Understanding Haircut Terminology in the UK: Tips for Male and Female Students

For international students in the UK, managing day-to-day life includes figuring out essential tasks like haircuts. While haircuts in the UK can be pricey, effectively communicating with your hairstylist to get the desired haircut isn’t always straightforward. Cyclopes shares some British haircut terminologies, aiming to make haircuts easier for both male and female students.

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There's a common perception that haircuts in the UK are expensive. Typically, a basic wash and cut in a London salon start from around £25-30, with additional services like hair colouring or perming ranging from £100-200, depending on whether it’s done by a senior stylist. It's worth noting that haircuts for women are generally more expensive than for men, and prices can vary significantly between salons. Some salons may even set their prices based on hair length, such as above chin, below chin, or below shoulder.

Asian hair texture differs from that of Westerners, and there are often complaints on forums about foreign hairstylists not understanding how to cut Asian hair properly. So, what are your options for a great haircut at a reasonable price in the UK?

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For a spontaneous haircut without the hassle, many suggest visiting Chinese-operated salons, where communication is more straightforward. In major UK cities’ Chinatowns, you can find hair salons run by Chinese or Southeast Asian expats, with wash and cut services typically ranging from £15-25.

With a higher budget, consider salons run by Hong Kong expats. These salons charge starting from around £40 for a wash and cut. Despite the higher price, they are popular among middle-class families for their understanding of Hong Kong residents' expectations, though the cost may be prohibitive for some students.

For a quick trim, male students might opt for the increasingly popular Barber Shops, which generally offer haircuts like pompadours or buzz cuts without wash services. These are usually cheaper than salons, with prices starting from £5.

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For even more savings, consider being a hair model at hairdressing schools like TONI & Guy, Sassoon Academy, or London School of Barbering, which offer discounted haircuts. Men’s haircuts start from free or £3, while women’s start from £13 – a great deal for services from prestigious hairdressing schools.

When visiting a salon, how do you ask for “thinning” or “layering”? Here are some common British haircut terminologies to help you accurately describe your desired hairstyle:

Hairstyles:

We hope these British haircut terminologies will assist students in getting the perfect haircut! For more information on studying abroad, feel free to contact Cyclopes Education consultants.