
We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to get a good haircut, and rightly so. A good haircut can give you surprising bumps in confidence. Don't act like you've never had one of those amazing hair days where you feel like "oh man, people need to see this." The key is finding a barber you like, and sticking with them long enough to get into a groove. They know what looks good with your hair type and skull shape, and they know what you like. And in return, you trust them. This can be a difficult thing to come by, as well as a stressful trial and error process. So I came across this article (from everyguyed.com)on finding a quality barber and added some of my own thoughts.
*side note, if you're in southern california, the only barbershop you need to know is Danckut's. No joke.

Look for a Place that’s Busy
If you’re passing by a shop that’s empty most of the time, it’s not a good sign. Sure, it might provide the convenience of right-here, right-now service, but it’s probably going to result in a cut that you’re going to need to hide under a cap for a few weeks.
If you see a guy with a haircut you like, ask him where he got it. We know that may sound like a strange prospect to some, but we’re proponents of guys actually talking to each other about style and grooming. Enough with awkward stoicism; he’s not going to accost you complimenting his cut, and it’s a simple way of finding a new shop to try.
Cost doesn’t always translate into quality
A decent men’s haircut (for relatively short, classic styles) should cost you between $20-40 [not including tip] in most cases. Of course, this changes slightly depending on the city, and even the neighborhood you’re in, but a man shouldn’t have to choose between paying his rent or growing dreadlocks.
A good way to ensure you’re not overpaying for a cut is to go to a barber. This article is titled ‘How to find a quality Barber’ for the specific reason that a salon probably isn’t where you need to go. Unless you’re getting layered highlights [don't ever get layered highlights], all you need is a man or woman who’s skilled with scissors. [Okay, a beard trim and a hot towel on your face is nice, but maybe take a pass on the Tahitian cucumber water or simultaneous pedicures.]
*This isn't to say that all salon-type "hairstylists" are unskilled, but let's face it, a salon is designed to pamper a woman and [in the old days] provide a forum to share juicy gossip. A barbershop is dedicated to men's grooming and style.

You should never feel rushed by a barber.
If you notice a barber pushing through clients before you, and feel like he’s going to give you the same bum-rush treatment, don’t be afraid to just make an excuse and get out of there (a fake phone-call works wonders). Yes, it’s not the course of action, but a rushed cut or a surly barber is something no man should be paying money for.
A good barber should be attentive, interested, and engaged: asking you what you want, and taking the time to confirm the details or suggest new options.
*A haircut at a barbershop is an experience, not a task on a checklist. The process should be give and take--you get to know each other and communicate until you're both on the same page.

You get the cut you ask for
If you’re not crazy about your cut when you walk out the door, remember that barber’s will cut your hair to maximize your value, so it will be about a week before it has a chance to grow-out and take it’s shape. Unless he has clearly done a complete hack-job, tip him fairly, and wait to see the true results of his skill emerge in time.
*Worst-case scenario: you wear a hat for awhile and find a new barber in a couple weeks to try again.
If you’re getting a haircut within a week of a specific function or event, ask the barber to cut it to look a little grown in and more natural. Ideally though, you should time your cut a week or so before an event in order to look your best. If the haircut never ends up meeting your standards, you don’t have to return.
*My own experience has taught me that the best way to achieve the right "look" you're going for, is to bring in a few pictures on your phone. Chances are, your spur of the moment description of this haircut you saw in a magazine may not translate into your barber's mind the way you've intended. So take some pictures off the internets to talk through with them.
*find a shop that fits your style.
I'm pretty sure that 99% of barbershops can handle your basic fade or whatever cut you're looking for. Yes, certain shops will specialize in certain types of cuts, or certain types of hair; but a barbering license is supposed to mean that your barber can do it all. What's more important is making sure that you're confident in your barber, and that you feel comfortable in their barbershop. Find one that fits your own style. Find one that you think looks cool. Find one that makes you pumped to get a haircut. If you go to a dumpy shop in sketchville, USA, chances are you're gonna hate your haircut no matter what it looks like.

- James