I got a haircut in Shanghai for ¥25. The barber asked me 15 questions first.
My friend from Italy needed a haircut in Shanghai. He walked into a neighborhood barbershop.The barber didn't start cutting. He started interviewing.
The questions:
1. "How short?" (He showed a photo chart — 12 styles)
2. "Fade or no fade?"
3. "Side part or center?"
4. "Texture or flat?"
5. "Bangs or no bangs?"
6. "Tapered neck or straight?"
7. "Scissors or clipper?"
8. "Wash before or after?"
9. "Do you want a shave?"
10. "Head massage?"
11. "Ear cleaning?"
12. "What products do you use?"
13. "Your hair is thin. You want volume treatment?"
14. "Membership card? 20% off."
15. "Water? Tea? Coffee?"
My friend answered 15 questions. Then the haircut began. 20 minutes. Perfect fade.
Cost: ¥25 ($3.50).
Getting a haircut in China:
Barbershops (理发店):
• Neighborhood shops: ¥20-40
• Chain shops (e.g., 永琪, 文峰): ¥40-80
• Premium barbers: ¥150-300
• All include a wash (sometimes a very thorough scalp massage)
What to expect:
• The consultation is longer than the cut
• They wash your hair before AND after
• Scalp massage is standard and incredible
• They might offer: ear cleaning, neck massage, face mask
• They WILL try to sell you a membership card
Tips:
• Bring a photo of what you want. Language barrier is real.
• Learn the key terms:
- 短一点 (duǎn yìdiǎn) — a bit shorter
- 刘海 (liúhǎi) — bangs
- 两边推掉 (liǎngbiān tuīdiào) — fade the sides
- 不要太短 (búyào tài duǎn) — not too short
• Don't say "just a trim." That's not specific enough.
• The massage is worth the price alone.
The membership card trap:
"Pay ¥500 now, get 20% off every cut."
Do the math. At ¥25/cut, you need 100 cuts to break even.
Say no politely. They'll ask 3 times. Keep saying no.
My Italian friend's review: "I paid $3.50 for a haircut that would cost $40 in Milan. It came with a 10-minute head massage, two hair washes, and 15 questions about my lifestyle. I tipped ¥10 because I felt guilty paying so little. I'll never get a haircut in Europe again."
Anyone else had a haircut in China? Did you get the membership card pitch?
Page:
[1]