Spanish Phrases for the Hair Salon: A Practical Cheat Sheet

The right words make all the difference when someone is holding scissors near your head. These Spanish phrases for the hair salon cover cuts, length, color and styling, with the English meaning next to each, so you can explain exactly what you want in Medellín or anywhere in the Spanish-speaking world.

Greetings, booking and paying

Colombians are known for being polite and warm, so a friendly greeting sets the tone. In Medellín you will hear “usted” used often, even among friends, so using it is always safe.

Showing a photo while you say “quiero algo así” is the single most useful combination you can learn.

Booking and paying

You will also hear friendly Colombian courtesies such as “con mucho gusto” (with pleasure) and “a la orden” (at your service). When you hear them, replying with a smile and “gracias” is all you need. At Roma, you book and pay the 20% reservation fee online, so these phrases are mostly useful on the day for the remaining balance and for saying thanks.

Spanish phrases for the hair salon: haircuts

Cutting vocabulary is where small misunderstandings cause the biggest surprises, so it pays to be precise.

Talking about length

Length is the most important thing to get right. Use your hands as well as your words.

Before the first snip, ask “¿cuánto me va a cortar?” and have your stylist show the length with their fingers. That one question also prevents most haircut regrets.

If your hair is curly or wavy, add “mi pelo se encoge cuando se seca” (my hair shrinks when it dries). Curls can spring up noticeably shorter than they look when wet, so this sentence helps your stylist cut with that in mind. For an occasion, “es para un matrimonio” (it’s for a wedding) or “es para un grado” (it’s for a graduation) also gives useful context.

If you are in Laureles, a women’s haircut at Roma Hair Salon costs COP 48.000, and a haircut design for a bigger change is COP 60.000.

Color vocabulary

Color terms are also where the most useful Spanish phrases for the hair salon get technical.

“Balayage” is used as-is in Spanish, so you can simply say “quiero un balayage”. If you want details, learn more about the service on the balayage in Medellín page, or explore all hair color services.

Styling, treatments and comfort

Never hesitate to say “me arde” during a color or chemical service. Your stylist will want to know straightaway.

Tips for using your Spanish in the chair

• Photos first, words second. A picture removes more ambiguity than words alone.
• Use your hands. Point to the length, the part and where you want layers to start.
• Confirm before work begins. Repeat the plan back: “Entonces, solo las puntas y capas suaves, ¿cierto?” (“So, just the ends and soft layers, right?”).
• Keep a translation app open, especially for anything technical.
• Ask questions before you book. Message us on WhatsApp from the site, including your photos.

If you want more on how Spanish is spoken locally, the overview of Colombian Spanish is a good read.

FAQ: Spanish phrases for the hair salon

How do I ask for a trim in Spanish?

Say “solo las puntas, por favor” (just the ends, please) or “quiero despuntar”.

What is the word for bangs in Colombia?

“Flequillo” is understood everywhere, while “capul” is widely used in Colombia.

What does “matizar” mean?

It means to tone: neutralizing unwanted warmth, such as orange or yellow, after lightening.

Do I need Spanish to book at Roma?

No. Booking is online, and then photos plus a few words are usually enough on the day.

Now you have the Spanish phrases for the hair salon you need. Then pick your service, book your appointment online, and bring your photos and your new vocabulary to Laureles.