Phrases › At the Hairdresser › Non li tagli troppo corti, per favore.

Non li tagli troppo corti, per favore.

Don't cut them too short, please.

Pronunciation

Stress 'ta-GLI' — subjunctive imperative form. 'Troppo' = TROP-po.

When to use it

Say this clearly before the hairdresser starts cutting, especially if you're nervous about losing too much length. Being specific prevents misunderstandings.

What it means

'Non li tagli' uses the formal imperative (Lei form) — polite and appropriate in a salon. 'Li' refers to 'i capelli' (them). 'Troppo corti' = too short (masculine plural agreeing with 'capelli'). If speaking informally you'd say 'Non li tagliare troppo corti'.

Variations

Solo le punte, per favore.

Just the ends, please.

Minimal cut request.

Non più di un centimetro.

No more than one centimetre.

Precise length instruction.

Voglio mantenerli lunghi.

I want to keep them long.

Stating your length preference.

Mini Dialogue

— Non li tagli troppo corti, per favore. L'ultima volta erano venuti troppo corti. — Quanto vuole lasciare? — Almeno fino qui. — [indica la lunghezza] — Capisco. Le togli solo le doppie punte.

— Don't cut them too short, please. Last time they came out too short. — How much would you like to keep? — At least to here. — [indicates the length] — I understand. I'll only remove the split ends.

Cultural Note

Italian hairdressers are known for their precision but also for their opinions. It's common for an Italian stylist to gently suggest a different length or style ('Le starebbero meglio un po' più corti' — they'd suit you better a little shorter). Italians generally welcome this professional input rather than finding it intrusive.

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