B1English

At the Hairdresser

Use these phrases when explaining exactly how you want your hair cut, styled, or colored at a salon.

Key Phrases

Voice
Getting a trim · 2 ways to say it

Just a trim, please.

casual

Use when you only want a very small amount of hair cut off.

I'd like a trim, just to tidy up the ends.

neutral
Changing the length · 2 ways to say it

I want to go quite a bit shorter today.

casual

I'd like to take a few inches off.

neutral
Asking for layers or a specific style · 2 ways to say it

I want to keep it all one length.

casual

Can you add some layers to give it more volume?

neutral
Discussing the front hair · 2 ways to say it

Can you cut my bangs a little shorter?

casual

US English. In the UK, people say 'fringe'.

Could you trim my fringe a little, please?

neutral

UK English. In the US, people say 'bangs'.

Discussing hair color · 2 ways to say it

I just need to cover my roots today.

casual

I'd like to get some highlights, please.

neutral
Adjusting during the cut · 2 ways to say it

Actually, take a bit more off the top.

casual

Use if you change your mind while they are cutting your hair.

Could you make it a little shorter on the sides?

neutral
Giving feedback at the end · 2 ways to say it

It looks great, I really love it.

casual

Thank you, that is exactly what I wanted.

polite
Asking about the price · 2 ways to say it

How much is that going to be?

casual

Could you tell me how much a cut and color is?

neutral

Practice Dialogue

Customer
Hi, I have an appointment for a haircut.
Stylist
Great, have a seat. What are we doing today?
Customer
I want to go quite a bit shorter, and maybe add some layers.
Stylist
Sure. How much do you want me to take off?
Customer
Take about two inches off, please. And can you cut my bangs a little shorter too?
Stylist
Absolutely. Are we doing any color today?
Customer
Not today, just the cut. How much is that going to be?
Stylist
A standard cut is forty-five dollars.
Customer
Sounds perfect, thanks.

More Everyday Services (B1)

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