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Anybody else have this issue with barbers?

millionaire75

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I started getting a buzzcut about two years ago. I've tried varying lengths and recently figured that a number 5 attachment is ideal for me because it is short but not too short where the hair sticks up. The only problem is almost every barber I go to says that they don't have a "number 5 attachment." They say they can achieve the same effect by cutting with no attachment to the same length of the number 5. I find that is not the case at all. Just cutting the ends of the hair with a clipper instead of running the clipper with attachment through the hair achieves two very different looks. I find the plastic attachments give a softer, more consistent look to the hair. I have gone to 5 or 6 barbers in the area and none of them use the plastic attachments to cut the hair. Does this strike anyone as odd? Would a hair salon have a better chance of using the attachments? I've actually run my own clippers through my hair (with the 5 attachment) at home and it looks great. The thing is it's pretty messy and there is a big chance of error when cutting your own hair. Any suggestions?
 

uhurit

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That's the reason I quit using barbers: they're mostly stuck in the past+I have rather thick unruly hair that require some advanced skills
 

awxg

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I thought it only went up to 3. Anyway, I would just get my own machine and cut my own hair...it's just a buzzcut anyway. Would save you a lot of cash too.
 

matadorpoeta

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either learn to do it yourself or go to a cheap salon (less than $12 should be easy to find). you don't need a good stylist to buzz your hair.
 

js4design

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Originally Posted by awxg
I thought it only went up to 3. Anyway, I would just get my own machine and cut my own hair...it's just a buzzcut anyway. Would save you a lot of cash too.

mine goes to 11
 

Steve Smith

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Originally Posted by js4design
mine goes to 11

Well done. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
 

robertorex

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Originally Posted by millionaire75
I started getting a buzzcut about two years ago. I've tried varying lengths and recently figured that a number 5 attachment is ideal for me because it is short but not too short where the hair sticks up. The only problem is almost every barber I go to says that they don't have a "number 5 attachment." They say they can achieve the same effect by cutting with no attachment to the same length of the number 5. I find that is not the case at all. Just cutting the ends of the hair with a clipper instead of running the clipper with attachment through the hair achieves two very different looks. I find the plastic attachments give a softer, more consistent look to the hair. I have gone to 5 or 6 barbers in the area and none of them use the plastic attachments to cut the hair. Does this strike anyone as odd? Would a hair salon have a better chance of using the attachments? I've actually run my own clippers through my hair (with the 5 attachment) at home and it looks great. The thing is it's pretty messy and there is a big chance of error when cutting your own hair. Any suggestions?

I don't think there's a huge chance of error. Just put some newspaper on the floor of your bathroom and wrap your hair clippings up when you're done. To minimize error, just run through your hair repeatedly. You'll learn to do it by feel. Although I cut my hair to #2 so it's much easier for me to detect error in my hair-cutting.
 

Tarmac

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If it is really that important to you, maybe you can go buy the attachment and bring it with you. I believe they are universal fit.

I abandoned barbers with clippers about 5 years ago. That's another option.
 

millionaire75

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Originally Posted by Tarmac
If it is really that important to you, maybe you can go buy the attachment and bring it with you. I believe they are universal fit.

I abandoned barbers with clippers about 5 years ago. That's another option.


have you tried bringing your own attachment? this sounds so simple in theory but I feel like they would like at me like I was an as*hole...
 

Matt

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Never done it, but I suspect it would mostly get a chuckle from your average old barber as long as you played it right....

"clip it to number 5 please"
"i dont have a 5, only up to 3"
"well....funnily enough I just so happen to have..."

That kind of conversation with a smile will probably go over fine with your friendly neighbourhood guy.
 

Supertarheel

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The attachment seems weird to me to, but it couldn't be that bad.
 

erdawe

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Just buy it since you've already gone throught this much hassle. If they're put off by it, even when you're cordial about the situation, then they're not a personality who I'd want to do business.
 

Tck13

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Different companies use different numbered attachments. For example, one can't use Andis clipper attachments on Wahl clippers or Oster clippers because they are made for their clippers respectively.

Maybe you could look up what a #5 is on your respective clipper attachment and tell your barber that you like your hair to be x inches (which is what your # 5 attachment would be)? I do trust that your barbers can cut to the right measurement. It's not hard if they've got a lot of experience.

I'd suggest finding a barber that cuts your hair the way you like.

There is a very slight difference between cutting with scissors and clippers and razors but I would find it hard to believe that you can't find a barber that could do a good job on your hair somewhere nearby.

Maybe you can take your attachment along with you and at least show them (as someone else suggested)?
 

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