Clipper vs razor fades, old head said I'm overthinking it

So last Saturday a regular in my chair, dude's been getting cuts since the 80s, tells me I spend too much time blending with clippers when a straight razor would do the job faster and cleaner. I argued back that razor fades don't last as long for guys with coarse hair, especially in this humid Virginia weather. He laughed and said my clients care about the fresh look, not the two week grow out, and that I'm charging for my time not the fade's lifespan. That got me thinking, am I really serving the client or just stuck in my own routine? I've done maybe 200 razor fades in 3 years and they do hit different, but I still reach for my Andis clippers out of habit. Curious how other barbers here pick between the two when the clock is ticking and the chair is full, do you go razor heavy or stick to clipper work?

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harper_murphy29d ago

Man, I hear you but that old head is half right at best. Razor fades crisp up the edges nice, but for coarse hair in this humidity, you're giving the client a sharp look that falls apart in a week. Clippers give you that blend that actually grows out smooth, which is what most working guys actually need. You're not stuck in a routine, you're covering your bases. Charge for the skill, not the gimmick.

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