A bad hair day is one thing, but a bad haircut? Disastrous — or so you may think. If you recently stepped out of a barbershop feeling panicky because your haircut looks nothing like the inspiration photos you presented, you’re not alone. The situation may feel dire, especially if you’ve got an important interview, meeting, or social event on the horizon. But it’s important to remember that you’ve still got options! In fact, you might come out of this looking even better than before! Let’s discuss how to deal with a bad haircut.
Tips for Surviving a Horrendous Haircut
Talk to your barber.
If you notice right away that the haircut isn’t what you imagined, don’t be afraid to tell your barber. A good barber will want you to leave feeling happy with your hair, so they’ll typically make adjustments for free. Just be polite and let them know which aspects are bothering you. While they obviously can’t reattach hair they’ve already cut off, you might be surprised by the small adjustments they can make to change the overall look.
Assess the situation.
When you’re back home, take a deep breath. Your hair might not look as bad as you initially feared — sometimes the wrong lighting or styling can make a big difference! Try viewing your hair in different lighting and from different angles. If it still doesn’t look great, try washing it and styling it yourself. Experiment with different products: clay, cream, fiber, gel, etc. Additionally, remember that sometimes a fresh cut looks best after having a few days to settle. Try not to panic right away.
Consider going shorter.
If the cut is uneven or awkward, the easiest solution will likely be to embrace a shorter haircut. If you’ve always been curious about what you’d look like with shorter hair, try to seize the moment, even if it feels more like a necessity than an opportunity. You might be surprised by how well you pull it off! A clean fade, buzz cut, or high and tight might transform your current mop into a stylish, intentional look.
Try a stylish hat.
If worst comes to worst, you can always cover your hair with a hat. Whether you prefer a beanie, a baseball hat, or a fedora, you’ve got some great options regardless of the season. This might not be the ideal solution if you’re wondering how to deal with a bad haircut, but it might come in handy in certain situations.
Look to the future.
Your bad haircut won’t last forever. The hair will grow back before you know it. So, while it makes sense to focus on damage control initially, start thinking about the length you’ll need to get back to the original haircut you wanted. In most cases, you’ll simply need to maintain the sides and edges while the top grows out. Visit a barber for periodic touch-ups to fix the shape of your hair as it grows. Speaking of which . . .
Consider working with a different barber.
If this isn’t the first time you’ve walked away from a hair appointment feeling disappointed, it might be time to find a new barber. Look for someone with solid reviews who has experience with your hair type. Consider the barbershop itself too. Does it feel comfortable? Do the barbers seem experienced and confident? Is it a place you’d enjoy spending time? Ask your friends and family for recommendations if you’re not sure where to start.
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Learning how to deal with a bad haircut can be tough. Your hair may not look how you want it to right now, but it’ll grow back soon enough. Be patient. And in the meantime, try to use this period to experiment with new styles and products. With a little luck, you might even discover a new look you like even more than the original!
Looking for a barber shop that promises good vibes and a quality cut? If you live in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, or Oklahoma, stop by your neighborhood Hudson / Hawk. In our modern, comfortable spaces, people of all ages enjoy stylish haircuts and good conversation. We offer a variety of cuts — from zero fades to shear cuts and everything in between — as well as shaves, beard grooming, and waxing. Book your next haircut today.