Understanding some key words and phrases
When visiting a foreign country, one of the struggles many people face is not being able to communicate easily. This can be especially true when it comes to getting a haircut in Spain. However, with a little preparation, you can learn some key words and phrases that will help you get the haircut you want.
Firstly, it is important to know that the word for haircut in Spanish is “corte de pelo”. When you walk into a salon or barbershop in Spain, you can say “Hola, quisiera un corte de pelo por favor”, which translates to “Hello, I would like a haircut please”.
Next, it’s important to know the Spanish terms for the different hairstyles you want. For example, if you want a trim, you can say “recortar las puntas”. If you want your hair layered, you can say “hacer capas”. And if you want your hair thinned out, you can say “rebajar el pelo”.
You may also want to know how to describe the length of your hair. “Largo” means long, while “corto” means short. If you want a specific length, you can say “Quiero que me cortes el pelo a ___ centímetros de largo”, which translates to “I want you to cut my hair ___ centimeters long”. Just fill in the blank with your desired length.
Finally, it is important to know how to ask the stylist’s opinion. You can say “¿Qué me recomienda?” which means “What do you recommend for me?” This is a great way to get suggestions on what type of haircut would be best for your face shape and hair texture.
With these key words and phrases in mind, you can confidently walk into a salon or barbershop in Spain and ask for the perfect haircut.
Choosing a hairstyle
Choosing a hairstyle can be a daunting task, especially if you are in a foreign country like Spain. However, with a little bit of research and a clear idea of what you want, you can easily communicate your desired haircut to the stylist.
Start by looking up some popular hairstyles in Spain, as this can give you an idea of what styles are currently popular. Another way to get inspiration is by looking at photos online, or even taking along a photo of the hairstyle you want.
When choosing a style, take into consideration your face shape, lifestyle and personal preferences. Keep in mind that certain hairstyles may not suit your hair type or texture, so it is important to have a realistic idea of what will work for you.
It is also helpful to learn some basic Spanish words related to haircuts such as “corte de pelo”, “largo”, “corto”, and “capas”, as this can help you communicate more effectively with the stylist. If you have any specific requests, be sure to mention them clearly and concisely to avoid any confusion.
By taking the time to research and prepare before your haircut, you can ensure that you get the style you want and have a positive experience at the salon in Spain.
Selecting a hair salon
When looking for a hair salon in Spain, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the location. You’ll want to find a salon that is easily accessible, perhaps close to your home or workplace. Many salons in Spain can also be found in shopping centers or malls, so it’s worth looking there as well.
Next, consider the salon’s reputation. Look online for reviews, ratings, and customer feedback. This can give you an idea of the salon’s quality and the type of services they offer.
You might also want to consider the salon’s prices. In general, hair salons in Spain can be more expensive than in other countries, so it’s a good idea to compare prices before selecting a salon.
Finally, don’t be afraid to visit a few salons before making your decision. This can help you get a feel for the different hairdressers, their styles, and the atmosphere of the salon. Some salons even offer a free consultation, so take advantage of this if possible.
Greeting the hairdresser
As you may already know, greeting someone in Spain is more than just a simple “hello”. Properly greeting someone can make a good impression and set the tone for the rest of your interaction. The same goes when you’re asking for a haircut in Spain.
When you first walk into a hair salon, make sure to greet the hairdresser with a friendly “¡hola!” or “¡buenos días!” (good morning) or “¡buenas tardes!” (good afternoon/evening), depending on the time of day. Don’t forget to smile and make eye contact to show that you’re approachable.
It’s important to also use the formal “usted” instead of the informal “tú” when addressing the hairdresser, especially if you don’t know each other. So instead of saying “¿Cómo estás?” (how are you?), you should say “¿Cómo está usted?” to show respect.
After greeting the hairdresser and showing your respect, you can then proceed to ask for a haircut in Spanish.
Describing the haircut you want
When it comes to getting a haircut in Spain, it’s important to know how to communicate what style you want. Even if you don’t speak fluent Spanish, there are ways to describe the cut you’re looking for without too much difficulty.
First, start with the length. If you want a short haircut, say “corto” (pronounced “core-toe”). If you’re looking for something longer, you can say “largo” (pronounced “lar-go”).
Next, think about the overall shape you’re going for. If you want a classic, round cut, you can say “redondo” (pronounced “re-don-doe”). For something more square or angular, you might use “cuadrado” (pronounced “kwah-dra-doe”).
It’s also helpful to mention any specific features you want, such as layers or bangs. If you want bangs, say “flequillo” (pronounced “flay-key-yo”). For layers, you can say “capas” (pronounced “kah-pas”).
If you have a photo of the style you want, that can be extremely helpful as well. You can show the photo to the stylist and say something like “quiero este corte” (pronounced “kee-eh-ro ess-tay core-tay”), which means “I want this cut.”
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions or clarify any details with the stylist. It’s better to be clear upfront rather than being disappointed with the end result.
Providing additional instructions
When asking for a haircut in Spain, it’s important to provide additional instructions to get the desired result. Communication is key, especially if you are not fluent in Spanish. Here are some helpful phrases to use when providing additional instructions to your hairdresser:
1. “Quiero que sea un poco más largo por aquí” – This translates to “I want it to be a little longer here.” Use this phrase when you want your hair to be left longer in a specific area, such as the bangs or sides.
2. “Puedes hacer un estilo más corto aquí” – This means “Can you make it shorter here?” Use this phrase to show your hairdresser where you want your hair to be cut shorter.
3. “Por favor, corta solo las puntas” – This translates to “Please, just cut the ends.” Use this phrase when you only need a trim and don’t want any drastic changes to your current hairstyle.
4. “Podrías rebajar un poco el volumen” – This means “Can you reduce the volume a bit?” Use this phrase to explain that you want your hair to be less puffy or voluminous.
5. “Por favor, no cortes demasiado” – This translates to “Please, don’t cut too much.” Use this phrase to specify that you want to keep most of your length and only need a slight trim.
Remember to speak slowly and clearly when giving additional instructions to your hairdresser. You can also bring a picture of the hairstyle you want to achieve to help convey your desired result.
Confirming the price
After describing the style you want to your hairdresser, it’s important to confirm the price of the haircut before they begin. This will prevent any surprises when it comes time to pay.
To confirm the price, you can simply ask, “¿Cuánto cuesta?” which means “How much does it cost?” Alternatively, you can ask “¿Está incluido el corte y el secado?” which means “Is the cut and blow-dry included?”
It’s also important to note that in some hair salons in Spain, the price may vary depending on the experience level of the hairdresser. If you are unsure of the price, it’s always best to confirm beforehand.
Another tip to keep in mind is that tipping is not common practice in Spain. If you’re happy with your haircut, a “gracias” or a simple “thank you” is always appreciated.
By confirming the price beforehand, you can enjoy your haircut with peace of mind knowing exactly what to expect.
Expressing satisfaction or requesting adjustments
Once your haircut is complete, your stylist will ask you “¿Te gusta?,” meaning “do you like it?” If you are satisfied with the outcome, simply respond with “Sí, me gusta mucho,” or “Yes, I like it a lot.”
If you would like to make any adjustments, politely express your concerns. You can say “Quisiera un poco más corto por aquí,” which means “I would like it a little shorter here,” or “Podemos recortar un poco más aquí,” which translates to “Can we trim a bit more here?”
It’s important to remember that communication is key. If you are specific about what you want, the stylist will likely be able to deliver the desired result. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make requests.
Lastly, don’t forget to show your appreciation for a job well done with a simple “Gracias” or “Thank you.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, communication is vital when getting a haircut in a foreign country like Spain. By learning some key words and phrases, choosing a hairstyle, selecting a hair salon, greeting the hairdresser, describing the haircut you want, providing additional instructions, confirming the price, and expressing satisfaction or requesting adjustments, you can ensure a successful experience at the salon. It’s essential to communicate clearly and politely with the stylist to get the desired results. Remember to show gratitude for the completed haircut with a simple “thank you” in the end.
