Getting a New Haircut Style: English Vocabulary, Phrases and Dialogue

Key words and phrases

hairstylista professional who cuts and styles hairThe hairstylist asked what look he wanted.

trima small cut to neaten hair without changing its length muchHe usually just asked for a trim, nothing more.

try something differentto attempt a new option instead of the usual choiceThis time, he wanted to try something different.

reference photoan image shown to describe a desired lookHe showed the stylist a reference photo on his phone.

hair texturethe natural feel and pattern of a person's hair, such as straight or wavyThe stylist studied his hair texture before suggesting anything.

face shapethe general outline or structure of someone's faceShe said the style would suit his face shape well.

grow it outto allow hair to become longer over time without cutting it muchHe decided to grow it out on the sides.

styling gela hair product used to hold a style in placeThe stylist recommended a light styling gel.

regret itto feel sorry about a decision after it has been madeHe was nervous he might regret it afterward.

fresh lookan appearance that feels new and different from beforeHe walked out with a fresh look he actually liked.

complimenta remark that expresses admiration or approvalHe got several compliments at the office the next day.

maintenancethe effort needed to keep something looking good over timeThe new style needed a bit more maintenance than before.

walk-in appointmenta salon visit without a prior bookingHe got lucky with a walk-in appointment that afternoon.

Useful sentences

Ask What made you finally try something different?
Answer I've had the same hairstyle for over a decade, honestly.
Ask Did you bring a reference photo to the salon?
Answer Yes, I showed the stylist something I saw online.
Ask Did the stylist check your face shape first?
Answer Yes, and my hair texture as well.
Ask Were you nervous you might regret it?
Answer A little, right up until I saw the final result.
Ask Did you need a walk-in appointment or did you book ahead?
Answer Actually, it was a lucky walk-in appointment.
Ask Does the new style need a lot of maintenance?
Answer A bit more than before, but nothing too complicated.
Ask Did you get any compliments at the office?
Answer Quite a few, actually, which felt nice.
Ask Are you happy with the fresh look overall?
Answer Very happy, I should have done this years ago.

Dialogue

stylistThe usual trim today, sir?

RahulActually, no. I want to try something different this time.

stylistGreat! Do you have a reference photo in mind?

RahulYes, something like this, but I'm not sure it'll suit me.

stylistLet me check your face shape and hair texture first.

RahulOkay. I'm a little nervous I might regret it.

stylistTrust me, this will give you a nice fresh look without too much maintenance.

RahulAlright, let's do it then.

stylistAll done! What do you think?

RahulI actually love it. I'm sure I'll get compliments at the office tomorrow.

Common mistakes

Saying "hair stylist" as two separate words inconsistently — "hairstylist" is commonly written as one word.
Saying "do a trim" instead of the more natural "get a trim."
Saying "try different something" instead of "try something different" (word order).
Saying "shape of face" instead of "face shape."
Saying "regret" without "it" as an object, better as "regret it."
Saying "appointment walk-in" instead of "walk-in appointment."

Quick quiz

1. What does "try something different" mean?

2. What is a "reference photo" used for?

3. What does "hair texture" refer to?

4. What is a "walk-in appointment"?

5. What does "maintenance" mean in this context?

6. What does it mean to "regret" a decision?

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