The HOG

Here’s my own little story. I’m not giving up!

Even pimples! Stop picking them!

Remember!

Bumps can be very annoying and they are even more frustrating when you don’t know what causes them.

5 mistakes I made as a beginner barber 💈

Nobody really talks about how hard the beginning is, so here are 5 mistakes I made that slowed my growth.

1. I let fear control me.
Every client felt like a test. I was so scared of making mistakes that I almost made more mistakes because I was overthinking everything.

2. Imposter syndrome was real.
I kept feeling like I wasn't good enough, even when people were happy with my cuts. I was comparing my Chapter 1 to someone else's Chapter 100.

3. I was either too slow or too fast.
Some days I'd spend forever trying to make every detail perfect. Other days I'd rush because I didn't want to keep the client waiting. Both ended up affecting the final result.

4. I compared myself too much.
I'd scroll through TikTok and Instagram looking at clean fades from barbers with years of experience, then wonder why mine didn't look the same. That comparison stole my confidence.

5. I thought confidence came before experience.
I kept waiting until I felt "ready." The truth is, confidence came after showing up, practicing, making mistakes, and improving one haircut at a time.

If you're just starting, don't quit because your first cuts don't look perfect. Every barber you admire was once where you are.

Which one have you struggled with the most?

Client Demands a Bad Cut? 5 Moves Every Barber Must Know
We’ve all been there. Client shows a picture and your gut says this won’t flatter them. Here’s how to handle it smoothly:
1. Listen first, then check reality. Let them talk, then quickly look at their face shape, head shape, and hair. Say, “I like the idea, just so you know, with your thick coily hair it may not fall the same way.”
2. Explain why like a friend. Keep it real and simple: “That style works on looser curls, but your tight kinky-coily texture will need more daily effort to maintain.” Clients respect straight talk when it helps them.
3. Show, don’t just tell. Use the mirror or your past client photos. Point out their hair density and growth pattern together so it clicks.
4. Give them a better version of their request. Don’t shut it down, tweak it: “We can keep the vibe but adjust the length so it frames your face well and stays easy to manage.”
5. Get agreement before you cut. Quick recap: “So we’re going with this version, yeah?” If they still insist, proceed, but they’ll remember you looked out for them.
Be the barber who truly cares. Clients return when they know you have their best interest at heart.

Before and After>>>