10 Must-Know Japanese Phrases to Use at a Barber in Japan
— Real advice from a professional barber who deals with foreign clients every day —
【Introduction】
When visiting a barber in Japan, many foreigners don’t know what to say first.
But don’t worry — Japanese barbers mainly need just 10 key pieces of information.
As a professional barber, I’ve selected the phrases that help the haircut go smoothly and ensure you get the result you want.
Learn these 10 simple phrases, and your experience at a Japanese barbershop will be smoother, faster, and much more satisfying.
【Why These 10 Phrases Matter】
Japanese barbers usually check details carefully as they work.
That’s why we need to confirm things like:
- shaving or no shaving
- how many weeks since your last cut
- eyebrow trimming
- styling product
- preferred length
Many foreign visitors don’t know they should mention these things — or feel shy saying them.
By telling us these points first, you help us give you the best haircut and a comfortable experience.
【Top 10 Essential Phrases (Barber-Approved)】
① Kao sori wa shimasu / shimasen.
“I want shaving / I don’t want shaving.”
Why it matters:
Some barbers include shaving by default.
If you’re in a hurry, skipping shaving can save about 15 minutes.
English tip:
Do you include shaving?
② Mae kitte kara ○ weeks desu.
“It’s been ○ weeks since my last haircut.”
Helps the barber understand:
- how much your hair has grown
- what your usual style is
- what you liked or didn’t like last time
Example:
Saigo ni kitte ikkagetsu tachimasu.
(“My last haircut was a month ago.”)
③ Mayuge mo totonoetai desu / iranai desu.
“I want my eyebrows trimmed / I don’t need it.”
Eyebrows change your appearance dramatically.
But some cultures prefer not to touch them — so saying this first is helpful.
④ Seihatsuryō tsukemasu ka? → Hai / Iie.
“Do you want styling product? → Yes / No.”
Styling products decide the final look.
If you’re going straight home, you might not want any.
If you have sensitive skin, mention that too.
- Oil-based: wax, mousse, pomade, cream, oil
- Water-based: gel, grease, water-based pomade
Water-based is easier to wash off.
⑤ Nani ga osusume desu ka?
“What do you recommend?”
Barbers love this phrase.
It shows trust and opens natural conversation.
⑥ Kore kurai kiritai desu.
“I want it cut about this much.”
Use fingers or photos for accuracy.
Note: Inches often confuse Japanese barbers — centimeters work better.
⑦ Top wa ___ de.
“For the top, keep it ___.”
(longer / shorter)
This determines the overall style.
Many foreigners aren’t sure where the “top” starts, so pointing helps.
⑧ Sides wa fade dekimasu ka?
“Can you do a fade on the sides?”
Telling this early helps avoid misunderstandings.
⑨ Back wa sukkiri ni shimasu ka?
“Do you want the back clean and tidy?”
Neckline style varies by culture.
Some want it natural, some very clean — tell us which you prefer.
⑩ Omakase de ii desu ka?
“You can decide for me.” / “I trust your choice.”
Barbers love this phrase.
But it’s a bit of a gamble — results may differ from what you imagined!
【Case-by-Case Phrases】
- If you have a photo:
Kono shashin mitai ni shite kudasai.
“Please make it like this photo.” - If you want to change only the bangs:
Maegami wo kaetai desu.
“I want to change my bangs.” - For sides & back:
Yoko to ushiro wa nagame ni shite kudasai.
Or, mizikaku shitaidesu.
“For the sides and back, keep them longer.
Or make them short.” - First time shaving:
Kao sori hajimete desu. Yasashiku shite ne.
“This is my first time shaving. Please be gentle.” - If you don’t want any product:
Nanimo tsukenaide kudasai.
“Please don’t use any styling product.”
【Example Conversation】
Client: Kao sori wa irimasen.
Barber: “Okay, no shaving.”
Client: Kore kurai kiritai desu.
Barber: “Great. A little shorter like this?”
Client: Mayuge mo onegaishimasu.
Barber: “Sure, I’ll clean up your eyebrows.”
【Important Notes】
- Your Japanese doesn’t need to be perfect
- Gestures are totally fine
- Photos help more than words
- Don’t worry — we barbers also try our best to communicate in English
A little effort from both sides creates a warm, friendly atmosphere.
【Summary】
If you remember these 10 phrases, ordering a haircut in Japan becomes easy and stress-free.
You’ll communicate better, your barber will understand you faster,
and your final haircut will almost always turn out better.
【Next Article】
(Internal link after publishing)
“Next: Useful Japanese Phrases to Talk About Travel, Hobbies & Japanese Culture — Conversation Edition!”
Let’s Barber! 💈✂️
コメント