Where I go to get my hair cut there are always at least two barbers. One of them is ok, but the other one is terrific. Best damn barber I’ve ever had. (Which might not be saying much, because most previous ones tended to make my head look unnaturally ovoid.)
The question is, how do I ensure a better than 50/50 chance that I get the barber I want to cut my hair? Can it be done without being rude to the lesser barber? Or would one take offense in the first place it I showed a preference and opted to pass my turn? (They don’t take appointments - when you’re next, you’re next.)
I used to work just a few blocks from a great barber shop. It seemed like maybe 30% of the customers had a preference, and waited for the chair they wanted. No rancor or hard feelings, they just liked to have their hair cut by the same guy all the time.
I would bet that the “other” guy would be entirely understanding if you politely expressed your preference to wait for the guy you like. No reason he should get bent. Preferences are preferences, and I’m sure there are guys who like him, too…
If you have a preference for a particular barber, just say so.
By stating your preference you are also signaling that you’re giving up your “turn” when the other barbers are ready for the next customer.
I agree with Doug. You just say you are waiting for the other barber. I had some of the same reservations as drewbert about offending the lesser barber, but I was the one had to live with the bad haircut.