Is it just me or do barbers take off more hair than the agreed upon amount?

I went to get a haircut today and the guy asked what I wanted. I told him that I wanted a 2 on the sides and a fade with some off the top and front. He showed an amount to cut off with his fingers and asked if that is how much I want off because I didn't give him a specific amount. I agreed and he proceeded with the haircut. He buzzed the sides and got to the top and used scissors to finish up. However, he cuts off about an extra half inch or so than what he showed me earlier. I don't really care in the end, but why ask me if a length is ok if you are just going to do something different?

Does he do something different because I didn't ask for a specific length? Do barbers tend to do this all the time? Is the cut off point supposed to be under the fingers and not above the fingers? What do you think gents?

 

I believe the cut off point is above the fingers. I have gone to same barber for 13 years so I am pretty happy wit her.

I think they listen to your request and try to incorporate everything but in order to make it look right they do what they want!!

 

No idea. Been going to the same guy for the last 11-12 years. No complaints, obviously.

 

Got tired of paying for haircuts. Bought a Wahl clipper, No. 3 all over. Paid for itself in 3 haircuts.

Its the same instructions I used to give the barber, pretty hard to mess that up.

 

If I knew how to fade, I'd cut my own hair. I usually ask for a number one and either tell them to clean up the top or leave it alone if it's short enough.

When summer rolls around, I ask for a 3 on top and 1 on the sides.

 

I'm growing mine back out (Apparently my wife likes the fact I'm going grey at 31 or something lol), my barber only takes off what I want and gives me a great cut every single time. Then again he has a picky crowd cause I go to the guy who set up shop here on the military base, so screw those cuts up and you'll be out of business ultra quick...

 

Why would they want to cut off more? It just means you'll wait longer for your next haircut.

 

My barber of 18 years retired some months ago and I've been forced to find a new one.
It has been a challenge to say the least. 8 barbers before finding one that has a clean shop,
keeps his clippers and scissors in good shape, stays focused on the task at hand and gives a decent cut.
Unfortunately, this fellow is 60 and I don't think it will be long before he retires.
I don't mind paying for haircuts, but I may soon be left with only one option.
I can see my wife standing behind me with a large pair of shears... eeeeeeeeeeek!

 

Head shaving is how to eliminate this issue. At least it is my answer!

 

Hasn't happened to me. I haven't been to the barber in five years though. I reckon I've saved around 1500. And Ryan b there are YouTube tutorials that show you how it can be done. You just have to be willing to cut it shorter than you intended if you mess up... Me, i just do sideburns. I have a tri-folding bathroom mirror that's useful.

 

It could be that he had to take off more than anticipated/shown in order to get your hair to lay right and/or to blend with the hair around it.

 

Howdy! I've gone to the same barber since 1986; however, this past year I have used a couple of other barbershops. I usually just say a regular haircut, leave the sideburns. My usual barber does an excellent job. A regular haircut may mean something different to each barber, etc. Back in the early 1980's I lived up near Dallas and went to a place called something like Universal Haircuts or something similar. They cut hair in a balanced method called a balanced cut. I guess as I got older I just went back to a regular haircut, leave the sideburns. And the barbershop is great place for discussions and catching up on what's happening around the community. Always, Gene

 

Was that "regular haircut" a mullet?

 

My favorite mullet was in the movie "Joe Dirt", but I guess that wasn't a haircut since it was a wig glued to his head. A very intertaining movie for those of us that enjoy stupid, sophomoronic humor ( I just made up the word sophomoronic, you have to pay me royalties if you use it )

 

Howdy! I suppose a regular haircut may differ person to person as well. For me, a regular haircut is pretty much the same as in my avatar. Always, Gene
PS: I have never heard of a mullet haircut!

 

I understand that was a dark chapter in fashion that most of us would rather forget.

 

This is what I guessed at times too, but that is taking quite a bit of liberty.

I think I would just be happy with anyone else at this point.

That is more or less what I do too. I don't really care as long as it looks right. I still have to wonder why they bother asking if they are just going to do whatever they are going to do (assuming I am not delusional about them taking off more).

 

Aka: a bilevel , aka hockey hair, aka hillbilly hair aka the ape drape.

 

Ever tried getting your feathers cut that way?