How to Sign "Hair"
To sign 'hair', bring the hand into a fist, with the index finger and thumb outstretched. Pinch the index finger and thumb close together, leaving a couple of centimeters between them. Bring the two fingers up towards your own hair. Create a small crown halfway around your hair, starting at the front of you hair and ending at the back of your head.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic and visually motivated. The pinched index finger and thumb represent holding or highlighting a strand of hair, while the tracing motion from the front to the back of the head visually outlines the general shape and placement of hair on the scalp.
Signing Tips
When signing 'hair', make sure your index finger and thumb maintain that slight gap as you trace the shape. Keep the movement smooth as you draw the 'crown' from your hairline to the back of your head. You don't actually need to grab your own hair; hovering just slightly above or lightly touching it works perfectly.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is completely closing the index finger and thumb together. Remember to leave a small gap between them. Additionally, beginners sometimes just tap their head, but for this specific variation, it's important to complete the full tracing motion from the front of your hair to the back.
Regional Variations
While the variation taught here traces a crown shape from front to back, you will frequently see another very common variation where the signer simply pinches a small lock of hair between their thumb and index finger (an F-handshape) once or twice without the tracing motion.
Examples Using "Hair" in a Sentence
1I like your hair.
Point to the person to sign 'YOUR', sign 'LIKE', and then sign 'hair' by pinching your index and thumb and tracing that small crown shape from the front to the back of your head.
2My hair is getting long.
Point to yourself for 'MY', sign 'hair' using the front-to-back tracing motion described, and then use both hands to visually show the length of the hair falling down your shoulders.
3She has beautiful hair.
Point to the person for 'SHE', sign 'BEAUTIFUL', and then sign 'hair' by bringing your pinched index and thumb to your head and tracing the crown shape backward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to actually touch my hair?
You can lightly touch your hair, but it isn't strictly necessary. Hovering your pinched fingers just above your hair while making the front-to-back tracing motion is completely acceptable and clear.
What if I am bald or have very short hair?
You still sign it exactly the same way! The sign is based on the general concept and location of hair on the human head, so you will still trace that small crown shape from the front to the back of your head regardless of your actual hairstyle.
Should I use my dominant or non-dominant hand?
It is best practice to use your dominant hand for one-handed signs like this. Use the hand you write with to pinch your index and thumb and trace the shape along your head.
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