Vocabulary Lessons

Getting a haircut can be a nerve-racking (tense or scaring) experience, particularly when you don’t know what to say. What if you are getting a terrible haircut, and you can’t tell the hair stylist to stop? Listen to the words below and consult a dictionary if you need a definition. Write a sample sentence for each word to learn how it is used in context. You can use the Internet to find sample sentences.

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

1. blow dry
2. color (get/have your hair colored)
3. curl (get/have your hair curled)
4. cut (get/have your hair cut)
5. perm (get/have your hair permed)
6. shampoo
7. straighten (get/have your hair straightened)
8. style (get/have your hair styled)
9. thin out (get/have your hair thinned out)
10. trim (get/have your hair trimmed)

• cut a little above the ears
• remove the split ends
• take a little off the top and sides
• trim your bangs

• barber
• beautician
• hairstylist / hairdresser

• hair salon
• barber shop

What things do you consider when choosing a place to have your hair done? These factors might include price and the experience of the beautician. Use the Internet to compare two hair salons and then discuss what services they offer that are similar and different.