Essential Vocabulary for a Haircut in French
Before you step into a French salon, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some basic vocabulary. Here are some common words and phrases you may encounter:
- Un coiffeur / une coiffeuse – Hairdresser (male/female)
- Le salon de coiffure – Hair salon
- Une coupe de cheveux – A haircut
- Les ciseaux – Scissors
- Le shampoing – Shampoo
- Le séchage – Blow-drying
- Le coiffage – Styling
- La frange – Bangs/fringe
- Les pointes – The ends (of hair)
- Éclaircir – To thin out/lighten
- Dégager – To trim/clear around (ears, neck, etc.)
How to Request a Haircut in French: Step-by-Step
1. Greeting and Appointment
When you enter the salon, greet the staff politely:
- Bonjour ! – Hello!
- J’ai un rendez-vous à [heure]. – I have an appointment at [time].
- Est-ce que vous avez de la place pour une coupe ? – Do you have availability for a haircut?
2. Explaining What You Want
Be clear and specific about the style or length you want. Here are some useful phrases:
- Je voudrais une coupe de cheveux, s’il vous plaît. – I would like a haircut, please.
- Je voudrais couper les pointes. – I would like to trim the ends.
- Pas trop court, s’il vous plaît. – Not too short, please.
- Je voudrais garder la longueur. – I’d like to keep the length.
- Je veux une frange. – I want bangs/a fringe.
- Pouvez-vous dégrader les cheveux ? – Can you layer the hair?
3. During the Haircut
If you want to adjust or clarify during the process, try these phrases:
- Un peu plus court/long, s’il vous plaît. – A bit shorter/longer, please.
- Pouvez-vous couper plus ici ? – Can you cut more here?
- Ça me va. – That’s good for me.
- Je préfère sans frange. – I prefer without bangs.
4. Finishing Touches
When your haircut is almost done, you may want some final adjustments or styling:
- Pouvez-vous sécher mes cheveux ? – Can you blow-dry my hair?
- Je préfère un coiffage naturel. – I prefer a natural styling.
- Merci beaucoup, c’est parfait ! – Thank you very much, it’s perfect!
Tips for a Successful Salon Experience in French
- Bring a photo: A picture can be worth a thousand words, especially if you are worried about miscommunication. Show the hairdresser a photo of the style you want.
- Use simple language: If you’re a beginner, stick to short and clear sentences.
- Practice pronunciation: Use resources like Talkpal’s AI language learning tools to practice key phrases out loud before your appointment.
- Be polite: Always use “s’il vous plaît” and “merci” to show respect and friendliness.
Common Haircut Styles and How to Request Them in French
- Une coupe courte – A short haircut
- Un carré – A bob cut
- Des mèches – Highlights
- Un dégradé – Layered cut
- Cheveux lisses/bouclés/ondulés – Straight/curly/wavy hair
Useful Dialogue Example
Here’s a sample conversation to help you feel more confident:
Client: Bonjour, j’ai un rendez-vous pour une coupe à 15h.
Coiffeur: Bonjour ! Installez-vous, s’il vous plaît. Quelle coupe souhaitez-vous ?
Client: Je voudrais juste couper les pointes et garder la longueur. Pas de frange.
Coiffeur: Très bien, pas trop court ?
Client: Non, juste un peu, merci.
Conclusion
Ordering a haircut in French doesn’t have to be intimidating. By learning the key vocabulary, practicing common phrases, and preparing in advance, you can confidently communicate your preferences and enjoy your experience at a French salon. Don’t forget to use resources like Talkpal to enhance your language skills and prepare for real-life situations. With a little preparation, you’ll leave the salon looking—and feeling—great!
