What to Ask Your Barber In Austin

If you’ve ever walked into a barbershop, sat down, and then... kind of just hoped for the best, you’re not alone. Whether you’re in Bouldin Creek, Zilker, or just Googled “barber near me open now,” asking a few simple questions can make all the difference between a decent cut and one you actually love. 

At By Hand Barber, we specialize in scissor-only cuts - no clippers, no fades - just thoughtful work tailored to your hair’s natural shape. the best cut starts with a conversation. 

Start With Your Face and Hair 

One of the first things we’ll look at? Your face shape and hair texture. 

● “What cut works best with my hair?” 

● “What shape do you think suits my face?” 

These are great starting points. A cut that works with your hair’s natural movement (especially in Austin humidity) will last longer, feel better, and require less effort in the mornings. Whether you're rocking waves, curls, or straight strands, we’ll help you figure out what makes sense - not just today, but as it grows out. 

Lifestyle Questions That Make a Difference

Austin isn’t a sit-still kind of city. Between biking through Zilker, paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, or just running between meetings and tacos, your haircut needs to move with you. 

Some solid questions to ask: 

● “How will this cut hold up in the heat or after a workout?” 

● “Can I just wash and go most days?” 

● “How often should I come in to keep it fresh?” 

We’re big on low-maintenance, high-impact styles - especially ones that don’t fall apart in the Texas heat. 

Styling Tips Without the Fuss 

We’re not into product overload. But the right lightweight cream or leave-in conditioner can keep things looking intentional without feeling heavy. Ask us: 

● “What should I use on my hair at home?” 

● “How do I style it without making it crunchy or greasy?”

Whether you’re into an air-dry finish or a polished look, we’ll keep it simple and show you how to handle it with minimal tools and time. 

Let’s Talk Tools & Technique 

Since we’re a scissors-only shop, you won’t hear buzzing clippers here. But that also means you should ask: 

● “How do scissor cuts grow out compared to other cuts?” 

● “What makes this technique better for my hair?” 

Spoiler: scissor cuts grow out softer, which means your shape holds longer, and your hair behaves better in between appointments. It’s one of the reasons our clients tell us their cut still looks solid even after 6+ weeks. 

Understanding Shop Vibe & Policies 

We get it—sometimes things don’t turn out exactly how you imagined, or you just have questions about what’s next. A few good ones to throw out: 

● “What’s your vibe with follow-ups or touch-ups?” 

● “Can I walk in or should I always book ahead?” 

● “How often do most clients come back in?” 

We’re pretty flexible, and always honest about timing. We want you to feel like your best self - whether that’s every two weeks or every two months. 

A Few Communication Tips 

Honestly, the best results happen when there’s a little back-and-forth. A few tips: 

● Bring a photo (or a few). Not for copying - but for vibe. 

● Let us know what’s worked and what hasn’t in the past. 

● Be open to ideas - we’ll always talk it through with you. 

Final Thoughts: It’s Just a Conversation 

The best barbershop visits don’t start with “just a trim.” They start with real questions, real conversation, and a little curiosity. And that’s exactly how we do things at By Hand Barber. We’re not here to give you the same cut as the guy before you. We’re here to help you feel like you - sharp, effortless, and at ease. 

So next time you're searching “barber near me in Austin” or walking through South Lamar wondering where to go - remember, the right cut starts with the right questions. And we’re here for all of them.

Behind the chair

I began my journey in hairdressing in 2008 at my aunt’s salon in New Orleans. It was fascinating to witness how a hairdresser worked with a diverse array of clients, each with unique textures and specific goals. The expectation was clear: create works of art with precision and consistency in a limited time. As my career progressed, I explored different techniques and tools, studying under masters and mentors from around the world. I learned that the craftsman, not the tool, is often responsible for the final result but each tool has its primary function and limit.

For as long as I can tell, barber shops and salons have been divided by gender. In the 1950s, the barbershop was a social hub, where the neighborhood men gathered and the barber was a respected figure, a relic from a time when barbers were also doctors and community caretakers.

With industrialization, society advanced, leading to ultra-specialization in our crafts. Machines took over for efficiency and scalability, but something essential was lost—the individual craftsman’s touch.

I’ve worked in several barbershops where clippers were the primary tool, used to articulate the client’s desired style. Tools can be used with integrity or haphazardly. I don’t mean to discount the skill it takes for a barber to cut 16 clients a day with precision and consistency with clippers—it’s a challenging job.

Within every craft, there are those who respect the art and devote themselves fully to mastery. But there are also many who chase money, treating the craft as a means to an end. The U.S. is full of barbershops modeled after fast-food chains—cheap and fast, but often lacking in consistency due to irregular training in academies and short appointment times.

Nowadays, clients arrive with AI-polished photos and unrealistic expectations for a perfectly crafted haircut in a short amount of time. The dynamic has shifted; clients often dictate what the barber should do. This shift reflects a broader societal disregard for the craft of barbering and hairdressing. I believe a true craftsman should work with integrity, intention, and conviction. An expert should be trusted and respected.

I’ve spent years working in various barbershops chains and independent shops burning out my hands, body and inspiration. After acknowledging it was a short term pace, i have sense slowed down and refocused my work to be more intentional, less rushed, more curated and ultimately a better product and service for the client.

the scissors give me complete control over the results and i love it! i am truly challenged with every haircut, trying to perfectly balance the nuances of their texture, bone structure and preferences! hoping to create a super tailored result that speaks with confidence and ultimately allows the client to move back into their life with a sense of ease and confidence.

let’s chat about your hair!