Getting a Haircut in China a Complete Guide for Expats & Travelers

We all need to get a haircut once in a while, and while in big cities like Shanghai or Beijing you can often find a hair salon with English-speaking hairdressers this might not be the case in smaller towns across China. From haircuts and styling to hair coloring treatments and salon etiquette, this guide covers everything you need to know to enjoy a smooth stress-free haircut experience in China. Plus we’ll share useful Mandarin phrases for getting a haircut tips for foreigners visiting Chinese salons and what to expect as an expat getting a haircut in China 💇

Hair Salon in China Understanding the Different Types

Let’s start by taking a look at the various names of the places where you can get your haircut in China.

There are so many hair salons around you can easily find them by spotting colorful poles 💈 or just simply search for 理发店 (lǐfàdiàn) on your Baidu Map. A barbershop (理发店 lǐfàdiàn) is a place where you primarily go for haircuts and basic services like shaving or trimming.

理发店
lǐfàdiàn
hairdresser’s, barbershop

When barbershop (理发店 lǐfàdiàn) refers to a place where you primarily get haircuts, hair salon (美发店 měifàdiàn) offers a broader range of services including hair cutting styling hair coloring and various beauty treatments.

美发店
měifàdiàn
hair salon

NOTE

Chinese hair salons often have a ranking system (职级 zhíjí), which allows you to choose the level of expertise and experience of your hairstylist (理发师 lǐfàshī).

💰 Haircut prices vary depending on the hairstylist’s experience, but no need to worry – all hairstylists in China are highly professional ensuring that you receive great service regardless of the price range.

💇Hair Salon Services: Basics

01. Wash Hair

A visit to a Chinese hair salon typically starts with a hair wash (洗头 xǐ tóu) often accompanied by a gentle scalp massage. This service is a standard part of any haircut or hair styling appointment in China.

洗头
xǐ tóu
to wash hair

🛀 In China it’s common for many people, especially girls, to visit salons just to get their hair washed. This practice known as 洗吹 (xǐ chuī) goes beyond mere hygiene; it’s a cherished relaxation ritual for many locals. It’s not just about cleanliness it’s a chance to unwind and enjoy some pampering.

NOTE

When you step into a hair salon in China they might ask if you’d like to have a dry wash (干洗 gānxǐ). This involves applying a mixture of shampoo and conditioner to your hair without wetting it. It’s an eco-friendly option that not only helps with hair freshness but also provides an added layer of relaxation with a gentle scalp massage.

02. Cut Hair

The next step (and arguably the most crucial one) in your Chinese hair salon experience is getting your hair cut (剪头 jiǎn tóu). This is the moment where you’ll get your desired style, whether it’s a simple trim or a major change.

剪头
jiǎn tóu
to cut hair

If you only want a slight trim you can say to the hairdresser:

我想把头发剪短一点。
Wǒ xiǎng bǎ tóufǎ jiǎn duǎn yìdiǎn.
I want to cut my hair shorter.

If you have a specific hairstyle (发型 fàxíng) in mind you can show a reference to the hairstylist and say:

我想做这个发型。
Wǒ xiǎng zuò zhè ge fàxíng.
I’d like to get this hairstyle.

03. Dry Hair

In China haircuts usually come as a “3-in-1 package” wash cut and blow-dry also known as 洗剪吹 (xǐ jiǎn chuī). As the final step the stylist will use a blow dryer (吹风 chuī fēng) to style and set your hair. A blow-dry (吹风 chuī fēng) is the final touch in the haircut process, whether you want straight or curly hair your stylist will create the perfect finish using a blow dryer.

吹风
chuī fēng
to blow-dry

💇‍♀️ If you want to add some extra style to your hair whether straight or curly you can say:

我想把头发烫直。
Wǒ xiǎng bǎ tóufa tàng zhí.
I’d like to have my hair straightened.

我想烫头发。
Wǒ xiǎng tàng tóufa.
I’d like to perm my hair.

💇Hairstyle Changes

01. Dye Hair

A common request heard at hair salons is for hair dyeing also known as 染发 (rǎn fà).

染发
rǎn fà
to dye hair

If you want to change your hair color in a Chinese salon you can simply ask the hairstylist using this phrase:

我想给我的头发染个色。
Wǒ xiǎng gěi wǒ de tóufa rǎn gè sè.
I would like to dye my hair.

02. Cut Fringe

Cutting a fringe (刘海儿 liúhǎir) is a popular and quick way to change up your hairstyle and frame your face. It’s an easy transformation that can refresh your look without altering your entire hairstyle.

剪刘海儿
jiǎn liúhǎir
to cut fringe

If you want to get a fringe cut or bangs simply tell the hairstylist:

我想剪刘海儿。
Wǒ xiǎng jiǎn liúhǎir.
I’d like to cut my bangs.

03. Hair Treatment

Hair can suffer damage due to the use of styling products and exposure to high temperatures. Fortunately Chinese hair salons offer a range of hair treatments (头发护理 tóufa hùlǐ) designed to restore hair health leaving your locks looking vibrant and strong.

头发护理
tóufa hùlǐ
hair treatment

If you notice your hair has become damaged, you can politely ask the hairstylist for a hair treatment:

我的头发受损了, 我可以做头发护理吗？
Wǒ de tóufa shòu shǔn le, wǒ kěyǐ zuò tóufa hùlǐ ma?
My hair is damaged, can I have a hair treatment?

Learn More About Life in China Massage (按摩 ànmó)

Massage (按摩 ànmó) is a very popular form of therapy in China enjoyed by both locals and foreigners alike. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or relief from tension, understanding the different types of massage and their Chinese names can help you choose the perfect treatment at a Chinese massage salon.