We get it: the whole grooming thing can be overwhelming. From trying to choose the right schmutz to put in your hair, to maintaining an orderly face forest, to finding the proper haircut for your oddly shaped head, there are about a million decisions to be made regarding the state of your mane. But that’s where your barber comes in.

A master of his/her craft, your stylist’s sole purpose—aside from riveting small talk—is to keep you from wandering astray on your everyday haircare journey. They’re fonts of knowledge, these scissor-wielders, and so, as part of the same survey that yielded the most requested haircut in America and the State of the Face, we asked them for a bit of advice. Specifically, we inquired as to what one thing they wished their clients would know when it comes to grooming. Here are their answers:

“Style the top of your hair slightly off to the side. Generally, the result ends up much more flattering than styling it right down the middle.” - Kathy, Pennsylvania

“Stop trying to look like someone else. It's fine to adjust your style to the trends but just realize you don't look like David Beckham or Brad Pitt. It’s important to tailor a haircut to best suit a person.” - Josh, Illinois

“Try not to wash your hair too often. Start with skipping one day, then two, and so on until you find the right schedule that keeps your hair looking great. Then keep to that. ” - Billy, Utah

“Never skip the conditioner.” - Cecily, Minnesota

“Get a neck trim before a first date or an important meeting. It only takes a few minutes and your regular barber will usually offer a neck and sideburn clean up free of charge between haircuts. Having a well groomed neck line looks polished and clean without looking like you got a haircut just for the occasion.” - Lauren, Texas

“Coconut oil on the beard keeps the skin healthy and the whiskers soft.” - Bryan, Montana

“Find a celebrity that has the same face shape and hairline as you, and most likely that style will end up looking good on you too.” - Derek, Texas

“Grey is better than gone.” - Melissa, Wisconsin

“Take the time to really know what you are using on your hair. If you are buying something that is only 2 or 3 dollars from the store, it will show. If you do your research, get in-salon education, and understand the why's and how's behind the products you use, your hair will be amazing.” - David, Ohio

“To maintain a haircut, come back within 4-6 weeks. To maintain a neck trim, come back every 2 weeks.” - Jenn, Florida

“Learn how to blow-dry your hair and any product will work significantly better. Period.” - Christopher, Tennessee

“Don’t use really hot water when you shower, especially if you already have a dry scalp. It’ll only make things worse.” - Marybeth, Kentucky

“When applying a cream or paste product to the hair, make sure to dry it first. This is so the product can really grab hold of the hair and make it easier to style it the way you like.” - Cortney, Indiana

“The nape will always grow faster than the rest of the haircut; ask your stylist to taper your neckline so it will grow out more gracefully and buy you a few more days between cuts. Also, just say no to gel.” * Dayna, Texas*

“Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.” - Christina, Colorado

“Take pride in your look. Whether it's a scar, a spot that's thinning or a few extra beer pounds, wear your style with confidence.” - Walt, Arkansas