EverydayIntermediate
Getting a haircut in English
What to say when asking for a trim, not too short, and a little off the bangs.
The textbook way: people will understand, but it isn't what they say
Help me cut my hair. Short short!
What people actually say ↓Full script
Lin
Hi! Just a trim, please.
Them
Sure. How much do you want off?
Lin
About an inch. Not too short, please.
Them
Got it. What about your bangs?
Lin
Just a little off the bangs.
Them
All done. How does that look?
Lin
I love it! Thank you!
Them
Anytime. See you next time!
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Say it first
✗ Help me cut my hair. Short short!
✓ Just a trim, please.Only a small cut
trim = a small cut; for very short: Short, please.
Stylist asks: How much do you want off?
✓ Not too short, please.Keep some length
Be specific: About an inch. (about 2.5 cm)
Stylist asks: What about your bangs?
✓ Just a little off the bangs.Trim the bangs a little
bangs = hair over the forehead
Look in the mirror
✓ I love it!Very happy with it
If not, say: Could you take a bit more off here?
Quick answers
Say it first: what to say in English
Say “Just a trim, please.” — only a small cut. trim = a small cut; for very short: Short, please.
Stylist asks “How much do you want off”: what to say in English
Say “Not too short, please.” — keep some length. Be specific: About an inch. (about 2.5 cm).
Stylist asks “What about your bangs”: what to say in English
Say “Just a little off the bangs.” — trim the bangs a little. bangs = hair over the forehead.
Look in the mirror: what to say in English
Say “I love it!” — very happy with it. If not, say: Could you take a bit more off here?