All right, you have to confess, looking for a reliable barber takes more effort than crafting a thesis paper. You have to control your seminars, theses, and maybe even a social life, which does not exist anymore. However, having a cool fade is crucial. After all, it is your protection against the dissertation defense.
First of all, get rid of those boring chains of salons. Their staff works on an assembly line and gives you cuts like that. You need a professional. Find some shops that are somehow vintage and rated well on Yelp. Those, who provide a drink of beer or whiskey for free – good luck!
Secondly, you have to make an appointment and consult them first. Do not sit immediately into that chair! Inquire about their experience with your hair. Some information on their technique saves you from an awful haircut. If they are more attentive to listen to you rather than speak themselves – take them.
Thirdly, there is a tricky stage – loyalty. It is a two-way street. Tip them well, since grad students are usually poor, and it will be too expensive to fix things later. Make your schedule more flexible to attend these appointments.
The fact is that a reliable barber knows you better than a psychologist. They know in advance that you are nervous. It is just easier for you to visit one man every time. It is worth its money.