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When my students first describe someone’s appearance, they often struggle with the terminology for hair. “He has… short… curly…” and then they pause, unsure of the precise word. The truth is, English has a surprisingly detailed vocabulary for describing hairstyles — from the length and texture to the way the hair is styled. Whether you’re meeting a new person, shopping for a haircut, or reading fashion magazines, You’ll covers all the terminology you need.
We’ve organised hairstyles into three main categories: basic cuts and lengths (crew cut, bob, pixie cut), styling techniques (braids, buns, ponytails), and hair texture and colour. Each section includes common examples and real sentences showing how native speakers use these terms. By the end, you’ll be able to describe any hairstyle with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Basic cuts by length — crew cut, short, shoulder length, long; each has specific naming rules in English.
- Texture matters — straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair are described by how tightly the hair spirals or bends.
- Styling techniques create new names — a bun, French braid, or ponytail isn’t a cut; it’s how you arrange your existing hair.
- Hair colour has precise vocabulary — platinum blonde, ash blonde, chestnut, mahogany, jet black aren’t just poetic; they’re standard terms.
- Context and formality matter — “I got a fade” is casual; “She wore her hair in an updo” is more formal.
Basic Hairstyles and Cuts
The most common way to describe a hairstyle is by its length and overall shape. These are the terms you’ll hear in salons and use when booking appointments.
Men’s Cuts
Men’s hairstyles are often categorised by how short they are and what type of fade or blend is used:
- Bald
- Crew cut
- Buzz cut
- Fade
- Clean shaven
- Flattop
- Flat fade
- High fade
- Low fade
Example 1: He got a crew cut at the barbershop — very short and neat.
Example 2: The military recruits had their heads shaved completely bald.
Women’s Cuts
Women’s hairstyles vary widely in length, shape, and styling options:
- Pixie cut
- Shag
- Bob
- Layered
- Shoulder length
- Long hair
- Blunt cut
- Ombre
- Balayage
Example 1: She got a pixie cut and it made her look younger and more modern.
Example 2: The layered haircut gave her hair more volume and movement.
Facial Hair Styles
Beyond head hair, English also has specific terms for facial hair:
- Beard
- Stubble
- Mustache
- Goatee
- Sideburn
- Five o’clock shadow
- Receding hairline
Example: He hadn’t shaved in a few days, so he had dark stubble on his chin.
Hair Texture and Structure
How hair looks — its natural texture and wave pattern — is essential vocabulary. These terms describe the inherent properties of your hair, not how you style it.
Straight Hair
Straight hair lies flat without waves or curls. It’s typically shiny because light reflects easily off the smooth surface.
Example: Her straight black hair fell down her back like a curtain.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair has gentle undulations, falling somewhere between completely straight and curly. It has more volume than straight hair and is often considered versatile.
Example: The ocean breeze gave her wavy hair an even more tousled appearance.
Curly Hair
Curly hair forms defined loops or spirals. Curl tightness varies — some people have loose waves, others have tight, springy curls.
Example: Her naturally curly hair required special shampoo and conditioning to prevent frizz.
Coily Hair
Coily hair (also called kinky or highly textured hair) has very tight spirals and coils. It’s common among people of African descent and requires specific care.
Example: Her coily hair was arranged in protective box braids.
Hair Styling Techniques
These terms describe how you arrange or style your hair — they’re not permanent cuts. You can change these styles whenever you want:
Updos and Gathered Styles
Updos are styles where most or all of the hair is lifted away from the face and secured at the back or top of the head:
- Bun
- Chignon
- French twist
- French roll
- Updo
- Top knot
- High ponytail
- Low ponytail
Example 1: She wore her hair in a neat bun for the formal wedding.
Example 2: The ballet dancer secured her hair in a tight chignon under her costume.
Braids and Plaits
Braided hairstyles range from simple three-strand braids to complex, interlocking patterns:
- Braid
- French braid
- Dutch braid
- Fishtail braid
- Cornrow
- Box braid
- Plaits
- Pigtails
Example 1: Her French braid was so intricate that it took an hour to create.
Example 2: Young girls often wear pigtails to school — one braid on each side of the head.
Loose and Open Styles
These styles keep the hair down and loose, often with added texture or movement:
- Waves
- Curls
- Ringlet
- Half-up, half-down
- Tousled
- Volumised
Example: She styled her hair in soft waves for the evening party.
Hair Colour Vocabulary
Describing hair colour requires more than just “brown” or “blonde.” English has a rich vocabulary of shades and tones:
Blonde Hair Shades
Blonde ranges from pale platinum to deep golden tones:
- Platinum blonde
- Ash blonde
- Golden blonde
- Honey blonde
- Strawberry blonde
- Bleached blonde
Example: She dyed her hair platinum blonde, nearly white in the sunlight.
Brown Hair Shades
Brunette (dark brown) hair has many variations:
- Light brown
- Medium brown
- Dark brown
- Chestnut
- Mahogany
- Caramel
- Chocolate brown
- Espresso
Example: Her chestnut-coloured hair had warm, reddish-brown undertones.
Red Hair Shades
Red hair is rare and has distinctive terminology:
- Copper
- Ginger
- Auburn
- Burgundy
- Deep red
- Flame red
Example: Her fiery red hair and pale complexion were striking.
Black Hair Shades
Black hair, the darkest shade, has subtle variations:
- Jet black
- Blue-black
- Soft black
- Ebony
- Raven
Example: His jet-black hair contrasted sharply with his fair skin.
Multi-Colour Techniques
Modern colouring techniques create patterns and effects:
- Ombre
- Balayage
- Highlights
- Lowlights
- Ombre
- Sombre
- Rooted
Example: The balayage technique gave her dark hair subtle golden highlights that caught the light.
Special Hairstyles and Treatments
Some hairstyles require special treatments or represent specific cultural styles:
Textured and Protective Styles
- Dreadlocks (dreads)
- Locks
- Locs
- Twist
- Protective style
Example: He wore his hair in dreadlocks, a style he had maintained for over ten years.
Textured Treatments
- Perm (permanent wave)
- Relaxer
- Texturiser
- Blow-out
- Keratin treatment
Example: She got a perm to add curls to her naturally straight hair.
Common Mistakes When Describing Hair
✗ Incorrect: She has a short hair.
✓ Correct: She has short hair. / She has short, curly hair.
Why: “Hair” is usually uncountable, like “water” or “rice.” We don’t use the article “a” before it. Only use “hairs” (countable) when referring to individual strands: “I found a grey hair on my pillow.”
✗ Incorrect: He got a blonde cut.
✓ Correct: He got a crew cut. / He has blonde hair.
Why: “Blonde” describes colour, not a hairstyle. If you mean a short cut, use the specific style name like “crew cut,” “fade,” or “buzz cut.”
✗ Incorrect: Her ponytail is braided long.
✓ Correct: She’s wearing a long braided ponytail. / Her hair is in a long braid.
Why: Hairstyles are usually described as actions or states (“She’s wearing a bun”) rather than standalone nouns with multiple adjectives.
✗ Incorrect: I want to do a perm to my hair.
✓ Correct: I want to get a perm. / I want to have my hair permed.
Why: We say “get a perm” or “have something done” using the passive voice, not “do a perm to.”
Sample Dialogue: At the Hair Salon
Stylist: Good morning! What are we doing today?
Client: I want to try something new. I’m thinking of cutting my long hair shorter — maybe shoulder length?
Stylist: That would suit you well. Are you thinking of layers, or a blunt cut?
Client: Layers, I think. And I’d like to add some texture — can you do a balayage?
Stylist: Absolutely. With your dark hair, honey-blonde highlights would look stunning. How often do you typically wash and style?
Client: Maybe twice a week. I usually just blow-dry it or put it in a ponytail.
Stylist: Perfect. Layers work great for that routine. Let me get you shampooed, and we’ll get started.
Quick Quiz
- What is the difference between a braid and a ponytail? (Describe each in one sentence.)
- If someone has “jet black” hair, how dark is it? a) Very dark brown b) Pure black with blue undertones c) Black with highlights
- A “French twist” is: a) A type of hair colour b) A braiding technique c) An updo style where hair is twisted and pinned
- Which term describes hair with very tight spirals? a) Wavy b) Curly c) Coily
- “Balayage” is a modern colouring technique. What does it create? a) Permanent waves b) Highlights and lowlights c) All one solid colour
Answers: 1. Braid: hair is interlocked in three or more strands. Ponytail: hair is gathered and tied at the back or side. 2. b (Pure black with blue undertones) · 3. c (Updo style) · 4. c (Coily) · 5. b (Highlights and lowlights)
Related Hair and Body Vocabulary
- Human Body Parts and Internal Body Parts Vocabulary — broader body terminology
- English Vocabulary: Internal Organs of the Human Body — organ-specific terms
- Clothing Vocabulary — what goes on top of your body
- Appearance Descriptive Vocabulary — adjectives for describing people
- ↑ Back to pillar: Human Body Vocabulary (Pillar)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a “perm” and a “relaxer”?
A perm (permanent wave) is used to add curls or waves to straight hair. A relaxer is used to straighten or loosen curly or textured hair. They are opposite treatments — perms create curl, relaxers remove it.
Is “hair” singular or plural?
In most contexts, “hair” is uncountable and treated as singular: “She has beautiful hair” (not “hairs”). However, “hairs” is correct when referring to individual strands: “I found a grey hair on my pillow.”
What is the difference between “bobbed” hair and a “bob cut”?
“Bob” or “bob cut” is the hairstyle itself — usually chin-length or slightly longer, often with a blunt edge. “Bobbed hair” is simply the past tense describing the action: “She bobbed her hair” (she cut it into a bob).
Can you describe a “fade” haircut?
A fade is a men’s haircut where the hair on the sides gradually gets shorter toward the neck or ears, “fading” from longer to shorter. Common types are low fade, mid fade, and high fade, depending on how high up the gradual shortening starts.
What does “ombre” mean, and how is it different from “balayage”?
Ombre is a colouring technique where hair transitions from one colour (usually dark) at the roots to another (usually light) at the ends — a clear gradient. Balayage is more subtle and natural-looking, with hand-painted highlights scattered throughout, resembling sun-lightened hair.
Related
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Vocabulary
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