How to Sign "Hairdresser"

To sign 'hairdresser', start by forming a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Bring it to the side of your head and make a snipping motion with your index and middle fingers, mimicking a pair of scissors cutting hair. Finish the sign by bringing both flat hands down in front of your body, palms facing each other, to add the 'person' marker.

Examples Using "Hairdresser" in a Sentence

1

I have an appointment with my hairdresser tomorrow.

Sign 'tomorrow', 'me', 'appointment', and then finish with the sign for 'hairdresser'.

2

My hairdresser always gives me a great haircut.

Sign 'my', 'hairdresser', 'always', 'good', and then 'haircut'.

3

Are you a hairdresser?

Point to the person, sign 'hairdresser', and raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

How to Sign "Hairdresser"
To sign 'hairdresser', start by forming a 'V' handshape with your dominant hand. Bring it to the side of your head and make a snipping motion with your index and middle fingers, mimicking a pair of scissors cutting hair. Finish the sign by bringing both flat hands down in front of your body, palms facing each other, to add the 'person' marker.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is highly iconic, visually combining the action of cutting hair with scissors and the standard ASL suffix for a person (the agent marker), literally translating to 'hair-cutting person'.
Signing Tips
Make sure the snipping motion is clear and distinct, placed near the hair above your ear. When adding the 'person' marker, keep your hands flat and parallel as they move straight down.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting to add the 'person' marker at the end is a common error. Without it, the sign simply means 'haircut' or the action of cutting hair, rather than the profession.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Hairdresser" in a Sentence
1

I have an appointment with my hairdresser tomorrow.

Sign 'tomorrow', 'me', 'appointment', and then finish with the sign for 'hairdresser'.

2

My hairdresser always gives me a great haircut.

Sign 'my', 'hairdresser', 'always', 'good', and then 'haircut'.

3

Are you a hairdresser?

Point to the person, sign 'hairdresser', and raise your eyebrows at the end to indicate a yes/no question.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'hairdresser' and 'barber' in ASL?

They are typically signed the exact same way, using the 'cut hair' and 'person' signs. Context within your conversation will usually clarify which specific profession you mean.

Do I need to use both hands for the 'person' marker?

Yes, the agent or 'person' marker is a two-handed sign. Both flat hands should move downward parallel to each other to clearly indicate an individual.

Can I just sign 'cut hair' to mean 'hairdresser'?

No, without the 'person' marker, the sign just means 'haircut' or the action of cutting hair. The downward marker is essential to indicate the person performing the job.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!