HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR BARBER

2 August, 2021

Getting through to your barber is not always easy, as you’ll probably not know the technical jargon needed to emphasise precisely what you want. So we decided to put together a guide to help you let your barber know exactly what you want.

There are several easy steps you can take to communicate better, so here they are.

When was your hair last cut? This question is important and most decent barbers will always ask you this. Here they can get an idea of how short your hair was last time you had it cut. If they don’t ask, then make sure you tell them. Most peoples’ hair grows at roughly the same rate, so it will give them a good indication of how much hair should be taken off depending on what you want, and what you’re used to.

Always show a photo example to your barber, as there’s no better way to get the hairstyle you want than showing a photo of a cut that at least, looks similar.

It’s always best to choose a photo where the model in the picture has a similar hair texture to your own. No point turning up with a photo of Brad Pitt if your hair texture is closer to Justin Timberlake (he has much curlier hair).

The barber can then advise you on how you can get a look closest to the style you’ve shown him in the photo, and you can ask him to modify certain details, such as, keeping it slightly longer over the ears, or longer at the front, etc.

There are few key barbering words you can learn such as ‘tapered at the neck’, or ‘square neck’ (though we wouldn’t generally recommend a square neck). Nice and ‘textured’. This phrase will make sure you communicate with your barber that you would like to be able to rough up your hair and that you would like your barber to take out the weight from the ends.

‘Blended’ is a term you’ll probably be familiar with, and will distinguish whether or not you want something quite classic or not, or perhaps more extreme, through a disconnection.

Know your grades, as barbers can tell a lot by the clipper grades that a client previously has had. So, if you’re generally a grade 3 man, the barber will tell a lot by this.

Mention your profession. If you’re a high-flying barrister, then a rough cut on top that is disconnected from the sides, probably isn’t what you’re after. Whereas an art student is probably more at liberty to try new things and go more in the direction of extreme styles.

Chin up, son. Speak clear! Without being patronising, it really will be at your benefit to speak clearly and precisely to your barber. And don’t worry, we get it, it can be intimidating going to your barber and not really knowing how to get your point across.

Avoid using terms such as ‘sort of like this’, ‘sort of like that’. This is where classic miscommunication can occur. Rather than say ‘I want it left kind of long’, what you might want to say is that you want a mid length cut. Which brings us onto another good point.

Learn the length categories, which is pretty simple and breaks down into three:

Short, mid length, and long. You can mix up these terms pretty fluidly. So if we sum this up into a dialogue between barber and client, it should go something like this, from your part.

Example 1: “So, I last had my hair cut about six weeks ago. What I want this time is a nice short haircut, similar to last time, perhaps left a touch longer on top, nice and textured, tapered out at the neck.”

Example 2. “I had my hair cut last about 10 weeks ago as I’m trying to grow it. Here’s a picture of how I want it to be. [show picture]. Obviously no clippers as I want it to be short to mid-length and to grow this fringe out, so overall a natural finish using my natural hair texture so it’s easy to manage.”

Check that your barber understood – they’ll often reiterate what you’ve said – and bingo! No confusion, and you’ll leave with the cut and style that you were looking for.

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TEAM PLAYERS

Early October saw two members of our Jacks Art Crew jumping up on stage in front of a few hundred highly critical barbers from around the world to showcase the excellent work coming out of our stores. Did our guys flinch as they clippered and snipped? Of course not; we are all professionals here.

T's & C's

Our Returns Policy

We will only accept returns if the goods are unopened, unused and are in a resalable condition. By this we mean that all packaging and or cellophane wrapping and tamper resistant seals must be intact.

If this is not the case then the item cannot be returned. If the goods are faulty or damaged please contact us on customerservices@jacksoflondon.co.uk or 01428 717479 and we will advise you on the next step.

Customers would bear the full cost of returning the goods. Any damaged or defective items would be replaced without charge and the cost of return postage refunded. Please keep proof of postage. Jacks of London will replace any faulty items with the same product, however if the product is no longer available, will refund the original card used to make the purchase. Our returns policy is valid for 28 days from receipt of goods.

Credit card refunds would be to the card used for the original purchase. Allow at least 2 billing cycles for your credit to appear on your card statement.

Please wrap your return products in the same packaging in which you received it and enclose a brief explanatory note including your name, order no and reason for return. Return to: Returns Department, Jacks of London, Derwen, Star Hill, Churt, GU10 2HS United Kingdom

Shipping policy

We will dispatch your order on the day of receipt if we receive your order before our 2pm cut off time on weekdays, and if we have the order in stock. Weekend orders will ship on the following Monday unless it is a Bank Holiday.

If we do not have your order in stock, we will contact you by e-mail or telephone. We will inform you when we expect that part of the order to arrive and you will be given the opportunity to cancel that part of the order. Alternatively we may send your order in more than one package if some items are not in stock; however we will only charge you one postage fee.

Jacks of London uses Royal Mail as its shipping company. Please allow a total delivery time of 3-5 business days for UK addresses (although items are likely to arrive sooner) for all Royal Mail First Class packages.

For Next Day Delivery packages Jacks of London uses Royal Mail’s Next Day Service. Delivery is guaranteed next business day before 5:30PM. Your valid order must be with us before 2pm to guarantee dispatch on the day of your order.

At this time Jacks of London are only able to deliver to addresses within the UK and Ireland.

Getting in touch

If you have an issue with your order, a particular product, delivery or simply wish to get some advice on our product range then please get in touch with us in one of the following ways -

Post

Jacks of London
Derwen
Star Hill
Churt
Farnham
GU10 2HS

Email: customerservices@jacksoflondon.co.uk

Telephone: 01428 717 479

Our hours are 9am to 5pm

You can also visit our main Jacks of London website at www.jacksoflondon.co.uk which provides further information or our social media pages as per below -

Twitter - @jacksoflondonuk

Facebook - jacksoflondonbarbers

Instagram - jacksoflondonuk

Ingredients found in Head Strong Defining Paste

Aqua (Water), Ceteareth-25, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Tapioca Starch, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Pumice, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, VP/VA Copolymer, Glycerin, Lanolin, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Parfum (Fragrance), PEG-12 Allyl Ether, PEG-12, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Citronellol, Galactoarabinan, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides).

Ingredients found in Hold Tight High Shine Pomade

Aqua (Water), Ceteareth-25, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, VP/VA Copolymer, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, PEG-12 Allyl Ether, Parfum (Fragrance), PEG-12, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Citronellol.

Ingredients found in Motion Hold Styling Cream

Aqua (Water), Ceteareth-25, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Tapioca Starch, Cetyl Alcohol, Cera Alba (Beeswax), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, VP/VA Copolymer, Glycerin, Lanolin, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Parfum (Fragrance), Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-12 Allyl Ether, PEG-12, Disodium EDTA, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dehydroacetic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Trideceth-7, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Citral, Citronellol.

Ingredients found in Urban Hold Sea Salt Spray

Aqua (Water), Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 20, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Parfum (Fragrance), Lactic Acid, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Limonene, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Linalool, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Citral, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Citronellol.

Ingredients found in Hassle Free Shampoo

Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Laureth-4, Quaternium-80, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Polyquaternium-10, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Phytantriol, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Formic Acid, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Lecithin, Citronellol, Citric Acid.

Ingredients found in Hassle Free Conditioner

Aqua (Water), Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycol Stearate, Cetyl Esters, Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Sodium Benzoate, C10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum (Fragrance), Glyceryl Stearate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Lauryl Alcohol, Trideceth-12, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Phytantriol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Myristyl Alcohol, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Lecithin, Citronellol.

Ingredients found in Bulk Up Thickening Shampoo

Aqua (Water), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Ethyltrimonium Chloride Methacrylate/Hydrolyzed wheat protein copolymer , Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copolymer, Glycol Distearate, Laureth-4, Quaternium-80, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Phenoxyethanol, Polyimide-1, Potassium Sorbate, Polyquaternium-10, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Phytantriol, Sodium Hydroxide, Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Formic Acid, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Lecithin, Citronellol, Citric Acid.

Robbie ColeRobbie Cole
11:02 04 Jul 23
An excellent hair cut by Gina. Always get exactly what you want. Great service and Hailee the labrador is a bonus. Can't recommend enough
Nicky BrookNicky Brook
14:01 28 Feb 23
As long as you have found a hairdresser that cuts well here - the results are great. Jeanie is excellent but only works a few days each week in which case you may need to book. Usually you can walk in off the street & not have to wait too long to be seen (but then it's luck of the draw). I can't say I've ever had a bad haircut here.
MMLZMMLZ
15:25 13 Feb 23
Was in surrey for the weekend and needed a quick haircut. I was happy with the experience, my barber was polite and easy to talk to and most importantly the cut was decent.Will definitely return if i'm in surrey again.
Dreamteam TravelDreamteam Travel
13:00 18 Jan 23
Recently had a fade cut at Jacks of London I was greeted by Ewan who welcomed me in and showed great hospitality during my visit. I had an amazing mid fade by the new barber Megan who was very skilled and attentive. The experience was definitely worth the price difference from regular barbers. Amazing barber shop talented barbers and most importantly an unreal cut.
Robert butlerRobert butler
16:27 13 Jan 23
Ewan is an exceptional young barber, his skill is well beyond his age, always a pleasure a pleasure to be around. Well deserving of being the manager.
Scott CScott C
16:09 08 Jan 23
Very good service. Haircuts by Gina are excellent always cut exactly as you ask. Shop Labrador also adds value! Couldn’t fault the place.
Chris CollinsChris Collins
15:32 06 Jan 23
Consistently great trims, fair price, relaxing environment with high attention to detail and customer satisfaction
Tom DownhamTom Downham
21:05 04 Jan 23
It’s very easy to book online and the service is always quick and friendly.I have been going to Ewan for quite a while now and I wouldn’t trust anyone else to cut my hair. He always manages to cut my hair the exact way I explain and I’m always satisfied with the outcome. Definitely worth it!
Brian CohenBrian Cohen
19:05 30 Nov 22
Probably the best barber in Guildford. Easy to book, always helpful and courteous, special Pensioners rates on certain days, clean , bright and do a very good cut, all round a very pleasant experience. Highly recommended!
Matt IMatt I
16:15 07 Nov 22
Fantastic hair cut by Ewan today, really listened to what I wanted and executed it To perfection, great conversation too.
Lucie WarrenLucie Warren
23:52 21 Oct 22
After recently shaving all my hair off (after having rather long curly hair) I knew I needed to find a barber I could attend when I needed it. I went to ‘Jacks’ today and I was very impressed with the service, the gentleman, Ewan, who cut my hair was really nice and did a great job! Would recommend to anyone who’s looking for a cut
Usama ARUsama AR
07:05 07 Oct 22
I am very particular abut my hair. I walked around Guildford for 30mins looking inside to see which barbers were young and would appear to listen to instructions.I decided to walk in here and explained the problem. The guy who cut my hair was a young chap and was A1 for professionalism and skill. He really took his time and it was a great customer experience.Was worth the £30 that i spent.
Jake RichardsonJake Richardson
10:44 30 Jun 22
Katie was great today cutting my hair for the first time, she did a brilliant job and was super lovely to chat to during it! Would recommend 😁
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Chris YoudChris Youd
16:49 02 Jul 23
Really enjoy this place. Katie my usual stylist is great and always a good cut
Gareth LastGareth Last
09:20 29 Apr 23
I have had my hair cut with Katie a few times now. Always a great service, nice atmosphere and friendly environment. Would highly recommend!
George WinfieldGeorge Winfield
07:59 15 Apr 23
I've been seeing Taylor here and he's been cutting my hair for a few months now. Very happy with the service, he's professional and easy to get along with. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a new barber
Nandos 3000Nandos 3000
11:53 12 Apr 23
Have been here at least once a week & always get a unreal trim. Can't believe Taylor is just a trainee, he smashes the skin fade every time. Have started to get beard shape up & always looks fantastic.Always get compliments for days afterwards.They also sell some great products. Suffered from horrible dandruff for years & after mentioning this to the team they recommend a shampoo that pretty much sorted it overnight.Highly recommended. Great service, great people & great trim. Would never go anywhere else!
Ella LeighElla Leigh
17:27 11 Apr 23
Had my hair cut but the amazing Lewis. 100/10 service, sharpest cut in the whole of London with lovely chat. Would not go to anyone else 👌🏻❤️
DD SaadDD Saad
19:21 28 Feb 23
They have a large sign in their window saying “walk-ins now welcome” I walked in on a morning which didn’t look busy. My son was excited and took his jacket off and as we were about to sit down, not 1, not 2, but THREE staff members who were stood behind the cash register chatting and laughing turned to us and said “do you have an appointment?” I replied that I didn’t. So they then said they were really busy and had bookings so couldn’t cut my sons hair. I then said but your sign says walk-ins welcome ? They laughed it off and said they were busy and the three of them proceeded to chat and laugh. There was only one person getting their hair cut at the time !! It was a humiliating experience for me and my son. Staff are rude and they don’t even honour their own sign - this is false advertisement Jacks of London Wimbledon. Instead it should say “walk-ins NOT welcome because our staff are too busy having a laughing and twiddling their thumbs”. NEVER AGAIN.
George AtkinsonGeorge Atkinson
14:02 21 Feb 23
Walked in Monday and luckily Lewis was free. He gave me a great hair cut. Very friendly and wicked cut.
Honestly had 3 cuts here and they did me dirtier each time. Kept changing where my neck line was on my beard when, barber had a mood on and rushed through everything. My first cut there was amazing but the lady was leaving to work somewhere else. Not worth premium price imo
Jack MJack M
11:04 14 Dec 22
Used multiple barbers in the area before I took the plunge and went to Jacks. Booksy App was simple to use and I booked with Kieran who is absolutely brilliant, explains why what you want might not be right for you, or explains that it’s a great idea. Either way , you’re treated well, given a great cut and he explained every single part of the cut to me. Clearly enjoys what he does and the music is always great and varied. Great experience !
Alex BorracciAlex Borracci
11:44 05 Nov 22
I went in for a hair cut and Michelle did an amazing job, but 29 pounds for a 10 mins ( half ) haircut it’s too much.
Tartine PrefereTartine Prefere
08:53 29 Oct 22
Wimbledon Branch - I booked an appointment with Skye and she was great - I love the way she cut my hair.I have hard time finding a place to cut my hair - but I will definitely be going back to Jack's
zane powellzane powell
18:20 19 Jul 22
Went in to get a previous bad hair cut fixed and i’m over the moon with the haircut Skye gave me!! She really took her time to understand what went wrong with the last cut before fixing it. As someone who has mixed race hair I’ve always struggled to find someone who can cut it well in London but Skye really went above and beyond - thanks! Highly recommend :)
Ciaran ConwayCiaran Conway
12:23 27 Jun 22
After months of searching for a barber I stumbled upon Kieran. Since then I've never looked back. Awesome service and delivers every time. Great cut, 100% would recommend!
Ethan CookEthan Cook
15:19 29 Jul 21
Had amazing service. I had initially planned to get my hair cut for The Little Princess Trust, but my ex manager gets his hair cut at the Wimbledon branch, so he recommended it to me. One lady, Katie I believe, she spent so much time looking after me. She was so sweet and kind, and made a huge impression on everyone else in the shop. She deserves everything there. Thank you ❤
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