks clean, professional, and usually grows out smoothly.

A fade removes more hair and blends down much shorter, creating a stronger contrast from short to long. Fades look very sharp, very quickly, and they also show growth sooner.

If you’re unsure, choose the result you want after two weeks. If you want it still neat with minimal effort, a taper is often your friend. If you want crisp and modern right away, go fade.

If you want examples and style ideas, see: What haircut should you ask for.

What is a skin fade

A skin fade blends all the way down to the skin at the bottom, then transitions up into longer hair. It’s the sharpest version of a fade and it’s popular for a reason, it looks clean and deliberate.

The trade off is upkeep. If you love that ultra fresh look, you’ll want to come in more often or accept that it softens quickly.

If you know you want a fade service, this is the one: The Good Fade Haircut.

How long does a fade haircut last

If you mean “how long does it look razor sharp,” usually not long. Most fades start looking softer as soon as hair grows, and that’s normal.

If you mean “how long until it looks messy,” that depends on the height of the fade, your growth rate, and how structured the top is. A fade with a slightly longer, textured top often looks good longer than a very tight fade paired with a very flat top.

If you want your fade to stay looking intentional for longer, ask for a grow out plan when you’re in the chair. That’s part of how we cut, we build shape that holds up after week one, not just on the walk out.

For timing, you can also read: How often should you get a haircut.

How often should men get a haircut

It depends on the style, not on a universal rule.

Very short cuts and crisp fades usually need more frequent visits if you want them looking sharp. Classic cuts can go longer because the edges don’t change as dramatically with growth. Medium length styles can look great for weeks when they’re shaped properly and you know how to style them.

If you want an easy starting point and a schedule you can actually follow, use our guide here: How often should you get a haircut.

Should I wash my hair before going to the barber

Show up with hair that’s clean enough to cut and not loaded with product.

If your hair is greasy or you’ve got heavy wax or spray in it, washing beforehand helps your barber see your natural movement and density. If your hair is reasonably clean, you’re fine.

At The Good Barbers, our haircut services include shampoo and finishing, so you don’t need to stress about arriving with freshly washed hair. You can double check what’s included on: Our Services.

Does a haircut include washing

Yes, our haircut services include washing and finishing, as listed in the service descriptions. If you’re comparing options or booking for the first time, the clearest overview is here: Our Services.

For booking details and what to expect, you can also use: Frequently Asked Questions.

What haircut suits my face shape

Face shape matters, but it’s not the only thing that matters.

Your hairline, your crown, your beard growth, and how your hair naturally falls often make a bigger difference than whether you’re “oval” or “square.” A good barber uses face shape as a guide, then adjusts the plan for your real features and your routine.

If you want a practical guide with real style pairings, start here: Best haircut and beard for your face shape.

Barber vs coiffeur in Zürich: what’s the difference

In Zürich, “coiffeur” often signals a broader salon style experience, while “barber” usually leans into men’s cuts, fades, beard work, and traditional grooming.

At The Good Barbers, we borrow the best of both: precision cutting, modern fades, strong beard work, and hospitality that feels effortless.

If you want the full breakdown, read: Barber vs Coiffeur in Zürich.

Beard trim vs beard contour vs traditional shave: what should I book

• Book a beard trim when you want overall shaping and length control, plus a clean finish that still looks natural as it grows.
• Book a beard contour when you like your length but want sharp lines, cleaner cheeks, a tighter neckline, and that just groomed look without taking much length off.
• Book a traditional shave when you want a close, smooth result with hot towel prep and a proper reset for your skin.

All three are on our menu here: Beard and shaving services.

How do I stop razor burn after shaving

Razor burn is usually a mix of sensitive skin, too much friction, and the wrong aftercare.

Ask your barber to keep the finish skin friendly. That means proper prep, a clean blade, and not chasing “ultra close” if your skin reacts badly.

After your service, avoid harsh alcohol heavy products. Keep the skin calm and hydrated, and don’t attack it with aggressive scrubbing the same day.

If you want barber approved aftercare, you can shop our products here: Online Shop. If you want tools and essentials, see: Barber utensils.

How much should you tip a barber in Zürich

In Switzerland, tipping is usually modest and optional. If you want to tip, rounding up or adding a small amount as a thank you is common, especially when you feel the service was excellent or your barber took extra time to get it exactly right.

If you’re ever unsure, keep it simple: tip when you genuinely want to, and don’t feel pressured when you don’t.

We also answer tipping and payment questions here: Frequently Asked Questions.

Can I walk in to a barbershop near me in Zürich

Walk ins can work, but appointments win when you have a specific time window, especially around lunch hours, after work, and Saturdays.

We welcome walk ins when we have space, and booking guarantees your slot. If you want the practical details, start with: Frequently Asked Questions.

If you’re choosing the closest shop, here are our two Zürich locations: Enge and Europaallee.

Where is The Good Barbers in Zürich

We’re in two locations, so you can choose what fits your day.

For directions and location details, use: Enge and Europaallee.

If you want to know who’s behind the chair, meet the team here: About.

What product should I use to style my hair after a haircut

Pick the product based on the finish you want, not on the trend.

If you want matte and texture, a clay or texture product often works best. If you want softer control and natural movement, a cream product can be easier. If you want a classic, cleaner look, a pomade can be the right move when applied properly.

We break down the difference here: Clay vs texture vs cream pomade. If you want to buy what we actually use in the shop, start here: Online Shop.

How do I book an appointment at The Good Barbers

The quickest path is to choose your service and location, then book from there. Start here: Our Services.

For booking rules, cancellations, walk ins, and timing, use: Frequently Asked Questions.

What if I still don’t know what haircut I want

That’s normal. You don’t need the name of a cut to get a good cut.

Bring one or two photos, describe your routine honestly, and give your barber boundaries. Say what you want to keep, how short is too short, and whether you want it to look sharp or relaxed as it grows.

If you want inspiration before you come in, browse our guides here: The Good Barbers Blog. When you’re ready, pick your service here: Our Services.

If you have a question you want answered in the next FAQ post, message us here: Contact Us.