hairdresser

IPA/ˈheədresə(r)/
KK[hˈɛrdrˌɛsɚ]IPA/ˈherdresər/

hairdresser — noun

  • hairdressersingular
  • hairdressersplural

1. a professional who cuts, washes, colours, and arranges other people's hair at a

1.nounA2
Definition

a professional who cuts, washes, colours, and arranges other people's hair at a shop or salon

Example

Diya goes to the hairdresser every six weeks to have her hair cut.

go to the hairdresser + to have [something] done

The hairdresser suggested a warmer colour that would suit Maeve's skin tone.

Common collocations
  • go to the hairdresser / hairdresser's
  • make an appointment with a hairdresser
  • hairdresser's salon
  • visit the hairdresser
  • hairdresser's scissors
Synonyms
  • stylist

    a modern term often used in fashion-forward salons; focuses more on creative shaping and trends

  • barber

    specialises in cutting men's and boys' hair, typically with clippers rather than scissors

Usage Note

Barbers typically cut men's and boys' hair with clippers, while hairdressers work with all genders and focus more on styling, colouring, and shaping. In British English, 'the hairdresser's' refers to the shop itself.

Common Mistakes

I'm going to the hairdresser to cut my hair.
I'm going to the hairdresser to have my hair cut.
in English, the hairdresser performs the action; you receive it.
My sister is a hair-dresser.
My sister is a hairdresser.
the word is written as one word, without a hyphen.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three words describe someone who works with hair, but they differ in setting and scope. A hairdresser works in a salon and offers a broad range of services: cutting, washing, colouring, and styling for men and women. A barber specialises in short haircuts for men and boys, often using clippers and razors in a barbershop. A stylist is a more modern term for a hairdresser who emphasises creative, fashion-led looks, often in high-end salons. For everyday use, 'hairdresser' is the safest choice. For example: 'Karim asked the hairdresser for a layered cut.' 'Piotr went to the barber for a quick trim.' 'The stylist recommended a bold new colour for the fashion show.'

hairdresser ↗barber ↗stylist ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • go to the hairdresser's
  • make an appointment with a hairdresser
  • work as a hairdresser
  • train as a hairdresser

Prepositions

  • at (the hairdresser's)
  • to (the hairdresser)

Etymology

Old EnglishOld FrenchEnglish

Formed by combining 'hair' (from Old English hǣr, meaning 'a single strand of hair') with 'dresser' (from Old French dresser, meaning 'to arrange, prepare, or set in order'). The word appeared in the 1700s as the profession of styling and arranging hair became popular across European courts and cities.