There are plenty of people paying way too much for a bad haircut and, of course, there are plenty doing the opposite. The trick is, knowing what to do to get the most out of your barber or stylist. Sometimes, the results you see may have a lot more to do with you than they do with them.

If you don’t know… you better ask somebody.

Finding the salon or barber that works best for you is not an easy task. Whether you are new to an area or just looking to make a change, it is wise to ask someone you trust (preferably someone with a nice looking haircut) where they go and if they recommend you give it a try. Most times, people who are happy with their stylist will not hesitate to offer up a name. This can be the most important thing you do in your quest for a great cut.

For men, asking a buddy where they get their haircut may not be the most comfortable conversation starter. There are much more embarrassing things to talk about (like that time in Vegas when… you know) but if you approach it the right way it will be completely comfortable. Try mentioning that you have to get your haircut this week but the person you used to go to isn’t there anymore. Then ask your friend where they go. It’s not that bad… really. If that won’t work, just get a girl that you are friends with to ask him. Not only will it be flattering, but also women love to talk about that kind of thing anyway.

Sit and spin.

Now that you made your appointment you need to know what to do when you are in the chair. This is crunch time. You have to communicate with the person holding the scissors or you are going to end up with what they want to give you. In your case, this may or may not be so bad but if you have an idea about how you want to look, this is the time to let them know.

If you are going to just keep your style the same, you can tell them to just “clean it up? and this should avoid any major damage. If you are wanting more than that, be very specific about what you want. The more information you give them, the more comfortable they will be working on you and this will reflect in the cut. Be careful though, being specific doesn’t mean, “tell them how to do their job?. You need to approach it from the standpoint of how you want your hair to end up and let them figure out how that will happen. After all, they are the professionals.

Change it up.

A good stylist will be able to look at you and have an idea of what hairstyle might look good so seek their opinion. If you are comfortable in their abilities, you can ask them for some ideas that may help you decide what you want.

Also, if there is a way for you to bring in a picture of someone sporting the same kind of style you would like, this can help. The stylist will have something to work with and will be able to adapt that style for the shape of your head. If they say it may be tough for certain reasons, believe them. Everyone has different hair and a different head so sometimes that Mission Impossible 2 look may actually be just that – mission impossible. Be open and let your stylist be creative. They will appreciate the trust and will do everything they can to make you look good.

Giving the grease.

When you get finished with a haircut, you have to remember that the person that just worked their magic on you doesn’t do it for free. Stylists make a lot of their income from gratuities and you have to be prepared to pay up. Not only will they appreciate it, they will remember you more next time. Better yet, they won’t remember you for not tipping. Tipping is similar to restaurants but leans more toward the generous side. 20% is a good rule of thumb but if they were doing something special or took a little more time with you, don’t hesitate to give them 25-30%. Think of it as an investment with the payoff being you looking sharp.

Stick to it.

When you find the right person to cut your hair, stay loyal. After you see them enough, they will get to know you and will remember your preferences. Build a rapport with them and you will be pleased with the results you get and they will certainly take good care of you.

Also, plan your next appointment while you are in there. If you are like most men, you should probably be getting your hair cut every two to three weeks and good stylists tend to be booked up in advance. This will save you from having to deal with another week of scraggly hair when you wait until the last minute to try to get an appointment. Most salons will call you the day before your appointment to remind you about it, but try not to rely on that.