Finding the right barber or hairstylist is like finding the right career or partner to spend the rest of your life with. Whilst some barbers or hairstylists may work wonders on your buddy, they may not have the same effect on you. The reasons are simply because both you and your buddy have different style, taste, and most importantly different face feature and shape.

So, how would you know which hairstyle would suit your overall appearance? Some men prefer to go to a Hair salon and some prefer to visit their local barbershop. A barber is very well-versed with a man’s grooming style (from your skin fades, beard trims, trendy cuts, shaved lines, contemporary to stylish hair cuts). Whereas a Hair Salon is more catered towards men that want to be pampered. For example, if you fancy a nail grooming, hair colouring or hair treatments that your female friends often rave about, then you should consider booking for an appointment with your local hair salon.

Deciding on whether you need to go to a hair salon or a barber to get a haircut can be quite a challenging task. However, does it matter at all when it comes to men’s grooming? Of course, it does.

Major Differences between Barber Shops and Hair Salons

Some of the other important factors that differentiate barbershops from hair salons are:

Tools of the trade

A barber’s primary focus is to cut, shape and style a man’s hair. In a more modern setting, barbers are highly trained with trendy hair cuts that includes sharp lines, side fades, pompadour, contemporary hair and more. Whereas a hairstylist may only be trained to cut your hair, wash and style (which is quite common) because their primary focus is on women’s hair.

For example, London barbers use clippers to cut traditional men’s haircuts like fades and flattops. Howeber, hairstylists are trained in scissor cutting. They undoubtedly can give you perfect long hair haircuts. Also, hairstylists focus greatly on product recommendations, hair colour, and other additional hair treatments.

Environment

If you are looking for a warm gathering place, you might enjoy getting your haircut at a barbershop. Barbers are usually quite friendly and down-to-earth people. It’s a true gentlemen’s spot! Bring on that witty British humour and ready to laugh with your barbers!

If you are looking for a place to relax and get pampered (which you should regardless), then you may want to visit a hair salon. You will definitely feel rejuvenated and refreshed.

Appointments

Thankfully with booking systems available for barber shops, you can book in advance or simply walk-in. Hair salons on the other hand would normally require for you to make an appointment (for a colour patch test and consultation over the phone or in person). If you’re lucky, you can even get your hair cared for on the same day.

Expertise

Both barbershops and hair salons cater to different wants and needs. Just like the salons, barber shops also offer grey hair coverage, brow treatments, haircuts and beard trims. If you’re looking for specific haircuts, it is advisable that you visit your local barber shop. If you are looking for a therapeutic experience, then perhaps hair salon is probably your best bet. Barbers are highly trained as an artist to create a unique look for men’s hair, however, hair stylists are your modern days’ artists that can create beautiful hairstyles for women.

3 Reasons to Visit your Local Barbershop

If you are still struggling to decide whether you should visit a hair salon or barbershop for a fresh haircut, here are a few reasons to assist you in your decision-making process:

Conventional way

Visiting a barbershop regularly is what men have done for many years, and there is something special about doing something that your ancestors enjoyed too. Also, going to a barbershop can help you expand your horizon, meet new people, and have a discussion over current affairs or your favorite football player. It is a true gentlemen’s spot! A time for you to hang out with other dudes!

Routine makeover

Whether you’re after a contemporary hairstyle, trendy style, mustache and beard trims, or a basic flattop haircut, a barber will be able to fix you up.

Cost-effective

In terms of real estate, a London Hair Salon is more expensive than most London Barber Shops. So naturally, salon’s pricing is also on the high side to cover their costs. For instance, a simple cut and wash may only cost £25 in your local barbershop, however, a salon may cost around £45 and above. If you are looking to save some money and experience a great haircut, then a barbershop is where you want to visit.

3 Reasons to Visit a hair salon

Now, you must be wondering why should you visit a hair salon when a barbershop provides the similar services at a reasonable price. Here are some of the reasons why you can visit a hair salon:

Hair Colouring

Nowadays, colored hair has become a staple among men. Many men are willing to upgrade their look by coloring their hair, either grey coverage or trendy hair colors like upkeeping your blondes. A barber can help you to dye your hair, but a hairstylist is more knowledgeable and will make sure you rock your new hair color.

Haircare treatments

Does your hair need a protein treatment? Or any other treatment to nourish your hair? You will not find these haircare treatments at your local barbershop. However, at a hair salon, you will be given tons of options to choose from. For example, a salt scrub treatment is extremely popular amongst women, as long as you have a scalpt, then you can try this treatment. Massaging the salt grains not only exfoliates the skin of dead skin cells, but kneading the scalp encourages blood flow around the massaged area. Moreover, salt scrub can get rid of buildup caused by hair products (for example, wax, hair spray, pomade, serum, cream).

Other services

Do you need help with your nails or eyebrows? Most Hair salons offer these services to groom men. If you want a manicure, pedicure, or a facial, you can easily schedule for an appointment with your favourite hair salon.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a gentlemen’s spot where your barbers are your “Bros” and you get to enjoy men talks whilst getting that neat side fade hair cut, then you may want to book in with Kensington Barbers. On the other hand, if you’re thinking to switch up your hair colour, trim your nails or schedule for your hair treatments, then consider booking an appointment with a salon. You can actually visit both barber shop and hair salon as both offer different services.