haircut
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈeəkʌt/
US
- /ˈhɛrˌkət/
Description
- Trim
- Cut and style hair
- Remove some length
- Fresh new look
A haircut is when someone cuts and shapes your hair. It can be a small trim to keep it neat or a bigger change that gives you a new style. People usually get one from a barber or a hairstylist, often after their hair has grown too long or started to look uneven.
The meaning depends on the situation. Sometimes it simply means routine care, and sometimes it suggests a noticeable change in how someone looks. You might ask for a short, neat cut at a barbershop or for layers and bangs at a salon. A good one can make you feel fresh and more confident.
A haircut is the act of cutting, trimming, or styling human hair. It's more than just removing length; it's an art form that shapes and defines a person's appearance. While seemingly simple, the term encompasses a huge range of styles—from classic trims and trendy fades to layered cuts, bobs, and pixies.
Historically, haircuts were often done at home or by traveling barbers. Today, most people visit professional hairstylists or barbershops. The term can refer to the process ("I need a haircut this week") or the result ("She has a beautiful haircut"). Beyond the salon, it is also used figuratively in financial or business contexts to describe a significant reduction. For example, "The budget took a haircut" means the funding was drastically reduced, or in finance, a "haircut" refers to the percentage reduction taken off the value of an asset.
The type of haircut often reflects personal style, cultural trends, and even social status. A conservative professional might opt for a classic, neat cut, while an artist might embrace a more unconventional or expressive style. Beyond aesthetics, haircuts are also about maintenance—removing damaged hair to promote healthy growth. Whether it's a quick tidy-up or a bold new look, a haircut is a personal statement and a key part of self-care.
Examples
- 1
Job interview
I need a haircut before my job interview.
- 2
Lunch break
She got a haircut during her lunch break.
- 3
Appearance
That short haircut really suits you.
- 4
New look
He came back from vacation with a completely different haircut.
- 5
Salon pricing
Children's haircuts are cheaper than adult ones at this salon.
- 6
DIY mistake
She tried to give herself a haircut and made it much too short.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- haircutnoun
Forms
- haircutspluralnoun