Episode 325
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Hi! I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English more easily and with confidence.
Great! Let's start!
Going to a hairdresser can seem overwhelming if you’re not sure what to say in English. Let’s learn some new vocabulary!
A. Booking an Appointment
Most salons recommend booking ahead. Here’s an example:
“Hi, I’d like to book an appointment for a haircut."
You can ask:
“What time slots are available?”
“Do you have any openings this week?”
B. During the appointment:
Now that you have your appointment, let’s talk about some essential words and phrases you’ll need when visiting a hairdresser or stylist:
Cut
This one’s straightforward—it means shortening your hair.
You can say:
“I’d like to get my hair cut.”
But here’s a tip: If you have a specific length in mind, it’s always better to mention it clearly. For example:
“Can you cut it to shoulder length?”
Trim
A trim is when you cut just a tiny bit off, usually to get rid of split ends.
For example, you might say:
“Can you trim the ends, please?” or “Just a trim, please.”
Wash and Blow-Dry
This is when the stylist washes your hair and dries it using a blow dryer.
You can say:
“I’d like a wash and blow-dry.”
And if you prefer a certain style after the blow-dry, let them know! For example:
“Can you make it straight?” or “I’d like some volume.”
Style
Styling is all about arranging your hair into a specific shape or look.
For example, you might say:
“Can you style it like this picture?”
Layers
Layers are when your hair is cut into different lengths to add texture or volume.
You can say:
“Can you add some layers to my hair?”
Bangs or Fringe
This is the front part of your hair that covers your forehead.
You might say:
“I’d like to cut my bangs shorter.”
Part
Your part is how your hair is divided—either in the middle or to one side.
For example:
“I prefer a middle part.”
And if you want to switch things up, you can say:
“Can you change my part to the side?”
Highlights
These are lighter streaks of color added to your hair.
You can ask:
“I’d like to add some highlights.” or “Can you add highlights to my hair?”
Here’s a tip: Be specific. Do you want subtle, natural highlights or something bold and vibrant?
Color or Dye
This is when you change your hair color entirely or partially.
For example, you might say:
“I’d like to dye my hair blonde.”
Roots
Roots are the new hair growth that often shows a different color if you dye your hair.
You can say:
“Can you touch up my roots?”
Be clear if you just want a root touch-up or full coverage for the entire head.
Now, let’s practice.
Want more speaking practice? Continue with a complete audio course.
IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING
Mini-Story: Speaking Practice
Answer the questions aloud with short and quick responses. Repeat the Mini-Story several times to improve your speaking and listening.
Vivian has an important event tomorrow, and she wants to look her best.
Does Vivian want to stay at home tomorrow?
No, she doesn’t want to stay at home. She has an important event.
Why does Vivian want to look her best?
Because she has an important event tomorrow.
Vivian decides to visit her favorite hairdresser to get a haircut and style.
Does Vivian decide to visit a bakery?
No, she doesn’t visit a bakery. She visits her favorite hairdresser.
Where does Vivian go?
To her favorite hairdresser (stylist). She goes to the hairdresser.
When Vivian arrives, she tells the stylist, “I’d like a trim, please.
Does Vivian ask for a completely new hairstyle?
No, she doesn’t ask for a new hairstyle. She asks for a trim.
What does Vivian ask for?
A trim. Vivian says, “I’d like a trim, please.”
The stylist asks, “How much should I trim off?”
Does the stylist ask Vivian how much she wants to cut?
Yes, the stylist asks how much she wants to cut.
What does the stylist ask Vivian?
“How much should I trim off?”
Vivian says, “Just half an inch, please. And can you add some layers?”
Does Vivian ask for bangs?
No, she doesn’t ask for bangs. She asks for layers.
What does Vivian ask the stylist to add?
Layers. She asks the stylist to add some layers.
The stylist washes Vivian’s hair and gives her a blow-dry.
Does the stylist start cutting right away?
No. First, the stylist washes her hair and gives her a blow-dry.
What does the stylist do before trimming Vivian’s hair?
The stylist washes her hair and gives her a blow-dry.
Vivian chats with the stylist about her event while getting her hair done.
Does Vivian stay silent the whole time?
No, she doesn’t stay silent. She chats with the stylist.
What does Vivian talk about?
She talks about her event.
After finishing, the stylist shows Vivian her new look in the mirror.
Does the stylist show Vivian a menu?
No, the stylist doesn’t show her a menu. He shows her a mirror.
What does the stylist show Vivian?
The mirror. The stylist shows Vivian her new look in the mirror.
Vivian is thrilled! She loves her haircut and thanks the stylist.
Is Vivian upset with her haircut?
No, she’s not upset. She’s thrilled!
How does Vivian feel about her haircut?
She loves it. Vivian is thrilled with her haircut.
Before leaving, Vivian says, “Thank you so much! I’ll be back soon.”
Does Vivian forget to thank the stylist?
No, she doesn’t forget. She thanks the stylist.
What does Vivian say before leaving?
She says, “Thank you so much! I’ll be back soon.”
Well, we're finished with our short practice.
Answering many simple questions can improve your speaking, just like talking in real life.
Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode.
Review
Vocabulary
Review the most useful words and expressions before listening again.
appointment
an arranged time to receive a service.
opening
an available time in a schedule.
trim
a small haircut that removes only a little length.
blow-dry
dry and style hair using a hair dryer.
layers
sections of hair cut at different lengths.
bangs / fringe
hair cut to fall over the forehead.
highlights
lighter streaks of color added to hair.
touch up the roots
apply color to new hair growth near the scalp.
Want more speaking practice? Continue with a complete audio course.
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