English phrasebook

At the Hairdresser in English

Practise visiting a hairdresser in English. You have an appointment: describe the cut you want, have your hair washed and leave looking great.

Situation: A hair salon in England. Your goal: Get a haircut and leave happy.

The whole conversation, line by line

Tap to hear a line. Hairdresser speaks first; the bold lines are what you can say. To see the lines in your own language, choose it in the language menu at the top.

  1. Hairdresser

    Hello! Have you got an appointment?

    You

    Yes, I have an appointment at four. It's under Wilson.

  2. Hairdresser

    Lovely, we were expecting you. Take a seat here. How would you like it today?

    You

    A trim on top and a bit shorter on the sides, please. Nothing too drastic.

  3. Hairdresser

    Would you like some volume on top, or flatter?

    You

    A bit of volume, please. And could you leave the fringe a little longer?

  4. Hairdresser

    Got it. Shall we wash your hair before the cut?

    You

    Yes, please. Not too hot, if possible.

  5. Hairdresser

    What do you think? Are you happy with the result?

    You

    Yes, I really like it. It's perfect, thank you very much.

  6. Hairdresser

    I'm glad. Would you like a little wax for the style?

    You

    Yes, a little. Not too much β€” I don't like my hair too stiff.

  7. Hairdresser

    Anything else? Shall I tidy up your eyebrows as well?

    You

    No, thank you, the haircut is perfect. How much do I owe you?

Now say it for real.

Play this scene as a conversation: the other person speaks, you pick the right reply, and every wrong one comes with a hint. Free on the web.

Vocabulary for this situation

More English for real situations