Help...What should I tell my stylist?

Hi, sorry if this sounds like a dumb question, but I haven't got a haircut in over 5 years. (i am a white male with strait 2 inch hair). I would like to get a cut so that I can have "versitile" hair that I could either slick back, style into a messy spikey look, or just let it flop around, all the while letting it grow back long again. I would of course want the sides to be short.

So what kind of cut would be best for this. I don't want to be buzzed with a clipper, that would be too short. Maybe I would like to get a cut that goes shorter at the bottom, and gradually longer as you go up toward the top. What kind of haircut is this? is that called a "fade"? Would anyone have any particular suggestions or haircut names? Thanks!

I don't know what the cut is called, but my H has something that basically does what you want your hair to do. It is shorter in the back and sides, gradually lengthening at the crown. The longest length falls around his eyes, frames them nicely (that 'flop' look you mention). He could easily slick it back, starts the day that way.

I've had some people tell me that skaters and surfers favor this style, but usually go for more of a ridge or 'step' in the back and sides. I always associated the style with the early 1900's as many actors in movies depicting that time period have that cut. I think DiCaprio in his latest Aviator movie has that cut. If not, he and Billy Zane both have that cut in Titanic. Ewan McGregor in Moulin Rouge. David Bowie had that style a year or so ago.

I'm usually the one who tells the stylist what I want to see on my man cos he doesn't really care. I know what bothers him (too thick with the tendency to get moppy if too long) so I am able to let the stylist know what to avoid for him. So I usually tell them shorter on back and sides, longer on top. I use my hands in his hair to demonstrate how I would like it to fall. I think your description of what you want to be able to do with it would be a very good guide!

GOOD LUCK!!!