Hi! I'm Lumi — let's practice this out loud 🎙️

English at the Barbershop

Getting a haircut abroad is a test of courage — one misunderstanding and you walk out nearly bald. These phrases describe exactly the cut you want, no surprises in the mirror. Practice out loud with an AI tutor first.

Key phrases

Just a trim, please.
A "trim" only shortens the ends — the safest possible request.
Short on the sides, longer on top.
The classic request — clear, simple and hard to get wrong.
A number two on the sides.
Clipper guard numbers work the same way in English.
Could you do a fade?
A "fade" is the gradient cut; softer version: "a low fade".
Can you clean up the beard?
"Clean up" means tidying the beard and sharpening the lines.
Not too short, please.
Your haircut insurance — say it before the clippers start.
That's perfect, thanks!
Happy with the mirror check? Close with this.

Tip: Bring a photo — "Like this, please" solves 90% of the conversation. And know "scissors" vs "clippers": if clippers make you nervous, say "scissors only, please".

🎙️ Now practice it yourself — the voice tutor listens to you speak and corrects your pronunciation on the spot.

Practice speaking — free →

📚 Full guide: English for living abroad

More situations in English: English at the Supermarket · Returning a Product in English · English for Personal Trainers · English for a Job Interview