hairdo
C1informal, dated
Definition
Meaning
A particular style in which a person's hair is cut, arranged, and shaped.
The overall result of styling hair, often referring to a specific, often elaborate, arrangement for a special occasion; can also imply an outdated or fussy style.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the styled result itself, not the process. Often carries a slightly humorous or old-fashioned connotation, implying a deliberate, sometimes excessive, styling effort. Less common in contemporary casual speech, where 'hairstyle' is more neutral.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English. In British English, 'hairstyle' is generally more frequent in neutral contexts, though 'hairdo' is understood.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can suggest a dated or elaborate style. In American English, it is still used in specific contexts like salon names ('Hairdo Heaven') or fashion commentary.
Frequency
American English uses it with moderately higher frequency, particularly among older generations or in the beauty industry. In British English, it often has a more consciously colloquial or ironic tone.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have/get a [ADJ] hairdoHer hairdo is [ADJ]a hairdo of [NOUN] (e.g., a hairdo of curls)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bad hair day (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in marketing for hair salons or beauty products.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used informally, often with a touch of humor or when describing a noticeable, set style. 'I'm off to the salon to get a new hairdo for the wedding.'
Technical
Not used in technical cosmetology; terms like 'haircut', 'style', or 'technique' are preferred.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The salon hairdos clients for the Chelsea Flower Show.
- (Note: 'hairdo' as a verb is extremely rare and non-standard in British English.)
American English
- (Note: 'hairdo' is a noun only. The verb form is not standard in American English.)
adverb
British English
- (Note: No established adverbial form.)
American English
- (Note: No established adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- She loved the 1960s hairdo trends.
- (Note: Used attributively as a noun modifier.)
American English
- He runs a vintage hairdo blog.
- (Note: Used attributively as a noun modifier.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She has a nice hairdo.
- I like your new hairdo.
- My sister got a fancy hairdo for her birthday party.
- His hairdo was very different from last year.
- The elaborate beehive hairdo was popular in the 1960s.
- She spent a fortune at the salon achieving that perfect wedding hairdo.
- Despite the windy weather, her meticulously crafted hairdo remained impeccably intact throughout the ceremony.
- The film's costume design was impeccable, down to the last authentically replicated postwar hairdo.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You 'DO' your 'HAIR' to create a HAIRDO.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAIR IS A SCULPTURE / CONSTRUCTED OBJECT (an elaborate hairdo, a hairdo that defies gravity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'прическа' in all contexts. 'Hairdo' is not a direct synonym for the neutral Russian word; it is more specific and stylistic. For simple, everyday styles, 'hairstyle' or 'haircut' is better.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hairdo' to refer to hair quality (e.g., 'She has beautiful hairdo' - incorrect). Using it in overly formal writing. Confusing it with 'haircut' (which is just the cut, not the styling).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'hairdo' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally informal and can sound dated. 'Hairstyle' or 'coiffure' (very formal) are better for neutral or formal contexts.
Yes, but it is less common. It typically implies a styled, noticeable look, not just a simple short haircut. For example, 'His pompadour hairdo was straight out of the 1950s.'
'Hairdo' often implies the specific, finished product, sometimes elaborate or for a special occasion, and can sound slightly old-fashioned. 'Hairstyle' is a more neutral, general term for the way one's hair is cut and arranged.
It is a single, compound word: 'hairdo'. The plural is 'hairdos'.