LA’s best barbers explain how to emulate today’s most iconic heads of hair.
The Beckham
Jason Schneidman at Chris McMillan Salon says ask for the 3-2-1 (the grades on the clippers) for hard, textured lines. The sides are super close (1 grade), the middle a little less short (2 grade) and the top is long (3 grade). For care, wash it 2-3 times a week to keep the natural oils in play, blow dry after showers using a small round brush and then use your fingers to apply a dollop of Dove Men’s paste through your hair. Get it cut once a month.
Chris McMillan Salon
8944 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 285-0088
The Roger Sterling
Christopher James at Baxter Finley says to ask for the classic contour cut. This is a polished look that’s layered on the sides and top and brushed to the side. If you don’t have a pic of Roger Sterling at the ready on your iPhone, simply say to your barber, “Hey, I’d like the classic contour cut.” And then, sotto voce: “Y’know, like, uh, Roger Sterling?” Should do the trick. Blow dry for volume and staying power and use a dab of Baxter’s Hard Cream Pomade for a matte look that’s not too stiff. Get it cut once a month.
Baxter Finley
515 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 657-4726
The Nakata
Hidetoshi Nakata — retired footballer, fashion icon and Italian Knight — sports a look that works well with thinning hair and/or receding lines. To get his style, ask for a “high, textured modern cut,” says Emanuel Delatorre at Vinny’s Barber Shop. Clippers at two on the sides with about three inches of very textured hair on top. Go in every 2-3 weeks for a clean-up. Style it with Byrd Light Pomade. It’s light enough that you can apply it, comb it through and then let the texture show through.
Vinny’s Barber Shop
852 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 426-9536
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