Getting a Haircut in Korea: Booking, Styling, and Useful Korean Phrases

In this lesson

What you will take away

• 01 Book and confirm an appointment
• 02 Show a style and request a length
• 03 Discuss bangs, shampoo and blow-drying
• 04 Check the result and pay

Key phrase

끝만 조금 다듬어 주세요.

▶ Listen

“다듬다” means to trim or tidy up rather than make a major length change. Add a measurement, such as “2센티미터 정도,” to be more specific.

01

Book a haircut appointment

Before visiting a Korean salon, check whether you need an appointment. Some places accept walk-ins, but availability varies.

“커트 예약하고 싶어요.” means you would like to book a haircut. Follow it with your preferred day and time.

Pattern

~ 예약하고 싶어요

커트 예약하고 싶어요.

I would like to book a haircut.

오늘 오후 세 시 가능할까요?

Is three this afternoon available?

예약은 어디서 하나요?

How can I make a reservation?

Customer

안녕하세요. 커트 예약하고 싶어요.

Staff

네, 언제 방문하고 싶으세요?

Customer

오늘 오후 세 시 가능할까요?

02

Check in when you arrive

When you arrive, tell the receptionist your appointment time and name. If you have not booked, ask whether there is an available slot.

Say “세 시에 예약했어요.” (I have an appointment at three) to help the staff find your booking.

Pattern

~에 예약했어요

세 시에 예약했어요.

I have a booking at three.

예약자 이름은 민지예요.

The reservation is under Minji.

얼마나 기다려야 하나요?

How long is the wait?

Customer

안녕하세요. 세 시에 예약했어요.

Staff

예약하신 분 성함이 어떻게 되세요?

Customer

민지예요.

03

Show a reference photo of your ideal style

A reference photo is often easier than explaining every detail. Your hair type and length may affect the result, so discuss the overall look too.

Use “이 사진처럼 잘라 주세요.” when showing a reference image to the stylist.

Pattern

이 사진처럼 ~해 주세요

이 사진처럼 잘라 주세요.

Please cut it like this picture.

자연스러운 스타일로 부탁드려요.

I would like a natural style.

이런 스타일이 저한테 어울릴까요?

Would this style suit me?

Customer

이 사진처럼 잘라 주세요.

Stylist

전체적인 느낌을 비슷하게 해 드릴게요.

Customer

네, 자연스럽게 부탁드려요.

04

Specify how much hair to cut

If you want to keep most of your length, say “끝만 조금 다듬어 주세요.” You can add a specific amount such as “2센티미터 정도.”

Even numerical measurements can be interpreted differently; using a mirror or gesture helps you confirm the desired length.

Pattern

~ 정도 잘라 주세요

끝만 조금 다듬어 주세요.

Please just trim the ends.

2센티미터 정도 잘라 주세요.

Please cut about two centimeters.

너무 짧게 자르지 말아 주세요.

Please do not cut it too short.

Stylist

길이는 얼마나 자를까요?

Customer

끝만 2센티미터 정도 다듬어 주세요.

Stylist

네, 너무 짧지 않게 할게요.

05

Explain what to do with your bangs

“앞머리” means bangs or fringe. Describing them in relation to your eyebrows makes your request clearer.

If you are unsure, ask the stylist to trim a little first and check the length as they go.

Pattern

앞머리는 ~해 주세요

앞머리는 조금만 다듬어 주세요.

Please trim my bangs a little.

앞머리는 눈썹 정도 길이로 해 주세요.

Keep my bangs around eyebrow length.

앞머리는 그대로 둘게요.

I will leave my bangs as they are.

Stylist

앞머리는 어떻게 해 드릴까요?

Customer

눈썹 정도 길이로 조금만 다듬어 주세요.

Stylist

네, 조금씩 자르면서 확인할게요.

06

Ask about shampoo and blow-drying

Whether shampoo and blow-drying are included depends on the salon and the service booked. Check before the treatment starts.

Ask “샴푸도 포함되어 있나요?” You can also request a natural-looking finish.

Pattern

~ 포함되어 있나요?

샴푸도 포함되어 있나요?

Is shampoo included?

물 온도는 괜찮아요.

The water temperature is fine.

드라이는 자연스럽게 해 주세요.

Please blow-dry it naturally.

Customer

샴푸도 포함되어 있나요?

Staff

네, 오늘 커트에는 포함되어 있어요.

Customer

드라이는 자연스럽게 부탁드려요.

07

Check the result and pay

Look in the mirror before you leave. If something needs adjustment, ask politely; extra services or changes may have separate conditions.

Say “마음에 들어요.” when you like the result and “카드로 결제할게요.” if you will pay by card.

Pattern

~해 주실 수 있을까요?

조금 더 다듬어 주실 수 있을까요?

Could you trim it a little more?

마음에 들어요. 감사합니다.

I love it, thank you.

카드로 결제할게요.

I will pay by card.

Stylist

여기까지 괜찮으세요?

Customer

네, 마음에 들어요. 얼마예요?

Staff

계산은 카운터에서 도와드릴게요.

08

6 Essential Korean Hair Salon Words

Practice appointment, haircut, bangs, shampoo, blow-dry and photo with useful Korean examples.

예약

An appointment reserved in advance

내일 커트 예약하고 싶어요.

I would like to book a haircut for tomorrow.

커트

A haircut or trimming service

커트만 할게요.

Just a haircut, please.

앞머리

The hair that falls across your forehead

앞머리 조금만 잘라 주세요.

Please trim my bangs a little.

샴푸

A cleansing product for washing hair

샴푸도 포함되어 있나요?

Is shampoo included?

드라이

Drying and styling hair with air

드라이는 자연스럽게 해 주세요.

Please blow-dry it naturally.

사진

A reference image showing the style you want

이 사진처럼 해 주세요.

Please do it like this photo.

Culture tip

Salon booking procedures and service packages vary in Korea. Before your visit, confirm prices, whether shampoo and blow-drying are included, and the expected duration. Bring a photo to explain your ideal style.

Common mistake

“짧게 해 주세요.” (Make it short) can be vague. Give a concrete request such as “끝만 2센티미터 정도 다듬어 주세요.” A haircut does not automatically include a perm or hair coloring.

Mini quiz

1. What is a natural way to book a haircut?

1. 커트 예약하고 싶어요. 2. 카드로 결제할게요. 3. 이 사진처럼 해 주세요. 4. 샴푸도 포함되어 있나요?

2. How do you ask for only the ends to be trimmed?

1. 앞머리는 그대로 둘게요. 2. 끝만 조금 다듬어 주세요. 3. 얼마나 기다려야 하나요? 4. 예약은 어디서 하나요?

3. How do you ask if shampoo is included?

1. 샴푸도 포함되어 있나요? 2. 마음에 들어요. 3. 예약자 이름은 민지예요. 4. 너무 짧게 자르지 말아 주세요.

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