Barber Refused to Cut My Hair!

Littlestar13

Hi, I've never posted before but I'm looking for a little advice. I hope I've posted in the correct place. Today I went to a barbers that I've been to many times. I always wear gel in my hair. Not a massive amount but a little. I sat in the seat after waiting my turn and straight away, the barber said he couldn't cut my hair. I was taken aback and asked why. He told me that my hair was 'not clean of product' and would damage his tools. I was embarrassed as I was felt like anyone watching would think I was dirty or whatever. Is this the norm? I get a lot of hair cuts and never had this problem before, not even in the same place. Thanks in advance

Stheno

We're you looking for a dry cut?

Sunny Dayz

Had he no sink to give your hair a quick wash in?

dudara

I can see why he wouldn't cut your hair with the product in it, but surely he offered you to wash it?

Littlestar13

Thanks for the replies. He didn't offer to wash the hair and I didn't think of looking for a sink. It was a fairly well established franchise though-I'd imagine they have sinks. He just refused point blank to do it.

Jobs OXO

Littlestar13 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. He didn't offer to wash the hair and I didn't think of looking for a sink. It was a fairly well established franchise though-I'd imagine they have sinks. He just refused point blank to do it.

Any chance you had nits or some such ?

andekwarhola

Who goes to get a hair cut and puts gel in their hair beforehand?

MysticMonk

You should've washed the stuff out of your hair first if you wanted a dry cut. Otherwise he'd have to do it and charge you for it. Hair gel clogs up clippers and scissors so I don't blame him

Littlestar13

Thanks, that's fair enough. I just was surprised since I've been for probably 250+ hair cuts in my time and this was the first time this ever happened. Was curious to see what other people's experience was. Cheers

Thegalwayman

Consumer "with" issues. He's totally correct. People these days can be so ignorant. Attending doctor appts and talking on the phone after being called in. eating food in waiting areas. I could go on. Glad he called you out on it and hopefully you won't be so ignorant in future

Littlestar13

Jobs OXO wrote: »

Any chance you had nits or some such ?

Don't worry, no nits. Cleared them out last week

Jobs OXO

Littlestar13 wrote: »

Don't worry, no nits. Cleared them out last week

Their lifecycle is 10 days so do make sure you have reapplied a second time.

Littlestar13

Thegalwayman wrote: »

Consumer "with" issues. He's totally correct. People these days can be so ignorant. Attending doctor appts and talking on the phone after being called in. eating food in waiting areas. I could go on. Glad he called you out on it and hopefully you won't be so ignorant in future

Calm down :-)

Littlestar13

andekwarhola wrote: »

Who goes to get a hair cut and puts gel in their hair beforehand?

Fair question. Didn't plan the haircut. Never do. Was in the shopping centre waiting on the wife so I went in. That's generally how I do it. Doubt anyone would specifically go for a hair cut and put in gel first. Thanks

dudara

Thegalwayman wrote: »

Consumer "with" issues. He's totally correct. People these days can be so ignorant. Attending doctor appts and talking on the phone after being called in. eating food in waiting areas. I could go on. Glad he called you out on it and hopefully you won't be so ignorant in future

Please try to offer specific advice in future.

dudara

sheroman01

I don't necessarily see a problem with having product in your hair before getting a haircut. If you have work or an event before your appointment you might need to have your hair presentable. Obviously within reason for how much product you use. Onto this matter however - if the barbers had a sink, they should really have suggested getting a wash before. A lot of barbers offer a wash & cut. If the barbers did not have a sink and you genuinely did not have too much product in your hair, then I reckon this is unfair and rude.

Also, what barbers open on a Sunday? I can't think of any high end barbers that open on a Sunday.

moleyv

I've never had that issue and always have some product in my hair as I normally get it done after work. Although it's normally minimal, and not stuff that would make my hair hard.

I always say to them wash it if they need first. They normally run their hand through my hair and say it's fine. They always just give it a good dampen with the water bottle spray. And I always have a scissor cut.

Some people use too much product though or some nasty sticky crap and I can imagine it being a pain for the barber.

lollsangel

sheroman01 wrote: »

I don't necessarily see a problem with having product in your hair before getting a haircut. If you have work or an event before your appointment you might need to have your hair presentable. Obviously within reason for how much product you use. Onto this matter however - if the barbers had a sink, they should really have suggested getting a wash before. A lot of barbers offer a wash & cut. If the barbers did not have a sink and you genuinely did not have too much product in your hair, then I reckon this is unfair and rude.

Also, what barbers open on a Sunday? I can't think of any high end barbers that open on a Sunday.

Boston barbers for one do

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Any barber would have suggested a wash and cut if it was required. I'm baffled by this scenario.

Sleeper12

Sunny Dayz wrote:

Had he no sink to give your hair a quick wash in?

OP asked for a dry cut. Wash cut and blow dry obviously is more expensive.
Barbers can spend hundreds on a good pair of scissors and gel car ruin them. It's up to the individual barber to decide if they want to cut a clients hair with product.
If you go to a chiropodist you wash your feet before you go. I'd always shower before seeing the doctor if I was expecting an examination. I'd also brush my teeth and use mouth wash before I visit the dentist.
Does the barber not deserve the same type of respect?

Littlestar13

Just to add I didn't actually ask for a dry cut. Just a cut. Was surprised when he refused, I actually thought he was joking. But I didn't suggest he wash it when he didn't. Wouldn't have minded paying more one bit

Sleeper12

Littlestar13 wrote:

Just to add I didn't actually ask for a dry cut. Just a cut. Was surprised when he refused, I actually thought he was joking. But I didn't suggest he wash it when he didn't. Wouldn't have minded paying more one bit

Just a cut is a dry cut. When you ask for just a cut you are saying I don't want it washed, I just want a cut.

infogiver

Littlestar13 wrote: »

Just to add I didn't actually ask for a dry cut. Just a cut. Was surprised when he refused, I actually thought he was joking. But I didn't suggest he wash it when he didn't. Wouldn't have minded paying more one bit

I think your pride is bruised more so than being miffed over the service you got.
I understand that.
I'm also going to guess her that the barbar is not a native Irishman?
Forget about it. Just one of those things.
You'll know the next time.

UsBus

This is bonkers, any barbers I've gone to will always use the bottle of water spray if my hair had some gel in and then a quick comb through to soften it..

Robsweezie

If it was an issue of dirty hair/nits, you would be embarrassed.

However I wouldn't take it personally over just gel. So long as he was polite in his refusal and explained why, I don't see the issue. Understandable that the gel ruins his tools. Bar the fact he didnt offer to wash it?

dudara

Sleeper12 wrote: »

Just a cut is a dry cut. When you ask for just a cut you are saying I don't want it washed, I just want a cut.

I get your point but I am confused why the barber didn't suggest a wash and cut. That would have been the logical next step. Lots of guys have product in their hair these days, so it's probably not unusual for barbers to encounter this. It really does seem like poor customer service to me.

road_high

Littlestar13 wrote: »

Hi, I've never posted before but I'm looking for a little advice. I hope I've posted in the correct place. Today I went to a barbers that I've been to many times. I always wear gel in my hair. Not a massive amount but a little. I sat in the seat after waiting my turn and straight away, the barber said he couldn't cut my hair. I was taken aback and asked why. He told me that my hair was 'not clean of product' and would damage his tools. I was embarrassed as I was felt like anyone watching would think I was dirty or whatever. Is this the norm? I get a lot of hair cuts and never had this problem before, not even in the same place. Thanks in advance

Why couldnt he just wash it? I often get my hair cut with gel in it, the barbers could t care a damn- they either wash it or wet it. Job done

road_high

andekwarhola wrote: »

Who goes to get a hair cut and puts gel in their hair beforehand?

Often if you're working or out during the day, get a cut later on- it happens.

riffmongous

dudara wrote: »

I get your point but I am confused why the barber didn't suggest a wash and cut. That would have been the logical next step. Lots of guys have product in their hair these days, so it's probably not unusual for barbers to encounter this. It really does seem like poor customer service to me.

How much is a wash these days? Always seemed like easy money to me

road_high

riffmongous wrote: »

How much is a wash these days? Always seemed like easy money to me

I think maybe €3-5 more? Often they won't even charge you though depending on where.

InTheTrees

I get how gel could mess with clippers but how does it ruin a pair of scissors? I can see how it would be a greasy mess and difficult to work with but actually ruin scissors?

Littlestar13

It's not even a pride thing. I was a bit embarrassed at the time as anyone else there couldn't really hear the exact conversation and could have thought it was that I was dirty. But other than that I'm more curious. I wondered why t didn't happen before in all the times I've gotten a cut. I don't understand how it would ruin a scissors, I don't have a clue about those things. But I'm glad to see I'm not the only one surprised

I've often had gel in my hair and attended for a haircut and no one ever batted an eyelid. I tend to go to the same place, but not always the same person (i just let whoever is there at it, im not overly loyal to the one person).

I think I would be a tad annoyed depending on how it was handled. OP, was the place busy? is it possible the chap just didnt want the hassle and wanted to skip onto someone a bit more straight-forward, if there was a large queue?

If i felt embarrassed enough that i came on here afterward, i dont think i'd visit the barbers again to be honest. No shortage of them out there.

(that said, if he was genuinely polite about it, discreet, and explained it properly then i wouldnt hold it against him and would have no issue returning).

Nervous Wreck

Gas. OP I've often had barbers make snide comments at me for having gel in my hair but never been refused. In fairness, crappy move of me to go with gel in my hair but, same time, I almost always get my hair cut on a whim on the way home from work. Going past and see its quiet so I hop in. They always spray water in my hair to tease it out. One place once gave me a full shampoo and wash at no extra cost... but never been refused... live and learn I guess!

Littlestar13

If it wouldn't ruin the scissors, just dirty it, couldn't they be washed? He also said that the hair would be going on the floor (obviously) and that would make the make greasy and it would be a hazard. Someone asked if the place was busy, it was getting close to 6pm so I did wonder if that was something to do with it

cocaliquid

As you were getting up from barber chair you should have let off a quiet one. :P

Best stick with the same barber when you find a good one.

rubadub

If you are putting stuff in your hair which can destroy a scissors which costed hundreds of euro, then you should be glad to have any hair left at all, or the skin on your scalp for that matter.

As gel etc is so common then small amounts must still be hugely damaging to these expensive scissors as they would encounter it all day long.

scissors as some have pointed out, it would make them filthy and unusable for the rest of the day.

again WTF is this stuff you people are putting in your hair?!?!

Pelvis

andekwarhola wrote: »

Who goes to get a hair cut and puts gel in their hair beforehand?

People who have lives to live? You know, a job and the like? Not everyone rolls out of bed and into a barber's chair, they got **** to do first.

Gel would come out with no issues with just a spray or two of water. OP's barber just sounds like a dick.

El Tarangu

Can someone in the know give a definitive explanation as to how gel 'ruins' scissors?

It makes them dirty?

It dulls the blades somehow?

L1011

El Tarangu wrote: »

Can someone in the know give a definitive explanation as to how gel 'ruins' scissors?

It makes them dirty?

It dulls the blades somehow?

Could easily dull the blades. They're designed to cut hair (keratin) and not anything else.

Balmed Out

I would also find it weird to go to a barber with gel in my hair, akin in my book to visiting the dentist without washing my teeth.
Any actual hair dressers with an opinion?

noodler

Mental behaviour!

I'd be expect him to be a bit annoyed or have extra work but to flat out refuse is pretty disgraceful imo.

Of course, washing before you get there is normal but I have been in a situation where i decide to go after work off the cuff and have a little gel in my hair.

copeyhagen

i don't think I have ever had my hair cut and not had hair gel in my hair beforehand. I normally get it cut after work or whatever.

this is bs, all they have to do is squirt a few sprays of the water they use anyway and it removes the effect of the hair gel and they can cut as normal.

bs from a bs barber

awec

Couldn't he just have washed it for you? Seems really weird to just refuse.

I have a really hard time believing that all his clients walk into him with completely clean hair. It's not as if everyone can get their hair cut on a Saturday morning.

Suckit

I did not join here to make friends, so i am happy to point out that there are some serious numpties on this forum, and this thread has quite a few.

The barber is running a business, for over 200 years, barbers have been able to use their equipment on a head filled with gel..
Avoid that barbers in the future.

where i get my hair cut i prefer that they only use scissors, but more recently they have asked me if i would accept the razor on long cut, which i agree.

No matter what cut i am getting, they wash my hair first as part of the service (even if i have just washed it myself just before i go there).

FFS, i could buy a razor from argos and ask my sister to do the rest.

Meeeee79

Thegalwayman wrote: »

Consumer "with" issues. He's totally correct. People these days can be so ignorant. Attending doctor appts and talking on the phone after being called in. eating food in waiting areas. I could go on. Glad he called you out on it and hopefully you won't be so ignorant in future

Wow :D:D your talking about issues?!

Pat Mustard

awec wrote: »

Couldn't he just have washed it for you? Seems really weird to just refuse.

It is incredible, in the literal sense of the word.

It would be like my mechanic refusing to work on my car for fear that he'd get motor oil on his overalls.

And impromptu haircuts as well. I don't know a single person who does that.

Sebastian Dangerfield

Sleeper12 wrote: »

Just a cut is a dry cut. When you ask for just a cut you are saying I don't want it washed, I just want a cut.

Usual scenario:
"What can I do for you"
"3 on the sides, not too much off the top"
"Do you want it washed?"
"Yes / No"

I've been to just about every barber shop in Dublin city centre and have never come across the rule you're quoting.

Sleeper12

Sebastian Dangerfield wrote: »

Usual scenario:
"What can I do for you"
"3 on the sides, not too much off the top"
"Do you want it washed?"
"Yes / No"

I've been to just about every barber shop in Dublin city centre and have never come across the rule you're quoting.

Q: "What can I do for you?
A; "Just a cut"

What exactly do you think OP means "Just a cut"
I've owned Barbers & Ladies salons North & south Dublin for 30 years. Look at price lists in your Barbers. There's a price for wash & cut and a price for a dry cut. Op was very clear he told the Barber just a cut. Barber told him he couldn't give him a dry cut with gel in his hair. OP then had the chance to ask for a wash & cut. He didn't.

Spraying water onto hair doesn't wash the gel away. Several posters seem to believe it does. It turns the gel into a sticky mess. Barbers are well used to guys calling in after work & their hair isn't the cleanest. It's not a big deal & it's part of the job. However it is the polite thing to do (if possible) to go to the barbers without product in your hair.
Maybe some of the ladies could ask their Hairdresser their thoughts on it & report back.

Suckit

Many barbers opening up, and offering less quality for more money.

Good luck to them, but i would not go there.

Pelvis

Sleeper12 wrote: »

Q: "What can I do for you?
A; "Just a cut"

What exactly do you think OP means "Just a cut"
I've owned Barbers & Ladies salons North & south Dublin for 30 years. Look at price lists in your Barbers. There's a price for wash & cut and a price for a dry cut. Op was very clear he told the Barber just a cut. Barber told him he couldn't give him a dry cut with gel in his hair. OP then had the chance to ask for a wash & cut. He didn't.

Spraying water onto hair doesn't wash the gel away. Several posters seem to believe it does. It turns the gel into a sticky mess. Barbers are well used to guys calling in after work & their hair isn't the cleanest. It's not a big deal & it's part of the job. However it is the polite thing to do (if possible) to go to the barbers without product in your hair.
Maybe some of the ladies could ask their Hairdresser their thoughts on it & report back.

The polite thing to do is for the barber to say "I'm going to have to just give your hair a quick wash to remove all the product before cutting if that's alright, it's only an extra €x". Therefore clearly presenting the option to the customer.

What you don't do is say "No I can't cut this hair as there is product in it", and then just stand there like a tool while the customer feels embarrassed in front of the other customers, wondering if the guy is being serious or not, before shuffling awkwardly out the door.

A barbers isn't going to be in business very long if this is how they treat their customers.