Shop talk

If you’ve been coming to the shop for a while you’ve probably got your cut memorized: “5 on top, 3 on the sides, and make it work together.” Maybe your barber knows your cut too, and he just asks if you want your usual.

But if you are new to the shop, or new to barbers in general, learning some basic barbering terms will go a long way towards getting the haircut you want every single time. 

Here are a few to get you started:

• Taper: When hair gradually changes length as it goes from the side of your head down to the end of your hairline. 

• Square or round neckline: exactly as it sounds like. We usually do rounded necklines, but if you want a square one let us know. 

• Clipper numbers: The higher the number, the less hair the clippers will take off. The scale runs from 1-8 and denotes eighths of an inch per number. So, a 2 will take off a quarter inch, a 5 will take off five-eighths of an inch, and so on. If you are not sure what number to start with — ask your barber! Our shop motto is “you can’t put it back on, but you can always take more off.” 

• Fade: A tighter taper that transitions from longer to shorter in less space. We don’t do fades, so please do not ask for one. 

• High and tight: Short on the top and shaved down the sides and back. 

• Ivy League: One of the most old school cuts, right up there with a buzz cut. Hair is kept short but just long enough to part. 

• Hippie Killer: A shop speciality. You know the long mops that guys grew out during Covid? When it’s time for those — or any long hair — to come off, we call it a Hippie Killer.

Every cut comes with an old fashioned straight razor neck shave, complete with a hot towel. 

Knowing these terms will help you tell your barber exactly what you want and you can leave looking your best.