When you need this

A salon visit has more choices than a quick haircut: color, highlights, layers, bangs, a blow-dry, and sometimes nails too. The conversation starts with a consultation, where the stylist asks what you want and what you've had done before. The clearer you are here, the happier you'll be when you look in the mirror.

Stylists often ask "How much time do you spend on your hair in the morning?" It isn't small talk. They're choosing a style you can manage at home, so an honest answer ("About five minutes, honestly") gets you a better result.

Phrases

the person who cuts and styles your hair at a salon

a short talk about what you want before they start

change the color of your hair

lighter strands of color in your hair

the new hair near your scalp that shows your natural color

hair cut at different lengths for shape

hair cut to fall across your forehead; British speakers say "fringe"

drying and styling hair with a hair dryer and brush

repeat the previous style

care and polish for your fingernails / toenails

needs little time or care

a small fix to keep a style looking fresh

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say one natural line for each situation.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.