How do I talk to a hairdresser? Learn essential English phrases

Do you want to try a new look? Going to the hairdresser's or barber's is a great way to really change up your style. Knowing how to explain to a hairdresser how you want your hair cut, is important so that they don't make any mistakes.

Here we've collected helpful phrases that you can use the next time you get your hair cut. Take a look and get ready for your next hair cut!

Table of Contents

Learn Essential Phrases
- Things a Hairdresser Says
- Things a Customer Says
Practice the Phrases

Things a Hairdresser Says

Below, you'll find common questions that hairdressers and barbers will ask you. It's useful to learn these so that you can both better understand and answer them.

Save Phrases as PDF

What are you looking to have done today?

How would you like me to cut your hair?

How much should I take off?

How short do you want your hair?

How do you normally wear your hair?

Would you like me to wash it too?

Do you normally straighten your hair?

What kind of shampoo do you use at home?

How do you usually part your hair?

Do you want to keep your bangs?

What do you think?

⁠What are you looking to have done today?

This is the most important question you will get while at the hairdresser's or barbershop. To answer it, you simply have to explain what you want done to your hair. Here is one common response to this question ⁠I was just hoping to get a trim.

⁠How much should I take off?

When a hairdresser or barber asks you this question, then they want to know how much of your hair they should cut. In the United States, you would answer this question by telling how many inches you want taken off. For example, like this ⁠I was thinking about an inch.

Things a Customer Says

The following phrases will help you describe how you want your hair cut. These are important to know so that that there will be no misunderstandings between you and your hairdresser.

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Do I need to make an appointment to get a haircut?

I'd like a wash and cut.

I want to dye my hair red.

Can I just get a trim, please?

I'm trying to grow my hair out a bit.

I would like to keep my hair as long as possible.

I usually keep my hair up in a ponytail.

I wash and blow dry my hair every day.

I'm hoping to try a new hairstyle.

I normally part my hair to the left.

⁠I'd like a wash and cut

You can use the sentence pattern I'd like + ACTION to tell a hairdresser or barber what you'd like done to your hair. They would most likely respond by asking follow-up questions. One example question is ⁠How much would you like me to take off?.

⁠Can I just get a trim, please?

A trim is a rather simple haircut that doesn't change your hair very much. When you tell a hairdresser or barber that you just want a trim, it means you just want them to shape up or neaten your hair. They won't cut your hair much shorter and will simply try to make it like tidier.

Relax while Listening to the Phrases

Keep calm and learn English! Listen to the phrases again with relaxing background music. This will help you improve your listening skills and remember the phrases. Choose your favorite style, then kick back and relax!

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Practice & Record an Everyday Conversation

Take the next step and use what you’ve learned! Check out this topic’s dialogue unit and practice the phrases in a variety of exercises. Test your knowledge and get ready for real life conversations!

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