How to ask for a haircut: what to say in English
You walk into a barbershop and the barber says hello. This is what to say, in simple English. Say hello and ask for a haircut. Answer "Do you have an appointment?" and wait for your turn. Tell the barber how you want it cut: a little off the top and the sides. While he cuts, say if you want it a little shorter. Look in the mirror and say what you think.
Say no to the gel, then ask the price, and pay. Next, explain the style: ask for a trim, show a photo, say yes to a fade, say how much to take off the top, and ask for one last change. Last, fix a problem and tip: say what is not even, ask for a change, say if it is better, book the next visit, and leave a tip. Listen to each line, then practice with Jay in the game.
Useful phrases
Hello, I would like a haircut, please.
Say hello, then say what you want: "I would like a haircut, please." "Please" makes it polite.
No, I do not. I just came in.
An appointment is a time you book before. If you did not book, say "No, I do not." Many barbershops take people without an appointment.
OK, I will wait here.
When you have to wait, say it is OK: "I will wait here." It is short and friendly.
Please cut a little off the top and the sides.
Say how much to cut: "a little off the top and the sides." The "top" is the hair on your head. The "sides" are the hair by your ears.
A little shorter, please.
If you want more off, say "A little shorter, please." If it is good, say "That is good." Tell the barber while he cuts, not later.
It looks great. I like it.
Say what you think. If you like it, say "It looks great. I like it." Say it kindly if you do not.
No, that is fine. How much is it?
Say no politely: "No, that is fine." Then ask the price: "How much is it?" You can also say "How much do I owe you?"
I will pay by card, thank you, Jay.
Say how you pay: "I will pay by card" or "I will pay cash." Then say thank you and the barber's name to end the visit.
I would like a trim, please. Shorter on the sides this time.
Say what you want in one sentence. A "trim" is a small cut that keeps the style.
Yes, I do, so let me show you a photo on my phone.
A photo is the easiest way to show a style. Say "Let me show you a photo."
A fade sounds good, but not too short at the bottom, please.
A fade goes from very short at the bottom to longer on top. Say how short: "not too short at the bottom."
Just an inch, please. I want to keep some length.
Use a number: "an inch." Then say what you want to keep: "some length."
Please keep the front longer. I like to push it to the side.
Choose one and give a short reason, so the barber knows your style.
Scissors on top, please. Clippers are fine on the sides.
Clippers are the electric tool for short hair. Scissors are for longer hair.
Yes, please. Keep it neat, but not too sharp.
"Clean up" means make the edges neat. Add a small wish: "not too sharp."
The back looks good, but please take a little more off the sides.
Say what is good first, then ask for one change with "but please."
It looks good overall, but the left side is a little longer. Please even it out.
Say what is good first, then name the problem and ask for the fix: "Please even it out."
Please keep the length the same. Just match the left side to the right.
Answer with a clear choice, so Jay knows exactly what to do.
That is much better. Both sides look even now.
Say if it is fixed. If it is not, say what is still wrong, kindly.
Yes, please, four weeks from today works for me, in the afternoon.
Say yes, then add a time of day, like the afternoon.
Go ahead. Keep them the same length as the sides.
Sideburns are the hair in front of your ears. Say what length you want.
That is very kind of you. I appreciate it, and I will be back.
Accept the offer kindly: "That is very kind of you. I appreciate it."
I am ready to go, and I will style it myself at home.
Say you are ready, and give a short reason: "I will style it myself at home."
Yes, twenty percent, please. Thank you for fixing it so quickly.
A tip is extra money for good service. In the U.S., 15 to 20 percent is common. Say how much, then thank Jay.
Level 1 (A2): Get a haircut
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Hi there, what can I do for you today?”
Good answer: “Hello, I would like a haircut, please.”
Why: Say hello, then say what you want: "I would like a haircut, please." "Please" makes it polite.
Avoid: “Haircut, now.” (too blunt) · “Hello! Cut my hair, and be fast.” (too rude)
“Do you have an appointment?”
Good answer: “No, I do not. I just came in.”
Why: An appointment is a time you book before. If you did not book, say "No, I do not." Many barbershops take people without an appointment.
Avoid: “Maybe. I do not remember.” (too vague) · “Yes, I do. My name is on your list today.” (gives the wrong idea)
“I can start in ten minutes. Please have a seat.”
Good answer: “OK, I will wait here.”
Why: When you have to wait, say it is OK: "I will wait here." It is short and friendly.
Avoid: “Ten minutes? That is too long. I am in a hurry.” (too rude) · “Fine, whatever. I guess I can wait.” (too casual)
“So, how would you like your haircut today?”
Good answer: “Please cut a little off the top and the sides.”
Why: Say how much to cut: "a little off the top and the sides." The "top" is the hair on your head. The "sides" are the hair by your ears.
Avoid: “Just cut it. Any way is fine with me.” (too vague) · “Cut it all off, please. I want no hair on my head.” (gives the wrong idea)
“Is this short enough on the sides?”
Good answer: “A little shorter, please.”
Why: If you want more off, say "A little shorter, please." If it is good, say "That is good." Tell the barber while he cuts, not later.
Avoid: “No.” (too short) · “No. It looks bad now.” (too negative)
“All done, so how does it look in the mirror?”
Good answer: “It looks great. I like it.”
Why: Say what you think. If you like it, say "It looks great. I like it." Say it kindly if you do not.
Avoid: “It is fine. I guess.” (too vague) · “I do not like it at all. It looks bad.” (too negative)
“Do you want a little gel in your hair?”
Good answer: “No, that is fine. How much is it?”
Why: Say no politely: "No, that is fine." Then ask the price: "How much is it?" You can also say "How much do I owe you?"
Avoid: “No gel. Just tell me how much it is.” (too blunt) · “Yes, please. Put some gel in my hair.” (gives the wrong idea)
“That is twenty-five dollars, so how would you like to pay?”
Good answer: “I will pay by card, thank you, Jay.”
Why: Say how you pay: "I will pay by card" or "I will pay cash." Then say thank you and the barber's name to end the visit.
Avoid: “I do not know. Maybe card, or maybe cash. Let me look.” (too vague) · “Yeah, card is fine. Here you go. See you!” (too casual)
Level 2 (B1): Explain the style
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Welcome back! What are we doing today?”
Good answer: “I would like a trim, please. Shorter on the sides this time.”
Why: Say what you want in one clear sentence. A "trim" is a small cut that keeps the style. Say what is different this time.
Avoid: “Same as last time, I guess. You know me, so just do what you always do.” (too vague) · “Just cut it. I do not want to talk about it, and I am in a hurry.” (too rude)
“Do you have a photo of the style you like?”
Good answer: “Yes, I do, so let me show you a photo on my phone.”
Why: A photo is the easiest way to show a style. Say "Let me show you a photo." Barbers like it, because words about hair can mean different things.
Avoid: “No photo. Just make it look good, I trust you, Jay.” (needs more detail) · “No. Barbers never get my hair right anyway, so why should I even try with a photo?” (too negative)
“Would you like a fade, short at the bottom and longer on top?”
Good answer: “A fade sounds good, but not too short at the bottom, please.”
Why: A fade means the hair goes from very short at the bottom to longer on top. Say yes, then say how short: "not too short at the bottom."
Avoid: “I do not know about fades. I cannot decide right now.” (too vague) · “Sure, make it cool, man. Do your thing.” (too casual)
“How much do you want off the top?”
Good answer: “Just an inch, please. I want to keep some length.”
Why: Use a number if you can: "an inch." Then say what you want to keep: "some length." An inch is about two and a half centimeters.
Avoid: “Medium, I think. Not too much, but I am not sure how many inches.” (too vague) · “Some. I will tell you when to stop.” (needs more detail)
“Do you want the front to stay long, or the same length all over?”
Good answer: “Please keep the front longer. I like to push it to the side.”
Why: Choose one and give a short reason. "Please keep the front longer" is clear, and "I like to push it to the side" tells the barber your style.
Avoid: “Either one is fine with me, man. It is really up to you, so go ahead.” (too casual) · “Longer, maybe, I think. I do not know how to say it in English.” (too vague)
“Do you want scissors or clippers on top?”
Good answer: “Scissors on top, please. Clippers are fine on the sides.”
Why: Clippers are the electric tool for short hair. Scissors are for longer hair. Answer both parts: say what you want on top and on the sides.
Avoid: “I do not mind at all. Please use whatever tool you like best.” (too vague) · “Scissors.” (too short)
“Should I clean up the neck and around your ears?”
Good answer: “Yes, please. Keep it neat, but not too sharp.”
Why: "Clean up" means make the edges neat. Say yes and add a small wish: "Keep it neat, but not too sharp."
Avoid: “Yes. Do it.” (too blunt) · “Maybe. I do not know what that means, so I am not sure.” (too vague)
“Here is the back. How is the length?”
Good answer: “The back looks good, but please take a little more off the sides.”
Why: Say what is good first, then ask for one change with "but please." This is polite, and the barber can fix it now.
Avoid: “Good.” (too short) · “It is not what I wanted, and it is too short.” (too negative)
Level 3 (B2): Fix a problem and tip
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“All done, so take a look in the mirror. What do you think?”
Good answer: “It looks good overall, but the left side is a little longer. Please even it out.”
Why: Say one good thing first, then name the problem: "the left side is a little longer." Then ask for the change with "Please even it out."
Avoid: “Hmm, something feels off on the left side, but I cannot say what is wrong.” (too vague) · “The left side is a mess. This is not what I asked for at all.” (too negative)
“No problem, I can even that out, so do you want the same length, or a little shorter?”
Good answer: “Please keep the length the same. Just match the left side to the right.”
Why: Answer with a clear choice. "Match the left side to the right" tells Jay exactly what to do.
Avoid: “Either one is fine with me. You are the barber, so you decide whatever is best.” (too vague) · “Just do your thing, man. I do not care how you fix it, really. You are the pro.” (too casual)
“Take another look in the mirror, and feel the left side. Is it even now?”
Good answer: “That is much better. Both sides look even now.”
Why: Say if it is fixed: "That is much better." If it is not, say what is still wrong, kindly and clearly.
Avoid: “Not sure. Maybe a bit better, I cannot tell.” (too vague) · “It is still not perfect, and I do not want to wait any longer.” (too negative)
“Right, do you want to book your next visit in four weeks?”
Good answer: “Yes, please, four weeks from today works for me, in the afternoon.”
Why: Say yes, then give a time: "four weeks from today" and "in the afternoon." Then Jay can write it down.
Avoid: “Maybe. I will call you later, when I know my schedule for the next month.” (too vague) · “Yes, I would like to come back soon. Any day is fine for me, really.” (needs more detail)
“Good, so while I have the clippers, do you want me to even out your sideburns too?”
Good answer: “Go ahead. Keep them the same length as the sides.”
Why: Sideburns are the hair in front of your ears. Say yes with "Go ahead," and add what you want: "the same length as the sides."
Avoid: “Not sure. Do whatever looks right to you.” (too vague) · “Yes, please. Make them much longer than that, if you can.” (gives the wrong idea)
“I am sorry about the first cut. There is no charge for the fix, of course.”
Good answer: “That is very kind of you. I appreciate it, and I will be back.”
Why: Accept it kindly: "That is very kind of you. I appreciate it." Do not argue when someone offers to fix a mistake.
Avoid: “Of course it is free. It was your mistake, and I am not happy.” (too rude) · “OK. Whatever you think is right, I guess.” (too vague)
“Okay, do you want me to style it a little, or are you ready to go?”
Good answer: “I am ready to go, and I will style it myself at home.”
Why: Say what you want: "I am ready to go" or "Please style it a little." Then give a short reason, like "I will style it myself."
Avoid: “Last time my barber used different clippers.” (off topic) · “I do not know. What do you think I should do with my hair?” (too vague)
“The total is twenty-five dollars for the haircut, so would you like to add a tip when you tap your card here?”
Good answer: “Yes, twenty percent, please. Thank you for fixing it so quickly.”
Why: A tip is extra money for good service. In the U.S., 15 to 20 percent is common at a barbershop. Say how much: "twenty percent." Then thank Jay for the fix.
Avoid: “No tip today, because the first cut was not even at all, and it took so long.” (too negative) · “I never know how much to give. Maybe a few dollars is OK, or is that too little?” (too vague)
Questions and answers
How do you ask for a haircut?
Say hello, then say what you want: "Hello, I would like a haircut, please." Next, say how you want it cut: "Please cut a little off the top and the sides." This game teaches these steps with a barber named Jay. Level 1 is asking for a haircut and the price. Level 2 is about explaining the style, like a trim or a fade. Level 3 is about fixing something you do not like, and leaving a tip.
What do you say to a barber?
Four short sentences are enough. Say "I would like a haircut, please." Say how much to cut, like "a little off the top and the sides." While he cuts, you can say "A little shorter, please." At the end, say "It looks great. I like it." and "How much is it?"
How do I tell the barber what I want?
Say the part of your hair and how much to cut: "a little off the top", "short on the sides", "just the ends." It also helps to show a photo on your phone. Say "I would like it like this, please."
How do I ask for a haircut at a salon?
It works the same way. Say "I would like a haircut, please." Many salons ask you to book first, so you can call and say: "I would like to make an appointment for a haircut." At the salon, the stylist may also ask if you want your hair washed first.
Do I need an appointment for a haircut?
Many barbershops take people without an appointment (walk-ins), and you wait your turn. Many salons want you to book first. If the barber asks "Do you have an appointment?" and you do not, say "No, I do not. I just came in."
How do I ask how much a haircut costs?
Say "How much is it?" or "How much is a haircut?" At the end of the visit you can also say "How much do I owe you?" Prices are different in each city and shop. Many U.S. barbershops charge about 20 to 40 dollars, and many salons charge more.
How do I say how short I want it?
Say "a little off the top" to cut only a little. Say "short on the sides" to cut more by the ears. If it is not short enough, say "A little shorter, please." You can say this while the barber cuts.
What does "a little off the top" mean?
"The top" is the hair on the top of your head. "A little off the top" means cut only a small part and keep most of the length. Barbers hear this every day, and it is a safe way to start.
How do I say that I like my haircut?
Look in the mirror and say "It looks great. I like it." You can also say "That is perfect, thank you." If you are not sure, you can say "Can you cut a little more here?" before you pay.
How do I pay at the barber?
Say "I will pay by card" or "I will pay cash." Some small shops take cash only, so you can ask first: "Do you take cards?"
What is a fade haircut?
A fade is a cut where the hair goes from very short at the bottom to longer on top. You can say "a low fade" (short only near the neck and ears) or "a high fade" (short higher up). A barber may ask, "Do you want a fade?" Say how short you want it at the bottom.
What is the difference between a trim and a haircut?
A trim is a small cut. It keeps your style and takes off only a little, maybe half an inch. A haircut changes the shape or the length more. If you want only a little off, say "I would like a trim, please."
How do I show the barber the style I want?
Show a photo on your phone and say, "I would like it like this, please." Then say what is different: "shorter on the sides" or "a little longer on top." Words about hair can mean different things, so a photo helps.
What do clippers and scissors mean at the barber?
Clippers are an electric tool that cuts hair very short. Scissors cut longer hair. A barber may ask, "Scissors or clippers on top?" You can say, "Scissors on top, please. Clippers are fine on the sides."
What do I say if I do not like my haircut?
Be calm and polite. Say one good thing first, then name the problem: "It looks good overall, but the left side is a little longer. Please even it out." Most barbers are happy to fix it right away, and many do not charge for the fix.
How much should I tip a barber?
In the U.S., 15 to 20 percent of the price is common. At a card reader, choose a tip or say "Twenty percent, please." You can also leave cash. Tips are not required, but they are a way to say thank you for good service.
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Play Say It Right: all 26 real-life situations.
This game teaches English words and phrases for a barbershop or hair salon. Prices, tips and how shops work are different in each city and shop, so ask the shop if you are not sure. Official information: Wikipedia: Barber.