Whether you’re living in Japan or visiting short term, getting a haircut here can be an exciting experience to try out new hairstyles popular in this country. However, how do you communicate your haircut preferences in Japanese? Now, you may feel that trying out an exciting new hairstyle can turn out to be your worst hair-related nightmare.
Don’t stress! Getting a haircut in Japan is quite easy, and it’s not hard to find very skilled barbers and stylists. All you need to remember is a few expressions and some vocabulary, and before you know it, your hair will be expertly styled according to your direction.
Before we start, most of these expressions just require you to say “please…” or お願いします/ください (onegaishimasu / kudasai). So, to learn more about these key phrases, read our blog discussing the Difference Between Kudasai and Onegaishimasu:ください vs おねがいします.
Haircut and Styling Service Basics in Japanese
Where do you actually go to get a haircut in Japan, and what to look for? While you can just look through the window or do a quick Google search to find places that cut hair, some places specialize in certain styles or specific customers (i.e., beauty salons for women or barbers for men). So, below is a list of key terms to know for getting to the right place for your haircut.
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
| Barbershop | 床屋 | Tokoya |
| Barber | 理容師 | Riyoushi |
| Beauty Salon (For women) | 美容院 | Biyouin |
| Hair stylist | 美容師 | Biyoushi |
Quick note: Don’t confuse biyouin (美容院), beauty salon, with byouin (病院), which means hospital. This is one of the more common mistakes people make when speaking Japanese.
Tips When Going to Hair Salons in Japan
1. Book ahead
You might notice that in Japan, especially in big cities like Tokyo, hair salons are abundant — but a lot of them might not accept walk-ins, especially on weekends and right before holidays. Use apps like Hot Pepper Beauty, a widely used salon booking platform in Japan, where you can browse hairstyles, compare prices, read reviews, and even snag great discounts for first-time visitors or returning customers. Booking online also helps avoid language barriers since everything is written out clearly!
2. Learn Some Japanese
Even if your stylist speaks a bit of English, hair salon conversations often drift into casual small talk or detailed explanations about hair length, texture, or styling preferences. That’s where having some basic Japanese skills can make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
Schools like Coto Academy focus on real-life, practical Japanese, helping you handle everyday interactions confidently, including situations like explaining the hairstyle you want, asking about treatments, or chatting naturally during the appointment. Even short-term courses can give you the vocabulary and phrases you need to feel more comfortable and understood. You can learn more about lessons at Coto Academy by inquiring through the link below.
3. Bring Photos or References
Japanese stylists pay great attention to detail — but keep in mind that many of them specialize in Japanese-style hairstyles, which can differ from trends abroad. For example, while curtain bangs and heavily layered cuts are popular in the U.S., they may not be as common in Japan. Your stylist might still be able to do them, but to avoid misunderstandings, it’s always best to show clear reference photos of the exact color, length, or style you want!
Words for Hairstyles in Japanese
Most of us have a specific preference for how we want our hair to look: layers, a bob, a perm, or even a buzzcut. But how do we say these styles in Japanese? Below are some common and basic hair-related vocabulary words in Japanese.
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
| Haircut | カット | Katto |
| Hairstyle | スタイル / 髪型 | Sutairu / kamigata |
| Crew cut | クルーカット | Kuruu katto |
| Buzz cut | バズカット | Bazu katto |
| Mullet | マレット | Maretto |
| Layers | レイヤー | Reiyaa |
| Trim the ends | 毛先を揃える | Kesaki o soroeru |
| Bangs | 前髪 | Maegami |
| Side-swept bangs | 斜め前髪 | Naname maegami |
| Short | 短め | Mijikame |
| Long | 長め | Nagame |
| Shoulder length | 肩くらい | Kata kurai |
| Face-framing layers | 顔周りレイヤー | Kao mawari reiyaa |
| Bob cut | ボブ | Bobu |
| Wolf cut | ウルフカット | Urufu katto |
| Natural look | ナチュラル | Nachuraru |
| Volume | ボリューム | Boryuumu |
| Trim / Cut a little | 少し切る | Sukoshi kiru |
| Hime cut | 姫カット | Hime katto |
| Shag cut | シャグカット | Shagu katto |
| Octopus cut | タコカット | Tako katto |
To expand your descriptive vocabulary, check out our blog to learn the 100 Most Common Japanese Adjectives You Need to Know.
Asking for Different Haircuts in Japanese
Right as you enter the hair salon, you can just say a simple greeting along with what service you would like to receive.
Example:
こんにちは。カットをお願いします。
Konnichiwa. Katto o onegaishimasu.
Hello, I would like to have a haircut, please.
Usually, after they sit you down, they will ask you what type of style or cut you would like to do. They might do something like this:
Example:
どんなスタイルにしますか？
Donna sutairu ni shimasu ka?
What style would you like?
The simplest way to ask for a haircut in Japanese is to have a picture ready and ask them to cut your hair similar to that image. Most barbershops have a catalogue of popular hairstyles to choose from. So, once you find an image reference that works for you, you can say something like this:
Example:
このスタイルが出来ますか？
Kono sutairu ga dekimasuka?
Can you do this style?
However, I’m sure you might be wondering how to really customize your hairstyle or cut. So, going step by step, here is what you can say to request a haircut and make customizations.
1. Asking for a Specific Style
If you know a specific style you like, you can request it directly. A couple of popular styles for men are the “crew cut” and the “buzz cut”, so to specifically ask for one of these styles, you could say:
For a Crew Cut:
クルーカットにしてください
Kuruu katto ni shite kudasai
I want a crew cut.
For a Buzz Cut:
バズカットにしてください。
Bazu katto ni shite kudasai
I want a buzz cut.
For women, there are many styles and ways to specify them. But here are a couple of examples of how to ask the salon staff to style your hair with layers and how to ask to make the ends natural.
Layering Hair
レイヤーを入れて、動きが出る感じにしてください。前髪は斜めにお願いします。
Reiyaa o irete, ugoki ga deru kanji ni shite kudasai. Maegami wa naname ni onegaishimasu
Add layers for movement; side-swept bangs.
For Natural Ends
毛先を揃えて、ナチュラル にしてください。前髪は眉くらいの長さでお願いします。
Kesaki o soroete, nachuraru ni shite kudasai. Maegami wa mayu kurai no nagasa de onegaishimasu.
Even out the ends for a natural look; bangs around eyebrow length.
2. Specifying Length of Haircut
After saying (or showing) your preferred style, they will ask you about the length of the haircut. Usually, they would just use the word 長さ (nagasa), meaning length, with the expression “どうしますか？” or “どうされますか？” meaning “what do you want to do?” So, they would often ask something like this?
長さはどうしますか？（ミリ単位で教えてください）
Nagasa wa dou shimasu ka?
How long (or short) would you like your hair?
In response, you can customize as much as you want. You can specify that you want the top longer or the sides shorter. Or you can use short-hand expressions, similar to English, where you request shoulder-length hair. So, here are a couple of sample sentences you could use for men and women:
For men:
横は短めで、上は少し長めにしてください。
Yoko wa mijikame de, ue wa sukoshi nagame ni shite kudasai.
Short on the sides, a bit longer on top.
For Women:
肩くらいの長さにしたいです。
Kata kurai no nagasa ni shitai desu.
Around shoulder length.
Asking for Treatments When Getting a Haircut in Japan
Japanese salons are famous for their high-quality treatments, smooth straightening techniques, and long-lasting perms. Whether you want silky, straight hair or soft waves, knowing a few key phrases will make the process smooth and stress-free.
Usually, right after your haircut, the barber or hairstylist will ask if you want to shampoo your hair, which is often included in the haircut service. They would usually ask something like this:
シャンプーもしますか？
Shanpuu mo shimasu ka?
Would you like a shampoo?
You can simply respond with a yes or no, which in Japanese can be stated like the following,
Saying yes:
はい、お願いします。
Hai, onegaishimasu
Yes, please.
Saying no:
いいえ、大丈夫です。
Iie, daijoubu desu
No, thank you.
For additional services, such as getting perms and treatments, they are often sold separately, depending on the shop or the service you ask for. But there are places where the staff might ask if you want a perm or treatment after shampooing your hair by asking パーマ・トリートメントされますか？ (Would you like a perm/treatment?) So, below are the most common services you will find in Japanese salons and exactly how to ask for them.
Useful Vocabulary Related to Hair Treatment in Japanese
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
| Hair treatment | トリートメント | Toriitomento |
| Deep conditioning | 集中トリートメント | Shuuchuu toriitomento |
| Damage care | ダメージケア | Dameeji kea |
| Straightening (styling) | ストレート | Sutoreeto |
| Japanese straight perm | 縮毛矯正 | Shukumou kyousei |
| Perm | パーマ | Paama |
| Digital perm | デジタルパーマ | Dejitaru paama |
| Moist, soft finish | しっとり | Shittori |
| Smooth, silky finish | サラサラ | Sarasara |
| Strong curls | しっかり | Shikkari |
| Loose waves | ゆるふわ | Yurufuwa |
1. Asking for Hair Straightening
There are two main types of straightening in Japan: soft straightening, which is a temporary heat styling using a straightener, and permanent straightening. To ask for either of these, just simply add お願いします (onegaishimasu) or ください (kudasai), like the following:
For soft Straightening:
ストレートにしてください。
Sutoreeto ni shite kudasai.
“Please straighten my hair.”
Permanent Straightening (Japanese Straight Perm):
縮毛矯正をお願いします。
Shukumou kyousei o onegaishimasu.
“I’d like Japanese straightening, please.”
2. Asking for a Perm
Perms in Japan often focus on natural-looking texture and soft waves. So, to ask for a perm, you can simply say:
パーマをお願いします。
Paama o onegaishimasu.
“I’d like a perm, please.”
3. Asking for Treatments
Most salons in Japan offer deep conditioning or repair treatments. So, to ask for hair treatments, here are a couple of very common phrases you could say:
Basic Hair Treatment:
トリートメントをお願いします。
Toriitomento o onegaishimasu.
“I’d like a hair treatment, please.”
For damaged or dry hair:
ダメージケアのトリートメントをお願いします。
Dameejikea no toriitomento o onegaishimasu.
“I’d like a damage-care treatment.”
How to Ask for Hair Gel, Wax, or Oil in Japan
Japanese salons often finish your haircut with styling products, and staff will usually ask whether you want your hair styled (セットしますか？ Setto shimasu ka?). If you have a preferred look or product type, you can easily request it with a few simple phrases.
Below is a guide on how to ask for gel, wax, oil, and more — plus how to specify the kind of hold or shine you want.
Useful Japanese Vocabulary Related to Hair Products
| English | Japanese | Romaji | Notes / Usage |
| Hair gel | ジェル | Jeru | Wet, firm styling |
| Hair wax | ワックス | Wakkusu | Most common men’s styling product |
| Matte wax | マットワックス | Matto wakkusu | Natural, non-glossy finish |
| Hair oil | ヘアオイル | Hea oiru | Smooth and shiny finish |
| Hair cream | ヘアクリーム | Hea kuriimu | Soft, natural styling |
| Hair balm | バーム | Baamu | Moist, flexible finish |
| Shine | ツヤ | Tsuya | Used for glossy styles |
| Matte / no shine | マット | Matto | Popular for natural looks |
| Strong hold | 強め | Tsuyome | For firm styling |
| Light styling | 軽め | Karume | Softer, natural finish |
| To style | セットする | Setto suru | To set/style the hair |
| To finish | 仕上げる | Shiageru | Used for finishing styles |
1. Asking for Hair Gel (ジェル)
Hair gel is less common than wax in Japan, but salons always have it available. If you want to request hair gel, here are a couple of expressions you can use.
Basic Request
ジェルでセットしてください。
Jeru de setto shite kudasai.
“Please style my hair with gel.”
For a strong/firm hold
強めのジェルでお願いします。
Tsuyome no jeru de onegaishimasu.
“Please use a stronger gel.”
2. Asking for Hair Wax (ワックス)
Wax (especially matte wax) is the most commonly used styling product in Japan. Usually, the barber or salon staff might just ask if you want to apply hair wax by saying, ワックスを付けますか？ (wakkusu o tsukemasuka). To reply, you can just say yes or no. However, if they don’t ask, here are some phrases you can say to request it.
Basic Request
ワックスでお願いします。
Wakkusu de onegaishimasu.
“Wax, please.”
Matte / non-shiny style
マットな質感でお願いします。
Matto na shitsukan de onegaishimasu.
“I’d like a matte finish.”
For soft, natural styling
軽めのワックスでナチュラルにしてください。
Karume no wakkusu de nachuraru ni shite kudasai.
“Use a light wax and style it naturally.”
3. Asking for Hair Oil (ヘアオイル)
Hair oil is extremely popular in Japan for smoothness and shine. Especially for female customers, the staff often asks if you want to apply it by asking ヘアオイルを付けますか？ (hea oiru wo tsukemasuka?), which allows for a simple yes or no reply.
If you need to request hair oil yourself, here are a couple of phrases you can say.
Basic Request
ヘアオイルをつけてください。
Hea oiru o tsukete kudasai.
“Please apply hair oil.”
For a glossy finish
ツヤが出るようにオイルで仕上げてください。
Tsuyaga deru you ni oiru de shiagete kudasai.
“Finish it with oil to add shine.”
Wrapping Up Your Haircut in Japan
Once they finish cutting or styling your hair, they will ask how it looks, usually by saying 仕上がりはいかがですか？ (shiagari wa ikaga desu ka?), which means “how does it look?” So, how do you respond, and how would you be able to say politely that you’re not completely satisfied?
If You’re Satisfied
If you’re completely satisfied with your haircut, you can respond by saying:
とてもいいです、ありがとうございます / 大丈夫です、ありがとうございます！
Totemo ii desu, arigatou gozaimasu / daijoubu desu arigatou gozaimasu!
Looks great, thank you.
If You’re Not Satisfied
If you’re not completely satisfied, you can politely ask the hairstylist to fix whatever is bothering you. For example, if you want your hair to be a little shorter, you can say:
もう少し短くしてください。
Mou sukoshi mijikaku shite kudasai
Please make it a little shorter.
Please note that often, they ask how your hair is right after cutting it right rather than at the end, after they have already shampooed and styled your hair.
Conclusion: Getting a Haircut in Japan can be an Incredible Experience
Getting a haircut in Japan might seem intimidating at first, with new vocabulary and the stress of miscommunication leading to a very prolonged bad hair day. But once you learn a few key phrases, you can have the chance to try out some of the coolest Japanese hairstyles from stylists who specialize in just that! Whether you’re asking for layers, adjusting the length, or requesting specific styling products, a little Japanese goes a long way in helping you get the look you want.
However, a big part of the hair salon experience is conversing with the staff while they cut and style your hair. Salon conversations include polite expressions, nuanced requests, and everyday Japanese you won’t always find in textbooks. That’s why learning with a professional Japanese teacher can make a huge difference.
At Coto Academy, we specialize in practical, real-world Japanese designed for daily life, including situations exactly like visiting the salon. Our flexible part-time lessons and intensive courses are tailored to your goals, and our instructors support you every step of the way.
If you want to feel fully equipped for real Japanese conversations, from haircuts to shopping to everyday interactions, sign up for a free level check and consultation below!
FAQ:
How much is a haircut in Japan?
Haircut prices vary widely depending on the type of salon:
- Budget barbershops (known for quick trims): ¥1,000–¥1,500
- Standard salons: ¥3,000–¥6,000
- High-end salons or trendy city salons: ¥7,000–¥15,000+
Coloring, perms, treatments, and specialty services will cost extra.
How do you get a haircut in Japan?
You can visit a barbershop or salon either by walking in or by making a reservation (many salons require reservations). Then you can let the staff know you want a haircut by saying カットをお願いします。(Katto o onegaishimasu) or “A haircut, please.” The easiest way to explain the hairstyle you want is by showing the staff a reference photo. Afterwards, everything else should be taken care of!
What are some popular haircut styles in Japan?
Japan has a variety of trendy styles for both men and women. For men, some popular styles include: two-block, soft fade /natural fade, messy textured top, and short mash. For Women, here are some popular styles: layered medium cut, wolf cut, straight long with natural ends, and the bob cut.
Your stylist can also recommend modern styles based on your hair type.
What are hair salons and beauty salons in Japan?
Hair salons or barbershops in Japan can either be specialized for male haircuts or be unisex, cutting hair for all genders. Beauty salons, on the other hand, tend to be just for female customers (but there are unisex shops as well), and they also usually have treatment, hair coloring, and other services.
Is it normal to converse with the staff during a haircut in Japan?
Yes, it’s quite normal, and often when people are regulars, they get to know the staff well and can even reserve a specific stylist in advance. Barbers typically boast friendly customer service by having conversations with the customers. However, conversing can vary from shop to shop and often the staff will adjust naturally to the customer.
You might be interested in our other How-to Guides in Japan: