Getting a haircut in a foreign country can be nerve‑wracking. Now imagine trying to explain exactly how you want your hair styled in Chinese.
Whether you want a simple trim, a dramatic perm, or just need to ask how much it costs, knowing the right phrases will save you from a disastrous haircut and help you walk out of the salon feeling great.
In this guide, we’ve gathered essential Chinese salon phrases from our video series. You’ll learn how to request a haircut, ask about prices, and even describe your dream hairstyle, all in natural, everyday Chinese.
If you want structured speaking practice, consider booking a free 1-on-1 trial class with a native Chinese teacher.
1. Basic Haircut Requests: What to Say When You Sit Down
These are the most common phrases you’ll use at any salon. Whether you want a full cut or just a quick trim, these will get you started.
Wǒ xiǎng jiǎn tóu fà.
我想剪头发。
I want a haircut.
Use this when you walk into a salon and want a general haircut without specifying a particular style.
Wǒ xiǎng xiū yī xià，bù yào jiǎn tài duǎn.
我想修一下，不要剪太短。
Just a trim, don’t cut it too short.
Say this if you only want a small trim and you’re worried about losing too much length, it’s safer than just saying “cut”.
Bāng wǒ xiū yī xià fà wěi.
帮我修一下发尾。
Just trim the ends for me.
Use this when you want to clean up the split ends but keep the overall length.
Bāng wǒ xiū yī xià liú hǎi.
帮我修一下刘海。
Trim my bangs, please.
Say this when your bangs are getting too long and you just want them shortened a little.
Bù yào dǎ báo.
不要打薄。
Don’t thin it out.
Use this if you have thick hair and the stylist might want to use thinning shears, say this to keep your full volume.
Pro tip: “修一下” (xiū yī xià) is your best friend. It means “a little trim”, much safer than saying “剪” (jiǎn – cut) if you’re worried about losing too much length!
2. Asking About Prices: Avoid Getting Overcharged
Salon prices in China can vary widely. Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for by asking these simple questions.
Xǐ jiǎn chuī duō shǎo qián?
洗剪吹多少钱？
How much is a wash, cut, and blow‑dry?
Ask this when you want the full basic service, shampoo, haircut, and blow‑dry, and need the total price.
Xǐ tóu duō shǎo qián?
洗头多少钱？
How much is just a wash?
Say this if you only want a shampoo and blow‑dry without any cutting or styling.
Rǎn fà duō shǎo qián?
染发多少钱？
How much is a color / dye?
Use this when you’re thinking about coloring your hair and want to know the cost before deciding.
Tàng fà duō shǎo qián?
烫发多少钱？
How much is a perm?
Ask this when you want a permanent wave or curl and need the price upfront.
Tàng jiā rǎn duō shǎo qián?
烫加染多少钱？
How much for a perm and color together?
Say this if you want both services at once, many salons offer a package deal, so ask for the combined price.
Pro tip: Always ask the price before you start, especially if you’re getting multiple services. Some salons offer package deals, so don’t be afraid to ask “烫加染多少钱？” to get the combined price.
3. Describing Your Dream Hairstyle
If you want something specific – from loose waves to tight curls, these phrases will help you describe exactly what you’re looking for. It’s also helpful to show the stylist a photo of the hairstyle you want.
Wǒ yào tàng dà bō làng.
我要烫大波浪。
I want big waves / loose curls.
Use this when you want soft, voluminous waves, a classic look that’s very popular in China.
Wǒ xiǎng tàng zhè zhǒng yáng máo juǎn.
我想烫这种羊毛卷。
I want this kind of tight spiral curls.
Say this when you want very tight, springy curls, like a sheep’s wool, and you can point to a picture of the style.
Wǒ yào gāo céng cì tàng fà.
我要高层次烫发。
I want a layered perm.
Use this when you want the curls to be cut in layers for more movement and texture.
Tàng zì rán yōng lǎn yī diǎn de.
烫自然慵懒一点的。
Something natural and effortlessly tousled.
Say this if you prefer a relaxed, messy, “I just woke up” wave that looks very trendy.
Tàng fǎ shì juǎn.
烫法式卷。
French curls / French girl waves.
Use this when you want that chic, undone French‑style wave, very popular among young women.
Wǒ xiǎng tàng zhè ge yàng zi.
我想烫这个样子。
I want this look.
Say this while showing a photo of your desired hairstyle, it’s the safest way to get exactly what you want.
Pro tip: Bring a photo! Saying “我想烫这个样子” (Wǒ xiǎng tàng zhè ge yàng zi – I want this look) while showing a picture is the most foolproof way to get what you want. Chinese stylists are used to this and will appreciate the visual reference.
4. Bonus Vocabulary: Salon Services You Should Know
Beyond the phrases above, here are a few extra terms that might come in handy during your salon visit.
Chuī gān
吹干
Blow‑dry
Use this when you want your hair dried with a blow‑dryer after washing, often included in the basic service.
Jiǎn fà
剪发
Haircut
This is the general term for a haircut, you’ll see it on price lists next to washing and blow‑drying.
Xǐ fà
洗发
Shampoo
Say this when you just want a hair wash, or it’s the first part of the “wash‑cut‑blow” package.
Hù fà sù
护发素
Conditioner
Ask for this if you want conditioning treatment after shampooing, it’s often an extra charge.
Fà sè
发色
Hair color
Use this when discussing color options – you can point to a color chart in the salon.
Tiǎo rǎn
挑染
Highlights
Say this when you want only certain strands dyed, not the whole head, it’s a common request for a trendy look.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure about a term, point to a picture on the salon’s price board, most salons in China have visual menus that show services with prices clearly marked.
Why Learn Salon Chinese?
Getting your hair done in China is more than just a grooming task, it’s a cultural experience. Here’s why these phrases are worth learning:
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Avoid hair disasters. A simple misunderstanding can lead to a cut that’s way too short or a perm you never wanted. These phrases help you communicate clearly.
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Save money. When you can ask about prices upfront, you won’t be surprised by the final bill.
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Build confidence. Walking into a salon and speaking Chinese, even just a few phrases, will make you feel like a local.
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Connect with stylists. Chinese salon staff are often friendly and chatty. Knowing a few phrases can turn a routine appointment into a fun conversation.
Ready to Speak Chinese with Confidence?
These salon phrases are just the beginning. At eChineseLearning, we offer 1‑on‑1 personalized Chinese lessons tailored to your daily life, whether you’re going to the salon, ordering food, or navigating public transport.
Book a free trial lesson and start speaking real Chinese today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are these phrases used everywhere in China?
A: Yes, Mandarin is the official language nationwide. These phrases are understood in salons across mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Q2: What if the stylist doesn’t understand my pronunciation?
A: Don’t worry, showing a picture of your desired hairstyle is always a good backup. Most salons also have price menus with pictures, so you can point to what you want.
Q3: Is tipping expected in Chinese salons?
A: Tipping is not common in China, including at salons. The price you’re quoted is what you pay.
Q4: How do I say “I want it shorter here” or “longer there”?
A: You can point and say “这里短一点” (zhèlǐ duǎn yī diǎn – shorter here) or “这里长一点” (zhèlǐ cháng yī diǎn – longer here). Stylists are used to hand gestures!
