When you need this

Haircuts and massages have one thing in common: someone is doing something to you, and you have to say what you want before they start and during it. That's awkward for many people in any language. The right phrases make it easier to ask for exactly what you want, and to speak up when something isn't right.

The key words for a haircut are about amount: a trim is a little, take an inch off is specific, and short on the sides describes shape. For a massage, it's about pressure: firmer, lighter, and that's perfect. Say them early and you'll avoid a bad surprise at the end.

Phrases

have your hair cut by someone

someone who cuts hair (a barber usually cuts shorter styles)

a small cut to tidy your hair

cut a certain amount

hair cut close above the ears

a customer without an appointment

make an appointment for a massage

how hard the massage therapist presses

more or less pressure

tight, painful spots in your muscles, in everyday talk

a bit painful, often after a massage or exercise

extra money for good service, usually fifteen to twenty percent in the US

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.