When it comes to describing people, their hairstyle is often one of the most noticeable features. Knowing the names of different hairstyles in English will improve your ability to describe someone accurately and confidently.
Understanding these terms is also helpful when explaining what you want to a hairdresser in an English-speaking country. In this guide, you’ll learn haircuts, hairstyles, hair textures, lengths, and colors in a clear and organized way.
For convenience, you can also download this hairstyle names chart as a PDF.
Contents
Common Haircuts and Hairstyles (Styles)
Short Hairstyles
Pixie Cut
A pixie cut is a short hairstyle with very short sides and back, and slightly longer hair on top.
- Example: She got a pixie cut to stay cool in summer.
Bob
A bob is a short to medium haircut, usually cut straight around the jaw level.
- Example: She chose a sleek bob for a modern look.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pixie cut | /ˈpɪksi kʌt/ | Very short haircut with longer top. |
| Bob | /bɑːb/ | Short haircut around the jawline. |
| Crop cut | /krɑːp kʌt/ | Very short, close to the head. |
| Buzz cut | /bʌz kʌt/ | Hair shaved very short evenly. |
Long and Styled Hair
Bun
A bun is when hair is twisted or coiled into a round shape at the back or top of the head.
- Example: She wore her hair in a neat bun for work.
Ponytail
A ponytail is when hair is gathered and tied back with an elastic band. It can be high, mid, or low.
- Example: She tied her hair into a high ponytail for running.
Pigtails
Pigtails are two ponytails tied on each side of the head.
- Example: She wore playful pigtails to the party.
Plaits (Braids)
Plaits (British English) or braids (American English) are created by weaving sections of hair together.
- Example: She styled her hair into elegant braids.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bun | /bʌn/ | Hair tied into a round knot. |
| Ponytail | /ˈpoʊni teɪl/ | Hair tied back with elastic. |
| Pigtails | /ˈpɪɡteɪlz/ | Two ponytails on both sides. |
| Braids | /breɪdz/ | Hair woven into strands. |
| Man bun | /mæn bʌn/ | Bun hairstyle for men. |
Unique and Alternative Styles
Mohawk
A Mohawk has shaved sides with a strip of longer hair in the center.
- Example: He styled his hair into a bold mohawk.
Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are rope-like strands formed by twisting or matting hair.
- Example: He wore long dreadlocks as a personal style.
Combover
A combover is when hair is combed over to cover thinning or bald areas.
- Example: He used a combover to hide his receding hairline.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mohawk | /ˈmoʊhɔːk/ | Shaved sides with center strip. |
| Dreadlocks | /ˈdrɛdlɑːks/ | Twisted rope-like hair strands. |
| Combover | /ˈkoʊmˌoʊvər/ | Hair combed to cover bald area. |
Describing Hair Texture and Length
Related: Parts of the Face Vocabulary
Hair Lengths
Medium Length
Medium-length hair falls between the shoulders and collarbone.
- Example: She styled her medium-length hair in waves.
Long Hair
Long hair extends past the shoulders.
- Example: She grew her long hair for years.
Bald
Bald describes someone with little or no hair on the head (a condition, not a hairstyle).
- Example: He shaved his head completely bald.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Medium length | /ˈmiːdiəm leŋθ/ | Hair between shoulders and collarbone. |
| Long hair | /lɔːŋ hɛr/ | Hair past the shoulders. |
| Bald | /bɔːld/ | No hair on the head. |
Hair Textures
Curly Hair
Curly hair forms curls or coils naturally.
- Example: Her curly hair bounced as she walked.
Long Wavy Hair
Long wavy hair has soft waves and flows naturally.
- Example: Her long wavy hair looked elegant.
Ringlets
Ringlets are tight, spiral-shaped curls.
- Example: She styled her hair into ringlets.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Curly | /ˈkɜːrli/ | Hair forming curls. |
| Wavy | /ˈweɪvi/ | Hair forming soft waves. |
| Ringlets | /ˈrɪŋlɪts/ | Tight spiral curls. |
| Straight hair | /streɪt hɛr/ | Hair with no curls or waves. |
Hair Colors and Dyeing Terminology
Related: Colors in English
Natural and Classic Colors
Blonde Hair
Blonde hair ranges from light yellow to golden shades.
- Example: She has beautiful blonde hair.
Red Hair
Red hair ranges from strawberry blonde to deep auburn.
- Example: Her red hair stood out.
Gray Hair
Gray hair appears naturally with aging.
- Example: He embraced his gray hair.
Artificial Coloring
Dyed Hair
Dyed hair is hair that has been colored artificially.
- Example: She dyed her hair pink.
| Vocabulary | IPA (US) | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Blonde | /blɑːnd/ | Light yellow hair color. |
| Red hair | /rɛd hɛr/ | Hair with reddish tones. |
| Gray hair | /ɡreɪ hɛr/ | Hair that turned gray. |
| Dyed hair | /daɪd hɛr/ | Artificially colored hair. |
| Brunette | /bruːˈnɛt/ | Dark brown hair. |
