43 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Vorrei tagliare i capelli.
I'd like to get a haircut.
Say this when entering a hairdresser or barbershop to state your primary request. It's the natural opening phrase that prompts the stylist to ask follow-up questions.
Vorrei colorare i capelli.
I'd like to colour my hair.
Use this when you want a full colour treatment. Follow it with your desired colour or ask for advice. Many Italian hairdressers will consult before proceeding.
Vorrei fissare un appuntamento.
I'd like to make an appointment.
Use this when calling or visiting a hairdresser to book a future appointment. In Italy, walk-ins are possible but appointments are strongly recommended.
Vorrei un taglio scalato.
I'd like a layered cut.
Use this when you want layers in your haircut to add volume and movement. Specify how long or where you want the layers.
Vorrei shampoo e piega.
I'd like a wash and blow-dry.
This is a very common request at Italian salons when you want your hair washed and styled without a cut. 'Shampoo e piega' is the standard Italian salon term for this service.
Non li tagli troppo corti, per favore.
Don't cut them too short, please.
Say this clearly before the hairdresser starts cutting, especially if you're nervous about losing too much length. Being specific prevents misunderstandings.
Vorrei fare le meches.
I'd like to get highlights.
Use this when you want highlights — lighter stripes of colour applied to sections of hair. In Italy, 'meches' is the predominant term; 'colpi di sole' (sun-kissed highlights) is an alternative.
Ho i capelli secchi. Che trattamento mi consiglia?
I have dry hair. What treatment do you recommend?
Use this to describe your hair condition and ask for professional advice. Italian hairdressers generally appreciate clients who explain their hair's needs.
Quanto costa un taglio?
How much does a haircut cost?
Ask this before sitting down or when considering a new salon. Prices vary widely between budget and premium salons in Italian cities.
Ho i capelli ricci. Come si fa a tenerli in ordine?
I have curly hair. How do you keep it tidy?
Use this when seeking advice on curly hair maintenance. Italian stylists specialising in curly hair ('capelli ricci') are increasingly popular in Italy.
Il mio colore è sbiadito. Devo rifarlo.
My colour has faded. I need to redo it.
Use this when visiting a salon after your hair colour has grown out or faded and needs refreshing. It's a common reason for a salon visit.
Vorrei farmi la barba.
I'd like to have my beard done.
Use this at a barbershop or at a hairdresser that offers beard services. Beard grooming is a major service in Italian male grooming culture.
Preferisco l'asciugatura naturale.
I prefer to let my hair dry naturally.
Say this if you prefer air-drying over blow-drying, for example because of hair damage concerns or personal preference. The stylist will skip the blow-dry step.
Le radici mi sono cresciute.
My roots have grown out.
Say this when your natural hair colour is showing at the roots after a colour treatment. It's the most common reason for a salon visit among women who colour their hair.
Potreste lisciare i capelli con la piastra?
Could you straighten my hair with the straightener?
Ask this when you want your hair straightened as part of your styling. 'Piastra' (iron/plate) is the standard Italian term for a hair straightener.
Sono allergica alla tintura.
I'm allergic to hair dye.
Always communicate allergies to your hairdresser before any chemical treatment. Italian salons are legally required to perform a patch test before applying colour to new clients.
Ho un matrimonio. Potete farmi un'acconciatura?
I have a wedding. Can you do my hair up?
Book well in advance for wedding hairstyles. Most Italian salons recommend arriving 2–3 hours before the event. Always request a trial ('prova acconciatura') a week before.
Ho i capelli grassi. Che shampoo mi consiglia?
I have oily hair. What shampoo do you recommend?
Ask your hairdresser for product recommendations tailored to your hair type. Italian hairdressers often stock professional retail lines and can give expert advice.
Vorrei un taglio a caschetto.
I'd like a bob cut.
Use this when requesting a bob-length haircut. Specify whether you want it 'classico' (classic), 'asimmetrico' (asymmetric), 'scalato' (layered), or with a fringe ('con la frangia').
Vorrei farmi la frangia.
I'd like to get a fringe.
Use this when requesting bangs/fringe for the first time or asking for a fringe trim. Specify the style: 'frangia dritta' (blunt fringe), 'frangia laterale' (side-swept), 'frangia a tendina' (curtain fringe).
Vorrei fare la permanente.
I'd like to get a perm.
Use this if you want a permanent wave treatment to add curls or waves to straight hair. Note that perms were very popular in Italy in the 1980s and are making a comeback.
I miei capelli si stanno diradando.
My hair is thinning.
Share this concern with your hairdresser to get advice on styles and products that minimise the appearance of thinning. Your hairdresser may refer you to a trichologist.
Che prodotto usate per la piega?
What product do you use for the blow-dry?
Ask this when curious about the products used on your hair, so you can purchase them for home use or avoid them if you have sensitivities.
I miei capelli biondi sono diventati gialli. Come li schiarisco?
My blonde hair has turned yellow. How do I lighten it?
Use this when blonde or highlighted hair has become brassy or yellow-toned. Italian hairdressers have specific techniques for toning and correcting unwanted warm tones.
Lavarsi i capelli troppo spesso fa male?
Does washing your hair too often cause damage?
Ask your hairdresser this during a consultation or while they're washing your hair. It opens a useful conversation about hair care routines and scalp health.
Che tipo di capelli ho?
What type of hair do I have?
Ask this at the start of a consultation, especially if you're unsure of your hair type. The hairdresser will assess your hair and provide a professional classification.
Quanto devo aspettare?
How long do I have to wait?
Ask this when you arrive at the salon and are not sure how long before your stylist is available, especially if you're on a tight schedule.
È questo il risultato finale?
Is this the final result?
Ask this before paying, especially if you want to evaluate whether additional steps (like a toner or final spray) are needed. Also useful if the result doesn't match your expectations.
Lascio una mancia?
Should I leave a tip?
Ask this to a local or fellow client if you're unsure about tipping customs at the salon. Alternatively, simply leave a small tip if you're satisfied.
Vorrei fare la decolorazione.
I'd like to get my hair bleached.
Use this when requesting bleaching for highlights, ombre, or to go platinum blonde. Italian hairdressers will assess your hair's condition before proceeding.
L'acqua è troppo calda.
The water is too hot.
Say this immediately at the washbasin if the water temperature is uncomfortable. Italian stylists always ask about temperature preference but may miss the mark.
Cosa mi consiglia per il mio tipo di viso?
What do you recommend for my face shape?
Ask this when you want expert advice on the best haircut or style for your face shape. Italian hairdressers love to give style consultations.
I miei capelli hanno bisogno di nutrimento.
My hair needs nourishment.
Use this to describe your hair's condition and open a conversation about treatments, masks, or nourishing products. Italian salons are well-equipped with professional treatment options.
Il mio appuntamento è per le tre.
My appointment is at three o'clock.
Say this when you arrive at the salon and need to identify yourself and your booking time to the receptionist or stylist.
Solo uno spuntino alle punte.
Just a small trim at the ends.
Use this when you want the bare minimum — just the tips trimmed to remove split ends, without any significant length change.
Stasera ho una serata speciale. Come mi acconcia?
Tonight I have a special evening. How will you style my hair?
Say this when you have an important event and want your hairdresser to suggest an appropriate style. Giving context helps the stylist tailor the look.
I miei capelli si elettrizzano.
My hair gets static.
Use this to describe the problem of static electricity in your hair, particularly in winter or in air-conditioned environments. Your hairdresser can recommend anti-static products.
Voglio cambiare stile.
I want to change my style.
Say this when you're ready for a significant change — a new colour, cut, or completely different look. It invites the hairdresser to make creative suggestions.
Lo shampoo secco funziona davvero?
Does dry shampoo really work?
Ask this conversationally during your appointment when discussing hair care routines between salon visits. Italian hairdressers have strong opinions on dry shampoo.
Come faccio ad avere i capelli sani?
How do I get healthy hair?
Ask this for a holistic conversation about hair health — covering diet, routine, products, and treatments. Italian hairdressers often touch on lifestyle factors as well as products.
Come si chiama questo taglio?
What is this cut called?
Ask this when you see a haircut you like on another client, in a magazine, or in a photo, and want to know its technical name so you can request it at a salon.
Come si fa ad avere capelli più voluminosi?
How do you get more voluminous hair?
Ask this when your hair lacks body or volume and you want advice on cuts, products, and styling techniques. Italian stylists are expert at creating volume.
Vorrei fare il trattamento alla keratina.
I'd like to have a keratin treatment.
Request this when you want a semi-permanent straightening and smoothing treatment. It is popular for reducing frizz, adding shine, and making hair more manageable.