"I want this."

They show you a photo of Brad Pitt. Or that TikTok guy. Or their friend with completely different hair.

You look at their head. You look at the photo. You know it's not going to work.

What do you say?

Why This Moment Matters

This is the moment that separates good barbers from great ones.

Say nothing, give them what they asked for:

They leave disappointed
Blame you for the result
Never come back
Tell friends you "messed up their hair"

Handle it well:

They trust your expertise
They get a style that actually works
They come back for years
They tell friends you "really know what you're doing"

The Problems You'll Face

Hair texture mismatch: "I want that messy look" (shows surfer with wavy hair) Client has: Stick-straight fine hair

Density issues: "I want it long on top with volume" Client has: Thinning crown

Face shape conflicts: "I want a buzz cut" Client has: Very round face that will look rounder

Lifestyle disconnect: "I want that styled look" Client: Never uses product, hates spending time on hair

Reference disconnect: "I want to look like him" Reality: They have different hair, face, age, everything

The Framework: Redirect, Don't Reject

Step 1: Acknowledge what they like

Don't start with "that won't work."

Start with: "I see what you're going for—that textured, relaxed vibe, right?"

You're showing you understand the feeling they want, not just the photo.

Step 2: Explain the challenge (simply)

"So here's the thing—his hair has a natural wave that creates that texture. Your hair is straighter, so if we tried to copy it exactly, it wouldn't hold the same way."

No jargon. No condescension. Just facts.

Step 3: Offer an alternative that achieves the same feeling

"What I can do is give you that same relaxed vibe, but in a way that works with your hair. A bit more length here, textured differently. You'll get the same energy without fighting your natural texture."

Step 4: Get buy-in

"Does that make sense? Want to try that direction?"

Let them agree before you cut.

Scripts for Common Situations

The thinning client who wants length:

"I hear you on wanting length. Here's the thing—when hair's thinning on top, more length actually shows more scalp. Counterintuitive, right? If we go a bit shorter and add texture, it'll look fuller. Same style energy, just works better with what you've got."

The client with impossible reference photo:

"Great photo. His hair's got a lot more natural curl than yours, so that exact look won't translate. But I can get you the same vibe—clean, modern, low maintenance. Let me show you what I'm thinking."

The client who wants something unflattering:

"That's a cool style. For your face shape, though, it might make things look a bit [rounder/longer/etc.]. What if we kept the same feel but adjusted [specific element]? You'd get the look without the downside."

What NOT to Say

❌ "That's not going to work." (Feels like rejection)

❌ "Your hair can't do that." (Blame on them)

❌ "That style is for younger guys." (Ouch)

❌ "Trust me, you don't want that." (Dismissive)

❌ "Let me just do what I think is best." (Removes their agency)

The Client Who Insists

Sometimes they don't want your advice. They want what they want.

Option 1: Do a version of it Make small adjustments that help without completely ignoring them. Meet halfway.

Option 2: Give them what they asked for Sometimes people need to learn from experience. Do your best, document it was their choice.

Option 3: Decline respectfully "I don't think I can give you what you're looking for in a way I'd be proud of. I don't want you to leave disappointed. Maybe [other barber] would be a better fit for this style."

Rare, but sometimes necessary.

Building Trust for Next Time

When your alternative works out well:

"See how that texture looks natural but still has that relaxed vibe? That's what your hair does best."

Reinforce that you knew what you were doing. Next time they'll trust your guidance immediately.

The Mindset Shift

You're not saying "no."

You're saying "yes, and here's how to make it work."

That's the difference between a barber who cuts hair and a barber who transforms people.

👉 Vinci 26 stores client notes and photos—so you remember what worked (and what didn't) for every client.

Build something that's truly yours.

When a Client Asks for a Style You Know Won't Work