I've just been using chain salons for over half my life, so I'm used to strolling in and getting a quick, cheap cut and being done with it.
Lately I've had an urge to get a better quality haircut, but I just can't bring myself to walk into a barber shop, for some reason. No idea what to ask for, or even if I need to call ahead.
I get anxiety over the weirdest shit
okay, so as someone who used to have a lot of anxiety about barbershops until I found a barber I liked, the easiest thing you can do is bring pictures.
seriously, just be like, hey, I like this style, and show a couple pictures. I have a folder for hair/beard pics, but know i know more of the 'vocabulary'. and when you get your cut done, you could ask the barber to explain some things to make it easier for your next time.
most "good" shops you will need to call ahead, or they wil have an online portal to schedule appointments.
e: also look for more 'alt' shops and you may find less chuds than at a 'traditional' shop. I found a lefty artist lesbean who cuts my hair and we just talk about movies and shit and it's great.
Showing a barber a picture fucks with my anxiety. If I show them a picture of like a beefcake model or a celebrity, I wouldn't be able to get over the fact that they'd be comparing my own looks to the guy in the picture's. Like "this motherfucker thinks he looks like [celebrity]! What a joke!"
im sorry your anxiety makes you feel that way. you can literally crop the picture so it's just the hair? blur out the face? I'm not sure