Portuguese at a Brazilian Barbershop: Haircut and Beard Phrases
A barber visit involves specific choices about the sides, top, and beard. Use simple Portuguese to explain the cut and check the clipper length.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Use cortar o cabelo for a haircut and aparar a barba for a beard trim. The sides are as laterais; the top is em cima. If you want the barber to keep length on top and shorten only the sides, say that explicitly instead of asking for a generic short cut.
Name the cut and the parts you want changed
A reference photo can help describe the shape, especially for a fade or a style with different lengths. Show the photo and point out the detail that matters most to you; a picture can be interpreted in more than one way.
Quero cortar o cabelo e aparar a barba.
I want a haircut and a beard trim.
Pode manter o comprimento em cima e cortar mais as laterais?
Could you keep the length on top and cut the sides shorter?
Quero só alinhar a barba, sem tirar muito.
I just want to shape up my beard without taking off much.
Confirm the clipper number and length
In many Brazilian barbershops, a client may ask for máquina número 2 on the sides, for example. Clipper guard systems and a barber’s interpretation can differ, so repeat the number and confirm the approximate length before the first pass. If you are unsure, ask the barber to show you the guard.
The difference between a light trim and a short cut can be hard to repair after the hair is removed. Explain the result you want and ask the barber to check with you before going shorter. A clear confirmation is useful even when you know the haircut vocabulary.
Pode passar a máquina número dois nas laterais?
Could you use a number-two guard on the sides?
Antes de cortar mais curto, pode confirmar comigo?
Before cutting it shorter, could you check with me?
Quanto você vai tirar em cima?
How much are you going to take off the top?
Review the shape before leaving
Look at the sides, back, and top before the service ends. If one area needs an adjustment, point to it and describe the change: um pouco mais curto aqui (a little shorter here) or pode deixar mais cheio em cima? (could you leave more fullness on top?). Ask for the total if the price was not confirmed when you booked.
Our guide to a Brazilian hair salon covers booking and explaining the length you want to keep. This barbershop guide focuses on clippers, beard care, and checking the shape. I Speak Portuguese teachers can help you rehearse either conversation before a visit.
Pode deixar um pouco mais curto atrás?
Could you make the back a little shorter?
Prefiro mais volume em cima.
I prefer more volume on top.
Ficou ótimo, obrigado. Quanto ficou?
It looks great, thanks. How much is it? (speaker: man)
Put it into practice
Practice three details for the barber: what you want done, the clipper number or length you prefer, and how you will ask them to check before cutting shorter.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I prefer more volume on top”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.