D'LLIARD-MATEOS BARBER SHOP (QUESTION AND ANSWER PAGE ABOUT HAIR AND BARBERS)

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HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT HAIR or BARBERING POST HERE... Email: mailto:derecho@leaco.net

QUESTION?

Whats the best hair clipper in $20 -$30 range and whats the best proffessional clipper. Thanks Amara

There are no good clippers in that range. The best Motor Clipper is the Oster Model 111 or 76 about $ 130.00 plus $20. to $30. per blade. The best Magnetic Clipper is the Andis Master Improved cost about $ 90.00 John..........

Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?

My daughter put butch wax in her long hair, I can't get it out! Is there a secret to it? I've tried several different shampoos, no luck! Marianne
Good question. On men and boys butch wax is only used on very short flattops, I have never experienced attempting to remove it from very long hair, You may need something stronger like and oil shampoo, and if all else fails dish soap, or maybe something with alcohol in it?? Good luck, and thanks for asking, have a nice Holiday.... John..........

Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?

I am a woman who is VERY interested in getting my nape clippered VERY short, almost shaved. My hair is almost to my shoulders and I love the feel of a short clippered neck however I don't want anyone else to see it. How do I explain what I want to the barber or should I go to a hairdresser? Thanks a bunch
Hi, I don't know what nape is, but if it's anywhere around the sides or back, just tell the Barber to do an undercut specifying the length you desire, which can be from skin tight (#00000 to 1/4 inch #2). A hair dresser might not have the tools to do a really smooth cut.. Thanks for asking John..........

Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?

Hi, By the way great page! My problem: When I cut my flips, There's Something just not right. I'm not happy with them. Any pointers? Thanks, French
ANSWER!
Hello French, Sorry but this old Barber has no idea what a (Flip) is. Is it a style?. Thanks for asking and have a great day.. John..........

Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?

Anonymous I was born in NYC and my dad would alway say never let anyone cut your hair with a machine. My current barber says machines are fine. Who is correct?
ANSWER!
Hello Anonymous, They are both right. I would not let anyone use the machine(clipper) on me, unless they are a Barber. Also I would not let anyone else cut my hair with any other tools unless they are a Barber. You didn't mention your age, but years ago there were few Barbers that were really good with clippers, and would tend to gap-up the hair, sort of like the (family hair salons) cut hair with the clippers today. However, now many barbers are as good with the clippers as with the shears, and some even better. Therefore, I would suggest letting your Barber decide what tools are appropriate. Thanks for asking and have a great day.. John..........

Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
Good afternoon, I am a 32 year old man. I have thick hair, however, my sideburns grow in relatively sparce with areas of no growth. Is there anything that I can do to thicken the sparce areas & promote growth in the other areas or should I just give up this style altogether? Thank You Joe.. ----------------------------------------------- Follow Question. Thank you for the advice. How short? I work in a relatively conservative office, how long could I wear my hair in the back? Is somewhat long hair (a little over the collar) in style? Joe
ANSWER!
Hello Joe Hello, and thanks for asking, but I don't think there is anything you can do, except let them grow and comb them down, which in my opinion does not look to good, besides short sideburns are in..... Have a nice day.. John... -------------------------------------------- Follow-up Answer. Hello Joe, I have office workers here (a lot) of them, most are with the Department of Energy, they wear there hair short to medium. The National Parks people on the other hand (approx 50%) were there hair a little longer medium to full, with the other 50% short. My school teacher customers wear short styles. My customers in sales wear short styles. All of my attorney customers wear short styles. A couple of older judges that come in wear theirs a little on the full side.. The only customers I have that were long hair or long sideburns are a few REDNECK types or Elvis want to bee's. I would suggest wear yours somewhat like others in your office. Thanks for asking and have a great day.. John..........

Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
Hi I'm a 21 year old female with long blonde wavy hair and Ive always wanted to have my head shaved in a mens barber shop. I'm a little intimidated by the thought of going to a place that is frequented by all men but I know that a full hot lather and sharp blade shave is only done by a mens barber. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I can go and what to say as a lot of barbers have refused me already and Im getting impatient. I want to be shiny bald soon.
ANSWER!
Hello Zoe, I would suggest you locate a Barber that works by appointment only, call discuss it with him/her on the phone, then make an appointment. Having your head shaved in private should be less intimidating and you and the Barber will be more comfortable.. Thanks for asking... John..........

Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
Right now I have wavy hair, If I shave my head bald will the hair grow back straight? Kai from California
ANSWER!
SORRY, BUT NO. That is a very old MYTH/Old Wives Tale...

Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
What qualifications do you have to have to do hair in Atlanta,Georgia? Terry Sanni and I am froM Michigan
ANSWER!
Hi Diane, you can go to the web address below for answers to your question.. Thanks for asking. John
Georgia State Board of Barbers
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217-3858
(912) 207-1430
(912) 207-1442 FAX
http://www.sos.state.ga.us/ebd-barber_cosmet/

Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
I've heard there such a thing as a "Ladies Flattop." I just love the look of a freshly cut clippered flattop on a man. Ever since I was told by my mother that only Dad and my brothers could get their hair cut in the "Barber Shop" I have been intrigued by the idea. As a woman I would love to find a real man's barbershop that not only would welcome me but be able to cut my hair with regular barber clippers ..... I don't want to go too drastically short this first time , that's why this "Ladies Flattop " cut sounds just perfect. If their really is such a cut could someone please describe it for me . Also any ideas where a gal would be welcome in a traditional barber shop. Thanks for your advice Stevie ..... Virginia
ANSWER!
Hi Stevie, Well I don't know the answer to any of your questions? I have never even given a woman a hair cut of any kind. When I became a Barber we were taught that women went to Beauty Shops and men went to Barber Shops, and that is the way it's been for me, however, things age not like they were. I would suggest however, if you do decide to get a flat top you do so in a barber shop. The younger Barbers do not have some of the old ideas that my age group share. Thanks for asking. Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
hi, I been barbering for about 3-4months now and I seriously have set my goal to be a professional master barber-I hope-before reaching for the stars, I have a these questions-my question is pertaing to tapers and fades. what are the BEST methods to begin these types of haircuts? how I begin a fade is simply climb up the blade system (on the oster- and I have the andis master), but that does'nt always come out the way ids like it to. =0(, I've seen better fades, got any other techniqes? regarding tapers, I've been really depressed lately because im having trouble accomplishing the tape-up. speaking in general (or specifically if you like) can anybody offer me some advice? thank a whole bunch- I really appreciate this website- Ruben My name is Ruben and I live in NYC
ANSWER!
Hi Ruben, You are on the right track, and I would suggest doing what you are doing for a while. As you know by now all heads/hair is different. How you do something on one head you cannot do on the next. I had a barber working here a short while back and he was having a lot of problems with short tapers/fades. I loaned him a Oster 3 1/2, 2, 1 1/2, and a 1A blade and showed him how to start at the top and work his way down to a 1, 0A, or 00000. He started doing some good fades.. My method is whatever length they desire, 2,11/2,1,0A,or 00000. I start at the bottom head upward toward the top and slowly start outward, then use clipper-over-comb to smooth out any ruff spots.. You may have problems with this method for awhile, it has taken me 40 years and I still have problems at times.. Thanks for asking. Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
How can I make my own outline very sharp and straight. Bobby and I am From New York City
ANSWER!
I assume you are talking about giving yourself a haircut, good luck, I have been trying for 40 years, there is no way that I know of to give yourself a good out-line. In fact most new Barbers and those other people(cose-mo-tol-o-gist) or what ever they are called cannot give a good outline. Thanks for asking. Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
What is the history behind the barber shop pole. Thom, Pottstown, Pa
ANSWER!
Hello Thom, Rather than putting it here please go to the HISTORY OF THE BARBER POLE at http://www.adsd.com/holtz/bpole.html Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
How many hours of schools does take to graduate from a barber school in state of missouri George Crousge
ANSWER!
Hello, George Go to the Missouri Board of Barber Examiners at = http://www.ecodev.state.mo.us/pr/barber/about.htm Most states require from 1000 to 1600 class room hours. Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
When did the barber unions fold? how much money did the union steal from the retirement fund? Douglas Kells , Oswego , New York
ANSWER!
Hello Douglas, Good Day fellow Barber, I don't know how much money they got away with, but it was everything. It happened about 1966-67 the best I can remember. They only got $ 35.00 from me, because That is what I paid to join (to be assured I'd pass my masters exam) I never paid the first months dues, because after the first union meeting I went to, They the union told us who to vote for, which stores to shop at etc... Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
Here is a question on barbering? I would like to know what the story is about, on why Barber do not work on Mondays, and wht Barber Colleges don't go to school on Mondays. Julie, Wiggins, Colo.
ANSWER!
Hello Julie of Wiggins, Colorado Barber Shops/Schools are not all closed on Mondays. Maybe some are in parts of the country, but not all of the country. When I went to Barber College we attended seven days a week. Most areas I have barbered in especially in California were open on Monday, and even Sunday. Barber Shops are a business and more and more to remain competitive with all the hair salons in Walmart, etc. will have to remain open more days and longer hours. Now there at one time was a union in parts of the country, very strong (in union) areas and none existent in other areas. It is believed that is where some of the Monday closing began. For Me the reason I close is because I want two days in a row off, But if I had enough help I would remain open seven days a week 12-14 hours a day.... Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
how can I find a school to learn to cut hair for men? and about how long does this usually take, and usually cost? Jack, from Washington state soon to move to Oregon state
ANSWER!
Hello JACK, It varies from state to state, but about 1200 to 1600 clock hours, so from 9 months to 12 months, (then about 40 years in practice to really learn what you are doing). Look for a BARBER COLLEGE, not styling, not cosmetology not hair dressers. Check the phone book in most cities of a couple hundred-thousand there should be some sort of a school that claims to teach barbering. Cost varies alot $2500 to $10,000 I suggest you contact your states BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS for information... GOOD LUCK... Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
How long will it take if I go to collage and major in babering Helenia Nix
ANSWER!
Hello Helenia Nix It varies from state to state, but about 1200 to 1600 clock hours, so from 9 months to 12 months, (then about 40 years in practice to really learn what you are doing). I suggest you contact your states BOARD OF BARBER EXAMINERS for information....Its an great profession, you will allways make a great living, but you will never get rich, GOOD LUCK... Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
What's the history of the barber pole? Barry
ANSWER!
Hello, Barry, In the Middle Ages, hair was not the only thing that barbers cut. They also performed surgery, tooth extractions, and bloodletting. French authorities drew a fine distinction between academic surgeons (surgeons of the long robe) and barber surgeons (surgeons of the short robe), but the latter were sufficiently accepted by the fourteenth century to have their own guild, and in 1505 they were admitted to the faculty of the University of Paris. As an indication of their medical importance, Harry Perelman points out that Ambroise Pare, "The father of modern surgery and the greatest surgeon of the Renaissance," began as a barber surgeon. The barber pole as a symbol of the profession is a legacy of bloodletting. The barber surgeon's necessities for that curious custom were a staff for the patient to grasp (so the veins on the arm would stand out sharply), a basin to hold leeches and catch blood, and a copious supply of linen bandages. After the operation was completed, the bandages would be hung on the staff and sometimes placed outside as advertisement. Twirled by the wind, they would form a red & white spiral pattern that was later adopted for painted poles. The earliest poles were surmounted by a leech basin, which in time was transformed into a ball. One Interpretation of the colors of the barber pole was that Red represented the blood, Blue the veins(Blue is only a guess, There was not blue until this century mainly in the US), and White the bandages. Which has been retained by the modern Barber. BORROWED PARTLY FROM= HISTORY OF THE BARBER POLE at http://www.adsd.com/holtz/bpole.html Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
How do you fade black mens hair? Dwayne McGee, Chicago, IL.
ANSWER!
Hello, Dwayne McGee. About the same way you fade(Taper)anyone's hair. If you are doing a lot of Black Hair I'm sure you understand, that most of the time you cut with the grain, rather against the grain. Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

REPLY WITH REGARD TO TEACHERS GETTING SHAVES IN BARBER SHOP!
Dear John Dillard-Mateos: HI there! This comes from the 1872 INSTRUCTIONS TO THE TEACHERS: 1. Teachers will fill lamps, clean chimneys and trim wicks each day. 2. Each teacher will bring a scuttle of coal and a bucket of water for the day's use. 3. Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs for the individual tastes of children. 4. Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes or two evenings a week if they go to church regularly. 5. After ten hours in the school the teacher should spend the remaining time reading the Bible and other good books. 6. Women teachers who marry or engage in other unseemly conduct will be dismissed. 7. EVERY TEACHER WHO SMOKES, USES LIQUOR IN ANY FORM, FREQUENTS POOL OR PUBLIC HALLS, OR GETS SHAVED IN A BARBER SHOP WILL GIVE GOOD REASONS TO SUSPECT HIS WORTH, INTENTIONS, INTEGRITY AND HONESTY. 8. The teacher who performs his labors faithfully without fault for five years will be given an increase of 25 cents a week in his pay--providing the Board of Education approves. Taken from the Mason Street School San Diego County Historical Days Association 3966 Mason Street San Diego, CA 92110 I hope that this will give you some insight regarding my question. I was very confused. I guess my thought was they would want the male teachers to go to the barber shop to look neat and tidy. Any suggestions on why this rule would of been in tact, let me know. My staff will enjoy the knowledge. Thanks. Ms. Jacque Stephens Ms. Jacque E. Stephens, Creston, Iowa
ANSWER!
Hello again, Ms. Jacque; Thank you, That is very interesting. I can only assume that during that period of time it was the opinion that Barber Shops were not a proper environment for members of the teaching profession. I remember back in 1957 during my first attempt to begin Barber College one of my grandmothers stating (barber shops are not a fit place for a young man to work) Appreciate your answer and information... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
Why was it once considered unacceptable for teachers (male) to get shaved in a barber shop? This would be in the 1870's. I was told it had something to do with a man's honesty, etc. Can you answer? Ms. Jacque E. Stephens, Creston, Iowa
ANSWER!
Hello, Ms. Jacque; Sorry, but I really don't know. Thats a new one for me. It is true for many years a Barber Shop was considered a Man's Domain only, and an unfit place for women, and at a time for young boys. Where did you find this information? It is very interesting. There is nothing in the history of barbering regarding this. Please let us know.. Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
I'm fourteen and would like to learn how to cut New York college cuts and ball fades. Tony
ANSWER!
Hi, Tony Most states require that you be about age 16 to enter barber college, with about a 9th or 10th grade education. you should call the New York State Board of Barber Examiners for information.. Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
I WANT TO KNOW DETAILS ABOUT HAIR STYLING TECHNIQUES ESPECIALLY FLATTOP STYLES. WOULD U PLEASE TELL ME ABOUT THIS.I'LL BE THANKFUL IF U COULD SEND ME THIS DETAILS.THANKS FOR YOUR KINDNESS. SIVAKUMAR( MALAYSIA)
ANSWER!
Hello Sivakumar, Flat Tops are not learned over night. Some are very easy, others are very difficult, because they first require the right kind of hair. Most people (Approximately 90%) that wear a flat top should not. If the hair is not right I do my best with styling gel and a blow dryer. If the hair is very difficult I then use Butch Wax, which I really dislike using. All I can say is practice, practice, practice and more practice.... Thanks for asking... Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
I have been going to ProCuts and I can never get my hair cut as short as I want it, the girls there just seem to play with my hair with the sissors, they never seem to use the machine. Raul in New Mexico..
ANSWER!
Hello Raul, What can I say. The shop(Salon) you went to, does not employee Barbers, they all were cosmotoligst {or how ever you spell} what they are, and they do not know how to use the machines(clippers). If you wear long hair like a female they would do a great job, but if you desire a MANs hair cut, short, What can I say. If you don't see a Barber Pole, and a sign that says BARBER SHOP, don't enter.. Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
I have a new flat top. What do you like to use to make it stand up at attention? Gary in California
ANSWER!
Hello Gary in California(Where I started my Barbering) I prefer gel and a blow dryer, but there is nothing beter than the old stand-by butch wax.. Bonjour-Buenos dias-Good day

QUESTION?
I have a bald head, and i was wondering how do barbers get shaved heads to look so clean and shiny? I want my head to look like how Michael Jordans head is, but i can never quite get it right. Got any tips? Andrew Escobar, Los Angeles Ca
ANSWER!
Hello Andrew, Shave it often, maybe twice a day, depending on your hair growth rate, then rub a little baby oil following, after shave lotion..

QUESTION?
Is there a general rule about how often guys should wash their hair? For instance, I have real thick hair and work indoors all day. I wash mine about twice a week although I imagine most guys I know wash their more frequently. Comments? FROM = Rob Wills - Atlanta, Ga.
ANSWER!
Hello Rob, What ever makes you feel good, there is no general rule. You are not going to harm the hair by washing it to often. I wash mine every day.. Have a nice day, and thanks for asking..

QUESTION?
How do you do fades. Samuel. From Asas, Texas.
ANSWER!
Hello Samuel, Fades/Tapers are done by starting at the bottom with the desired blade length going upward and gradually tapering out toward the top.... Got it?

QUESTION?
How do I put waves in my hair, I got a fade. From Boston, Ma.
ANSWER!
No way, until it grows out, then ask a cosmetologist..

QUESTION?
How do all you barbers cut such a fresh fade? I've been cutting my own hair for over four years and everythings alright, but you guys cut a perfect fade everytime. What is the secret? Donte Shelton, KC Missouri
ANSWER!
Thanks for asking. But I have known few Barbers that give a perfect fade(Taper) every time, however, it takes practice, practice and practice. I am still learning new methods every day after 38 years.. Older Barbers (the ones that went to school prior to the 70's do have an easier time than Barbers that went to school later. Real barbering has not been taught in recent years.. Great to hear you do well on your own hair, I trim my own once in awhile, but I would not attempt to give myself a short fade(Taper)...

QUESTION?
Why are Barber Shops Closed on Monday..
ANSWER!
I don't know. I quess they want a day off.

QUESTION?
Why, when I ask my barber to just give me a light trim, he always cuts more hair off.
ANSWER!
Maybe because only about 1 in 100 people really want a light trim. The amount of hair that is cut in a light trim will almost fill a thimble.. Barbers do not like having to give two or three Haircuts for the price of one. Also a light trim is, for this barber is more difficult than a full haircut.

QUESTION?
Why does the barber cut all my hair off when I ask him to cut it as short as he can get it..
ANSWER!
Be very careful what you ask your barber. A barber has the tools to take off a layer or two of skin. Be specific, ie quarter inch, half inch etc. Also Short, Long, Medium etc. means different things to different people.

QUESTION?
Why does my barber get MAD when 3/4s into the haircut I ask for another style.
ANSWER!
Why does the cook get MAD when after eating 3/4s of a hamburger, you say I really wanted a hotdog .

QUESTION?
Why doesn't the barber shave around my ears with lather and a razor, like he used to do.
ANSWER!
The reason most barbers give is AIDs. Barbers have to be very careful now-a-days to not come in contact with blood, and you cannot use the razor with out drawing a little blood from time to time. Also with the modern tools it really isn't necessary.

QUESTION?
Why does my barber wet my hair during the hair cut.
ANSWER!
There are several reasons. Most important being to prevent all the very fine hair from going down the barbers lungs. Second it is easier to cut wet. Also all uneven spots show up better when wet...

QUESTION?
My barber says dirty hair is easier to cut than clean hair.
ANSWER!
False, no way, not ever.. Barbers like freshly washed and clean..

QUESTION?
Why is my barber always turning the barber chair while I'm getting a haircut.
ANSWER!
Two reasons. One being you are moving your head all around the room (most likely) Also the barber needs the best light..Note this barber figures he loses over $20.00 every day just attempting to stay with a persons head movements.

QUESTION?
Why is it I will gat a really nice haircut one time, then the next time I get a lousy one.
ANSWER!
A couple of reasons. Maybe you were having a BAD HAIR day, or maybe the barber was having a BAD DAY.. Or maybe BOTH

QUESTION?
Why is it when I bring my girlfriend/wife with me to the Barber Shop, the Barber and other men in the shop act cold/up-tight and I don't get as good a haircut.
ANSWER!
Well most (older Barbers) don't appreciate women in the Barber Shop.. They consider it a men's domain.. And besides that women are trouble in the shop, they like to tell the barber where and how much hair to cut, what tools to use and all sort of goodies......

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