1. Yoyaku shite masuka?
→Do you have a reservation?

It is advisable to make a reservation in advance as it might be a bit of wait. In Japan, you can book most salons via website or app.

2-a. Hai, 3(san)-ji ni yoyaku shiteiru (your name) desu.
→Yes, I have a reservation under the name of (your name) at 3.

2-b. Iie, yoyaku shite masen.
→No, I don't have a reservation.


3. Kochira ni gokinyu kudasai.
→Please, fill out the form.

These days, you are very likely to be asked to fill in the form, which is called a karte, to check on allergies, style preference, hair condition and so on, especially when it is your first visit to a salon.

4. Kyo wa dou shimasu ka? / Kyo wa donoyoni shimasu ka?
→What can I do for you today?

5. Kesaki wo totonoete kudasai.
→Can I have a trim, please?

6. 3(San) senchi kurai kitte kudasai.
→Can you cut about 3 centimeters off the length?

Note that in Japan, inches are hardly used.


7. Suite kudasai.
→Can you thin it out, please?

8. Nagasa wa sonomama de.
→Keep the length.

9. Somete kudasai.
→Can I get my hair dyed, please?

10. Highlight irete kudasai.
→Can I get highlights, please?

11. Pāma kakete kudasai.
→Can I get my hair permed, please?

12. Maegami wa dousi masuka?
→What about the fringe?

13. Soroeru dake de ii desu.
→Just a trim will do.

14. Treatment wo shite kudasai.
→Can I have deep conditioning treatment, please?

15. Kono hito mitai ni shite kudasai. / Konna kanji ni shite kudasai.
→I'd like my hair cut like this person. (By pointing at/showing a picture)

As with beauty salons elsewhere, there will be magazines at a Japanese salon which you can refer the staff to. Alternatively, do a quick image search on your phone for the kind of look you're going for and show it to the staff.


16. Kata made kitte kudasai.
→Can you cut it shoulder-length, please?

17. Mazu wa shampoo wo shite ikimasu.
→ Let's start with shampoo.

Note that in Japan, a hairdresser likely to put a thin paper over your face during shampoo.

18. Kayui tokoro wa arimasenka?
→ Do you have anywhere itchy on the head?

You nearly always get asked this question while you are being washed your hair.

Responses:
- Daijobu desu. → No, it’s fine
- Sukoshi. → A little (itchy)
- Kayui! → Yes, it's itchy!

19. Shimiru tokoro wa arimasenka? / Shimi masen ka?
→ Does the perming liquid sting (your scalp)?

Responses:
- Daijobu desu. →No, it’s fine
- Sukoshi (shimimasu). →A little (stinging)
- Shimi masu. → Yes, it stings.


20. Atsuku nai desuka? (When a hairdresser uses a hair dryer)
→ Is it too hot?

Responses:
- Daijobu desu. → No, it’s fine
- Sukoshi (atsui desu). → A little (hot)
- Atsui desu. → Yes, it's hot

21. Konna kanji de ikaga desuka?
→ Do you like how it's done?

22. Mou sukoshi kitte kudasai.
→ Can you cut a little bit more, please? (And show where you'd like trimmed.)

23. Daijoubu desu.
→ It's fine.

24. Massage shimasu ka?
→ Shall I massage (your shoulders)?

Culturally, it is common that hairdressers will give you a brief shoulder massage after your haircut in Japan. For men, expect that the stylist may give a spritz of menthol on your scalp

25. Otsukaresama deshita.
→ Thank you for your patience – we’re all done.

This phrase is what you expect to hear when everything has done. You can follow it up with our final phrase: "Arigato gozaimasu!" → Thank you!

Now, you know there is nothing to worry about. Nail it with these phrases and get a brand new look on yourself!