Be specific. If you don't know the exact terms, then don't just tell them what you want; show them what you want. Grab one of the style books in the waiting area. Find a pic on your phone that's about what you're going for. I guarantee these guys go through hundreds of people who simply say "just a trim" and then get annoyed when it wasn't exactly what they had in mind. There are so many shapes you can make hair, you're basically just giving them artistic license.
Is the place immaculate? Do they rush through customers? Do they seem knowledgeable when you chat them up about latest trends? Dig up some local salons that specifically advertise men's styles. Ones by appointment are likely to be better than strip mall franchises.
There's a pretty awkward period of time between short hair and long. If you're going to do your own, practice on gauging angle and distance through a double mirror.
Is the place immaculate? Do they rush through customers? Do they seem knowledgeable when you chat them up about latest trends? Dig up some local salons that specifically advertise men's styles. Ones by appointment are likely to be better than strip mall franchises.
There's a pretty awkward period of time between short hair and long. If you're going to do your own, practice on gauging angle and distance through a double mirror.