Are you feeling bored of the way your hair looks? Perhaps it’s time for a new you. All you need to do is make an appointment with a hairdresser, so now’s time to improve your English vocabulary for getting a haircut!

For many people, visiting the hairdresser’s and getting your hair cut can be a daunting experience. It might feel even scarier when you don’t have the right vocabulary to explain what it is you want.

Well, don’t worry! In this blog, you’re going to learn what to say when booking an appointment, what to expect when you arrive, how to describe your hair and how to practise with this easy-to-follow guide. Let’s dive in!

 

What can you say when you book your appointment?

 

First, it’s important to know the difference between:

 

  • the hairdresser’s/hair salon (for men, women and children)

  • the barber’s (typically for men)

  • a haircut (the noun)

  • to get your hair cut (the action of someone cutting your hair)

 

Once you’ve given a few contact details and agreed on a time and date, the receptionist will ask you what you want. Below is a list of issues that you may have with your hair and some solutions and treatments to say goodbye to that bad barnet!

English vocabulary for getting a haircut | What to say when booking an appointment | Oxford House Barcelona
 

How to describe your hair

The day has arrived and you’re sitting in the chair with a nice coffee. So, it’s time to put your English skills to good use and describe exactly what you’re after! Of course, you can just point at a photo, but where’s the fun in that? Getting your hair cut is the perfect way to practise in the real world! Don’t be shy!

Below we’ve compiled a list of hair types, styles and methods that are popular in 2023, and some links to help you with the adjectives (Warning, if you’re reading this in the year 2045, these styles might not be so common anymore!)

Vocabulary

Meaning

Curly Hair

spirals, like Shakira in Hips Don’t Lie

straight hair

hair which continues in one direction without curling, like Ariana Grande in 7 Rings

wavy hair

hair which is between straight and curly, like Rihanna in Pon de Replay

a fringe

hair which is cut above your eyebrows, like Taylor Swift in We Are Never Getting Back Together

a bob

hair which is cut very short, usually at chin level, like Christina Aguilera in Burlesque

bleached hair

hair which is made blonde using peroxide, like Gwen Stefani in Hollaback Girl

cornrows

hair which is twisted together close to the head, like Snoop Dogg in Beautiful

 

How to give feedback when you leave

 

That’s it! The new haircut you wanted is there, staring at you in the mirror. How do you feel? With a bit of luck, you are happy with your new haircut and sending a photo to your Whatsapp groups to show off your new style!

But, obviously there’s a little more to your exit than just paying and leaving, right? Maybe you want to ask for a small adjustment. Perhaps you love it so much, you need a way to express it. Or, you could have questions about how to maintain it. The table below will help you with the appropriate phrases and vocabulary to round up your date with the hairdresser!

English vocabulary for getting a haircut | How to give feedback when you leave | Oxford House Barcelona
 

How can I practise?

 

Your hair is important – it’s part of your style, so it’s equally important you feel confident when walking through those salon doors! So, why not practise first? Trying a roleplay with a friend or classmate is a fantastic way to get comfortable with the language. Practice makes perfect!

 

More grammar and vocabulary lessons

 

Well done – now you’re ready to get that haircut you’ve been dreaming of. We can’t wait to see you walk down the street flicking your hair over your shoulders! Don’t forget that we’ve got plenty of other grammar and vocabulary lessons for you. Try these:

The Simple Guide To Communicating At A Restaurant

A Black Friday Guide to Shopping in English

Travel Vocabulary To Get Your Summer Off To A Flying Start

Remember, learning English is twice as fun when you’re working with other people – find the class to fit your needs!

Glossary for Language Learners

 

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Daunting (adj): scary, intimidating.

Dive in (pv): start something.

>Issue (n): a problem that someone is thinking or talking about.

Barnet (n): a person’s hair – informal.

Be after (something) (pv): want something.

Compile (v): collect information from different places and put in a list.

Stare (v): look at something or someone for a long time.

Show off (pv): behave in a way that is intended to attract attention or admiration.

Adjustment (n): a change.

Round up (pv): summarise, finalise.

Flick (v): move something with a short sudden movement.

Key

adj = adjective

pv = phrasal verb

n = noun

v = verb

Improve your English this Summer with Oxford House Barcelona

Interested in taking an English course at Oxford House Barcelona? Check the English Summer Intensive courses we can offer you or contact us for more information.

Related Post