Which hairstylist should I go to?

I for one got tired of paying so much for a stylist at a salon. I now wear my hair very short (1/4 to 1/2 max all around) so just need the clippers. 40 or 50 dollars was just too much. I got to an old-school barber here in DC (Corfu on Eye St for anyone in DC).

He does a good job on my hair and goatee with the clippers, then takes a straight razor around the edges. Nice work. Less than half the price of a salon--with tip.

The problem with having more than that done and trying to find a good stylist is that you have to really take your time to find someone you like. Ask around. Who do your friends go to? Do you like the results?

You could make an appt to just discuss your hair with a stylist I would think. Tell him/her what you're hoping for, or maybe ask what their opinion is for your hair. If you have a good rapport with them go for it.

b

Angelina on Via Albinelli.

Seeker-
I would get some pictures so they get an idea of what you want, unless you're really good at verbally describing things. I know my own style and typically ask the receptionist , when I call for an appointment, for their recommendation for a stylist who matches my same "style". So, to give you an example I typically ask who in their salon typically cuts with a sort of "rock and roll" vibe and uses a straight razor to do texture. I also tend to only let men cut my hair. I just have better luck with them. I like fairly avant-garde hair and I find that men allow it to retain some masculinity even when it's a bit wild.
I'm not sure where you live but if you do live in D.C., my best luck was on Upper Wisconsin Ave. at Friendship Heights salon PR@T Partners. It's behind Neiman Marcus around the outside. Actually next to the windows of Saks Men's Store. I tried at salons in Dupont Circle and Georgetown, but had some bad luck with them. If you're looking for a traditional men's haircut maybe take the advice on that barber shop on Eye(I) St. Also, get a haircut a few weeks before your graduation in case it's a disaster so it can grow out a bit. I guess you have about 9 months to experiment with different salons and styles in any case. I'm moving to NYC now, so I guess I'll have the problem of slimming down my options now with salons... hah.

take a picture of the style you want to show the stylist exactly what you want

SF conventional wisdom is that you should find a lesbian hairstylist to whom you are attracted, and then take her dancing and try (unsuccessfully) to get her to switch teams.

Hey, I've seen my share of people from students to barbers to "stylists"... here's waht I'd say. yeah do some research and find some styles you think you like, then what I'd tell you is go once to someone who's really good. I mean someone who's not just expensive but they actually know what they're talking about and ask them a million questions while they're cutting your hair. if they're good, theyll be able to explain to you your hair type, the way it moves and falls, the types of cuts that are going to compliment your face etc. Any shmo can just cut your hair like it's on a manequen, but I'd say first go to someone good who you can learn a lot from. often what you think you'd like won't work for you. Once you know, then you can go to the $10 people and tell them exactly what you want/need and you'll know why. to find that person, ask your girl friends. they care about their hair a lot more then most guys and would dream of letting a drooling idiot touch it (besides you of course ;-) )