For decades, Los Angeles has been considered one of the nation’s hubs for fashion, entertainment, and nightlife. In a city that is known for often setting trends rather than following them, men who live and work in LA are always wondering what kind of haircut can get people’s attention and stand out in a crowd. Barbershops have been part of the city’s cultural landscape for years, serving men of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and hair types. Los Angeles barbershops have also witnessed the rise and fall of many different haircut trends, from the short, classy styles of the 1940s to the closely-cropped fades of the 1980s. In a world where haircut trends are constantly changing, what hairstyle makes a man look his best?
According to Spike Eldib, owner of West Hollywood’s Entourage Barbershop, it can depend on personal, practical, and professional factors. “Everyone’s situation is different. Some hairstyles may look better than others on someone. Some people might prefer a hairstyle they don’t have to gel every morning. Some hairstyles aren’t good for the workplace,” he says. “It really has to be a conversation between the customer and the barber. If you already know what you want, we can do exactly what you ask for. If you don’t know what you want, we can figure out what makes you look and feel best.”
Spike and his team at Entourage have years of experience finding the perfect haircut for specific customers, as Entourage Barbershop was named one of the Top 10 Best Barbershops in West Hollywood by Yelp shortly after its opening. Entourage also counts celebrities like Jeff Goldblum among its list of satisfied customers over the years. Based on advice from Spike and the rest of Entourage’s barber team, here are some of the best tips and principles for finding the perfect men’s haircut in LA.
1. Choose a hairstyle that fits your personal traits.
Some people choose hairstyles without being aware of how well certain styles fit their face shape and hair type. For example, straight hair may not sit the same way as curly or wavy hair when it is cut. This is why straight hair works better with longer layered styles, while curly hair allows barbers to combine fades and tapered sides with curls on top. Also, face shape can affect how hairstyles are perceived. For example, customers with square face shapes may want to choose short fades, textured crops, or classic side parts to emphasize their jawlines. This is why it is important to consult with your barber for any adjustments that need to be made to your chosen hairstyle.
2. Know how much hairstyle maintenance you’re willing to do.
You may look great after your barber cuts your hair and uses gel or pomade to style it, but are you willing to gel your hair yourself every time you leave the house? Some hairstyles, especially the longer and more layered ones, require more maintenance, while shorter, cleaner hairstyles require just a little bit of combing before stepping out. However, very precise short fades might also require frequent visits to the barbershop to keep their polished and refined look. Budget and convenience should be factored into a hairstyle’s monthly maintenance before you choose your new look.
3. Ask yourself if your hairstyle is appropriate for your current situation.
If you’ve always dreamed of sporting a dyed mohawk, it might not be appropriate if you work for a law firm or a government agency. But if you play bass in a punk rock band, it might not be an issue. Whether you want to look more professional or more playful is up to you, but you should consider your lifestyle and personal needs before you commit to a more bold look. There’s nothing wrong with an old, reliable hairstyle in the hands of a skilled and experienced barber who knows how to make a more common haircut look striking and attractive.
No matter what hairstyle you choose, it’s important to communicate with your barber about your likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to your hair. Instead of just asking for a fade, don’t be afraid to get specific about length, style, and whether professionalism or self-expression is your greater priority. A good barbershop like Entourage with skill in hairstyling techniques such as skin fades, waxing, coloring, highlights, and beard trimming can help you personalize your haircut based on all of your needs, ensuring that you look and feel great while living in a trendy city like LA.
