Can I get my hair cut at a black barbershop?

They'd give you a haircut, period.

When my mother got her Cosmetology license in New Jersey in the late 50s, white "beauty operators" didn't work on black customers. They weren't trained to work on their textured hair.

No, you would be appropriating black culture.

Do you speak Jive?

yes, yes, yes. many black barbers in Center City set up shop and know their way around a white man's hair. like all things, it depends on the shop, but just ask if in doubt

Of course you can.

Is this a real question?

Of course you can. A few thing to know:

You will likely wait for a long ass time. Black barbers don't rush for shit, even if they see 20 people waiting.

Black barbershops are usually ground zero for black men to talk freely and sort of unload (no pun intended) lol. Sometimes they will make homophobic comments about celebrities and pro athletes. If your not easily offended then go for it.

Im black and started cutting my own hair because I like to do these sort of things after work and I cannot be bothered with long waits in the evening and all the talking after a long day.

You can buy anything. They generally are fencing operations too. I had a black girl cut my hair once and she screwed it up on the bangs. She didn't know what she was doing and took the clippers to them.

My son used to go to black barbershops when he was in his teens and early 20s. He used to say, "White people don't know how to cut hair!" He was into hip hop culture back then. He switched to an Italian barbershop a few years ago. I think he wanted to grow out his hair from the "fade".

I went to a Hispanic barbershop when I lived in Florida -- the guys loved me, especially after I gave my guy a big tip.

Back in the late 1980s I went to a mall in the Atlanta that was in area that had become heavily populated by black residents. I noticed that a lot of the businesses in the mall were black-owned but it didn't trouble me. I saw a barber shop and thought it would be a great time to get a quick hair cut.

The black barber was nice but he explained to me that he didn't have too much experience cutting white hair. He said the technique is different. I don't know if he was being sincere or not, but he seemed nice enough. I haven't tried to get my hair cut in black barber shop since.

Of course you can. Might be a nice experience, too. If you can laugh with the guys in the shop, maybe even learn something about what the black guys talk about (like other posters have stated, you are on their home turf) and the barber can cut caucasian hair, what have you got to lose? Just don't TRY to be all ghetto or hip hop or try to talk a certain way or "act." AT ALL. Period. Everyone can pick up on that shit. And it is patronizing and insulting and makes you look like a damned fool.

There was a Reno 911 episode where Rianeesha goes to a hair salon in the 'hood and finds Dangle there getting a haircut from her stylist. Funny shit.

White is OK, gay is not, OP.

I've done it in Philly, and in Kansas City, Mo. No problems at all, and the barbers were as nice as could be.

Yes, you can.

Things to remember:

1. Ask if the barber cuts white hair - there's a technical difference. Fewer whites can cut black hair than the other way around

2.Prepare to pay 30% more. Blacks pay a premium everywhere

3. You're white; don't let the barber shave the edge "line" of your bangs. Speak up if he starts.

4. Someone will ask you if you are 5-O.

[quote]They generally are fencing operations too.

My city has a ton of black barbershops ( more than white shops, I think) and they're usually empty except for the people sitting around chatting or a sole customer. There's one nearby in an old strip mall that has a thrift store, a used appliance store, and a chronically empty Chinese restaurant. I always figured empty Asian restaurants were gambling fronts, but couldn't figure out empty barbershops.

[quote] 1. Ask if the barber cuts white hair - there's a technical difference. Fewer whites can cut black hair than the other way around

It's fucking hair 😒 Are American barbers really so retarded?

The only time I've ever had a fucked up cut was after I went to a white barber. I was in a rush, but I ended up wasting more time because I had to go to another barber to fix it. For everything else I'm sure white guys are fine, but never again will one touch my head.

R19, the texture/curl pattern is usually different enough that if a barber/stylist isn't familiar with it, they will fuck it up. I'm mixed race and I am very wary about who touches my hair, because white people generally aren't used to it. It could very well be that the same applies in reverse in this case, where they might give him a haircut more suited to a texture he doesn't have.

Fencing operations! Lawd ha' mercy!

R21 I don't know, seems like one of those weird distinctions that Americans like to make, especially when it's about ethnicity: it often sounds like you guys talk about different forms of life from different planets. Sorry but the idea of OP entering the black barber shop and asking seriously "Do you possess the technical ability to cut white hair, Mr black barber?" just cracks me up.

I used to go to the most skilled barbers on 82nd and Amsterdam. "Antonio's Barberos Dominicanos", it was there forever. One of the 6 guys did a reliably awful job, but it was because he was bored and always in a rush, the other barbers were all excellent. When I was much younger, I used to see black supermodel Renaud White getting his hair cut next to me. I was so in love with him.

OP is bald, he wants to get a buzz cut, how can they fuck this up. They will shave his head.

R23 is correct. The way a lot of white Americans talk about race is telling of the racial chasm

Any barber can cut your hair, they just didn't want to. Probably cause you were lisping or prancing or mincing as you came in.

I'd like to applaud you OP for not holding on to something that isn't there and wearing your hair like Gollum.

Black male barbers are excellent at cutting fine (texture), Caucasian hair. They take their time, unlike some white barbers/stylists.

In my area, you have to choices. You either go to the mall and get a bad haircut from white trash high school drop-outs who will bitch to each other (or chat on their cellphones which they put on speaker and tuck in their bras) about their miserable personal lives while cutting your hair or you go to a black barber shop.

That should read "two choices."

Do they have a quartet ?

Yes I did when I was in Atlanta and thoroughly enjoyed it - expect a bunch of regulars sitting around shooting the breeze. See the movie "Barbershop" (2002) if you want a cultural primer.

More race bait

Try and stay on the "Down Low" and laugh crazily at all the "cracker" jokes!

I recommend black barbershops. The barbers are very proficient and it's a fun place to hang. Older Italian men tend to give great haircuts if you have straight hair.

R8 that's like telling a black person that he/or she may hear some racist jokes in a barber shop but if he/she is not easily offended then go for it.

In my area, Pacific Northwest, you have another choice. Korean mom & pop barbershops are all over the place. They are friendly, no-nonsense and good at mens' short haircuts. They give you the grooming you need, whether you asked for it or not. Unsightly neck hair, ear hair, nose hair, etc. are just buzzed right off. The mild manhandling can be surprising the first time you go, but I find it pleasant. And you will probably get "the buffer" at the end: a handheld motorized massager used on your neck, back and shoulders. It's like a very low rent spa experience, and I really enjoy it.

I had a lovely black girl in Maryland that gave me the best haircuts I ever had . She worked in a black shop , but all her customers were white ! BUT , I tried a few times since then and they really did a shitty job , one butchered my hair so badly I knew it was on purpose . Havent tried since , but I would if someone recommended some .

A white stylist I know said she was comfortable cutting hair for any ethnicity except Japanese because "their hair grows straight out."

Do you want to come out with a Jheri-Curl? Or smelling like Afro-Sheen?

OP, just remember not to stress the R when you say, "thanks, my nigga, can I have a business card?"

If you call him "my nigga", you'll have a friend for life.

It's also polite to ask everybody in the barber shop if they plan on robbing you, right after you ask the barber if he can cut white hair.

I got my haircut in jail by black barbers monthly or every quarter. No problems and it was free. I think I had to tip him with instant coffee packets, hot sauce, or stamps.

I know an African guy who worked for the UN in Rome. For haircuts, he'd hold off until he could arrange a weekend in Paris.

No ass, r44?

R42 is setting people up to be shot, right?

r47 that's racist. No black man would ever shoot a white homosexual for calling him a nigger.

OP. Don't call any black man your nigga.

I used to play basketball with a bunch of black guys and a polish guy, and the polish guy had a Nigga Pass. I was smart enough not to try it.

Ask for the placenta hair mask.

Go to this one bro

I would base the decision on safety. If you feel you will be safe then go for it.

I am mixed race and there are no black barbers within a 40 minute drive. I go to a Polynesian barber who is great.

It is funny bought I go to a barber school for my cut. The school has about 90 per cent black students. i am white and when i go in the teacher always matching me with one of the few white students. It happens every time I go. I don't think the African American students are getting my opportunities to work on non black hair. And the white student maybe never cut black hair.

OP, if you're just buzzing close to the scalp, you don't need a mirror to do it. Here's a tip: Lean over the bathtub/shower and buzz your hair into the tub right before you take a shower. The hair goes down the drain and the shower washes the hair off you while showering.

R52's link makes me wish I had a head of hair like Michael Landon. I'd be there for hours!

Lol

I love Dominican barbershops. The testosterone is so palpable.

Black guys typically are good at cutting white hair. You all forget most Hispanic men with our texture hair (and other textures) typically go to black barbers.

The best haircuts I’ve ever gotten were from a black barber and an Italian barber.

My black Barber has a lot of Latin and swagged our white dudes going to it now. It’s a hot group

Go for it OP! Just pop in and ask “any chance I can get this buzzed?” Maybe say the number buzz you like. You’re not getting a “style” so cutting technique or skill shouldn’t be an issue.

Years ago, in college there was a black barbershop right near my off campus apartment in my junior and senior years. I was an easy cut - a typical jock with some sort of crew cut or buzz going on - and like has been noted above, there were always guys hanging out, shooting the breeze. They were all very nice, included me in conversation, asked about my studies, what my plans were, etc.. I started letting the buzz grow out, and they did a great job with my longer hair, and styling it. When I was graduating, that haircut was free - “can’t have looking sloppy for your momma” - and they “chipped in and got you a little something for your interviews now” - was a tie with matching pocket square, tie clip and cuff links. I was really touched. Miss that place.

Back in NYC, I returned to an Italian barber. When his eyes started going, and the haircuts suffered, I tried a Dominican shop (great eye candy, took way too long tho), a few other Italian ones, before finding where I still go now the last 20 years or so, another old school Italian barbershop.

Aw, that’s lovely, r62. You were their favourite white boy!

My dad is white and with wavy flyaway hair and struggled to find a good barber until my mum found a Spanish barber with a picture of Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire on the walls.

Seemed appropriate.

I go to a very cool black barber's shop.

r8 I’ve finally found a barber shop that allows me to make appointments, online, and they stick to the times!!! It’s been such a relief. I’ve had to wait 2 hours for a cut on a Saturday prior to a date or an hour on a weeknight.

I’m loyal and refused to see another barber in the shop after a bad cut. Now I’ve got a guy I trust that can schedule my visuals and pay with a credit card. I’m happy as a clam.

While testing out new shops ( I moved to a major city) I went to one of the traditional ones you mentioned. By the end of the cut the barber was more concerned about signing me up for this weekend retreat rob Michigan for some pussy. It was a very hyper masculine environment and he charged me $35 for the cut, madness. I’ve seen both sides of the coin.

I'm an old codger who gets Buzz Cuts. However, I suck at doing my own beard, so have always had a barber do it. I went from a Vietnamese guy, who retired, to a pair of Chinese gals. All of them outstanding.

A few years ago I made an appointment to have my hair styled (I’m female) on the morning of an out-of-town wedding. (I was in the bridal party). Since I had no idea where to go, I thought I’d take a chance on the salon in the hotel where we were staying. I arrived for my appointment, walked in, and the entire salon, stylists and customers, were black. That was a surprise- probably for them, too! In any case, they did a great job and actually made my thin hair look thicker.

The Bridezilla didn’t organise your hairdo, r68?

Why wouldn't they? You're probably making this into something and it isn't, I bet.

I go to a Sephardic Jewish barber. Does that count?

Oh dears on ALL of r55!

I love it when my muscled black barber brushes his bulging crotch up against me while cutting my hair

Most of the men I hire to work for me are black (I'm white). In my experience, when you hire someone with some skills, there's a great deal of pride there. . My landscaper stopped by today to get an advance on his fee, and he was so grateful that he gave me a big bear hug. The woman who cuts my hair now is someone I grew up next to. But my brother has a black barber who he's crazy about. I'd visit a black barber in a minute, and would expect to be treated well. Despite all the negative stories we're always reading, many of genuinely like each other and get along fine.

That Joe Lewis was a great boxer.

It's a great experience. You learn so much just by watching and listening. Politics, community issues, race, religion, they discuss it all Except when the game is on. If you want to take the temperature of a certain political race, go to a black barbershop and you'll find out.