Basic English Expressions at Hair Salons

Is it time to get a new haircut or highlights? Giving your hair a bit of change from time to time could make you feel much lightened up and help you snap out of bad mood. Let us go over some basic English expressions  that we can use in hair salons this week.

Match the following vocabulary with each of their proper definition. 

(*source from https://www.myenglishlanguage.com/essential-vocabulary/hairdressing/)

1.   trim	a.   hair cut in different lengths, shorter on the top layer and longer underneath
2.   thinning	b.   hair at the front that comes down over the forehead
3.   balayage	c.   a small amount of hair cut off the ends of the hair to neaten your current style
4.   layers	d.   a long bob style
5.   fringe	e.   hair that is cut short all over using electric clippers, normally very short like in the army
6.   lob	f.    a highlighting technique where dye is painted on directly, without using foils or cap, to create a graduating color effect
7.   buzz cut	g.   parting at the side of the head or at the center of the head
8.   parting (side or center)	h.   Thick hair is cut with scissors to make it more manageable
9.   up do	i.     a hair style, especially among Rastafarians, in which the hair is worn in long, ropelike locks.
10.  dreadlock	j.    any hair style that is pulled up and back off your face – common for formal events, such as weddings

<Answer Keys>

    

     1.  c

     2.  h

     3.  f

     4.  a

     5.  b

     6.  d

     7.  e

     8.  g

     9.  j

    10. i

Learn the following expressions as well to say what you want or need at a hair salon.

<1> When asking for a service you want:

I’d like or Can I get a haircut/ some highlights please.

I’d like it straightened/ colored please.

<2> When making an appointment or a change of appointments:

Can I make an appointment for my hair color with (the name of your hair stylist)

Are you available this Saturday?

Can I see you this afternoon?

Can I possibly cancel the appointment for the haircut?

Can I put it off until next Wednesday?

<3> When asking about the cost:

How much do I owe you?/ How much do you charge for (a haircut/ a perm)

Will that cost extra?  (=Do you charge for that?)

Is that complementary? (=Is this service or product free?)