hairhair /heə $ her/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
Her hair was short and dark. a short fat man with no hair on his headfair-haired/dark-haired/long-haired etc He’s a tall fair-haired guy.GRAMMAR: Countable or uncountable?Hair is only used as an uncountable noun in this meaning: · He has black hair. ✗Don’t say: He has black hairs.2[countable] one of the long fine things like thread that grows on people’s heads and on other parts of their bodies, or similar things that grow on animals: The cat has left white hairs all over the sofa. I’m starting to get a few grey hairs.long-haired/short-haired long-haired cats3be tearing/pulling your hair out to be very worried or angry about something, especially because you do not know what to do: Anyone else would have been tearing their hair out trying to follow these instructions.4let your hair down informal to enjoy yourself and start to relax, especially after working very hard: The party gave us all a chance to really let our hair down.5bad hair day a day when your hair does not look tidy or neat even when you try to arrange it carefully – used humorously: I’m having a bit of a bad hair day.6keep your hair on British English spoken used to tell someone to keep calm and not get annoyed: All right, all right, keep your hair on! I’m sorry.7get in somebody’s hair informal to annoy someone, especially by always being near them8make somebody’s hair stand on end to make someone very frightened9make somebody’s hair curl if a story, experience etc makes your hair curl, it is very surprising, frightening, or shocking: tales that would make your hair curl10not have a hair out of place to have a very neat appearance11not turn a hair to remain completely calm when something bad or surprising suddenly happens12not harm/touch a hair of/on somebody’s head to not harm someone in any way13the hair of the dog (that bit you) alcohol that you drink to cure a headache caused by drinking too much alcohol the night before – used humorously → have a good/fine/thick etc head of hair at head1(14), → not see hide nor hair of at hide2(5), → split hairs at split1(8)COLLOCATIONScolourdark· He’s about six feet tall, with dark hair and blue eyes.black· his long black hairjet black literary (=completely black)· She had shiny jet black hair, and skin as white as snow.fair· Her long fair hair fell untidily over her shoulders.blond/blonde (=yellowish-white in colour)· long blonde hair and blue eyesgolden· the beautiful girl with the long golden hairbrown· Her hair was pale brown.chestnut literary (=dark brown)· She had a fine head of chestnut hair.sandy (=yellowish-brown)· He wore his long, sandy brown hair in a ponytail.mousy (=an unattractive dull brown)· I have pale, mousy hair that is dull and lacks shine.red· The whole family had red hair.ginger British English (=orange-brown in colour)· a cheeky little boy with ginger hairauburn literary (=orange-brown in colour)· He gazed at her long neck and beautiful auburn hair.white· an old man with white hairgrey British English, gray American English· She was about 70, with grey hair.silver· Her father’s hair was starting to turn silver.lengthshort· I like your hair when it’s short like that.long· A few of the boys had long hair.shoulder-length/medium-length· He had shoulder-length reddish hair.typestraight· a girl with long straight haircurly· When he was young, his hair was thick and curly.frizzy (=tightly curled)· She had dark frizzy hair which might have been permed.wavy (=with loose curls)· Her golden wavy hair fell around her shoulders.thick· She had thick hair down to her waist.fine (=thin)· Her hair is so fine, it’s difficult to style.spiky (=stiff and standing up on top of your head)· Billy had black spiky hair.conditionin good/bad/terrible etc condition· How do you keep your hair in such perfect condition?out of condition (=no longer in good condition)· If your hair is out of condition, this may be because you are eating the wrong foods.glossy/shiny· She combed her hair until it was all glossy.lustrous literary (=very shiny and attractive)· her lustrous dark hair flowing on to her shouldersdull (=not shiny)· a shampoo for dull hairgreasy (=containing too much oil)· This shampoo is ideal for greasy hair.dry (=lacking oil)· a shampoo for dry hairlank especially literary (=thin, straight, and unattractive)· a scruffy young man with lank hairthinning (=becoming thinner because you are losing your hair)· His dark hair was thinning on top.receding (=gradually disappearing, so that it is high on your forehead)· The man was in his late thirties, and his hair was receding slightly.dishevelled especially literary (=very untidy)· His face was bright red and his hair looked dishevelled.tousled especially literary (=a little untidy, in a way that looks attractive)· his youthfully handsome face and tousled hair that hung untidily over his collarwindswept especially literary (=blown around by the wind)· Her hair was all windswept when they came off the beach.verbshave ... hair· She has beautiful blonde hair.brush/comb your hair· He cleaned his teeth and brushed his hair.wash your hair· He showered and washed his hair.do your hair (also fix your hair American English) (=arrange it in a style)· She’s upstairs doing her hair.have your hair cut/done/permed (also get your hair cut etc) (=by a hairdresser)· I need to get my hair cut.cut somebody’s hair· My mum always cuts my hair.dye your hair (blonde/red etc) (=change its colour, especially using chemicals)· Craig has dyed his hair black.wear your hair long/in a ponytail etc (=have that style of hair)· He wore his hair in a ponytail.grow your hair (long) (=let it grow longer)· I’m growing my hair long, but it’s taking forever.lose your hair (=become bald)· He was a small, round man who was losing his hair.run your fingers through somebody’s hair (=touch someone’s hair in a loving way)· He ran his fingers through her smooth silky hair.ruffle somebody’s hair (=rub it in a kind friendly way)· He patted me on the back and ruffled my hair.hair + NOUNhair loss· The drug can cause hair loss.hair colour British English, hair color American English· Genes control characteristics such as hair colour and eye colour.hair dye· The survey showed that 75% of women have used hair dye.phrasesa strand/wisp of hair (=a thin piece of hair)· She brushed away a strand of hair from her eyes.a lock of hair (=a fairly thick piece of hair)· She tossed a stray lock of hair back off her forehead.a mop of hair (=a large amount of thick untidy hair)· He had an unruly mop of brown hair.COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘I cut my hair’ if another person cut your hair for you. Say I had my hair cut.
WORD ORIGINhair
Origin:
Old English hærEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a small boy with blond hair and blue eyes
- Brandi has nice long hair.
- pubic hair
- The couch is covered in cat hair.
- Yuck! There's a hair in my sandwich.
- He scratched a bite on his arm and the little hairs bristled.
- He was in a cheerful mood, in spite of his severe look, his scraped-back hair, conservative clothes and businesslike glasses.
- His hair was dishevelled, his beard had grown around his neck as if he had spent the past four months away from civilisation.
- Let him see the hand go through the hair, as if combing the wetness out.
- Pride, all in her hair.
- She ran her hand approvingly through her wavy auburn hair.
- The Trinity House records of the time describe him as 5 feet 8 inches tall, with black hair and dark complexion.
Longman Language Activatorto make someone feel frightened
· Does the thought of death frighten you?· Take that silly mask off -- you're frightening the children.it frightens somebody to know/think etc · It frightens me to know that the rapist still hasn't been caught.frighten the life out of somebody (=make someone feel very frightened) · What are you doing creeping up on me like that? You frightened the life out of me!frighten somebody out of their wits (=make someone feel very frightened) · Film-makers have always known that one way to capture an audience is to frighten it out of its wits. frighten the (living) daylights out of somebody (=make someone feel very frightened) · Melissa spun round to see Eddie standing behind her. "You frightened the daylights out of me!" she gasped. "I never heard you come in."frighten somebody into doing something (=make someone do something by frightening them) · Their lawyers tried to frighten us into signing the contract.frighten somebody off/frighten off somebody (=frighten someone so that they go away or stop trying to do something) · The man pulled out a gun and managed to frighten off his attackers.
especially spoken to make someone feel frightened, especially by making them think something very unpleasant might happen: · He was driving fast just to scare us.· We're not really going to get arrested - I think the police are trying to scare us.it scares somebody to know/think etc: · It scared him to think that his mother might never recover.scare the hell out of somebody (=make someone feel very frightened) informal: · She scared the hell out of me when she said she had to go into hospital.scare the (living) daylights out of somebody (=make someone feel very frightened): · Don't creep up on me like that! You scared the living daylights out of me!
to make someone feel very frightened: · The idea of going down into the caves terrified her.· The teacher terrified her so much, that she hated going to school.· My uncle suffers from agoraphobia, and the idea of leaving the house terrifies him.it terrifies somebody to think/know etc: · It terrified him to think that, in six months' time, he would have to stand up in front of a class and teach them something.
to make someone suddenly feel frightened so that they make a sudden movement or their heart starts beating quickly: · He really gave me a fright when he phoned at that time of night.give somebody a hell of a fright (=make someone suddenly very frightened) informal: · I accidentally touched a live wire in the motor, and even though it didn't hurt me it gave me a hell of a fright.
to make people feel very worried about a possible danger: · We don't wish to alarm people unnecessarily, but it would be wise to avoid drinking the tap water here.· Many women are alarmed by suggestions of a link between the contraceptive pill and breast cancer.
if someone or something startles you, they frighten you because you see them suddenly or hear them when you did not know they were there: · I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you.· The noise startled him, and he dropped his glass on the floor.· Any unexpected movements can startle the animal, so it must be approached slowly and steadily.
to suddenly surprise and frighten someone so that they make a sudden movement: · Sorry! I didn't mean to make you jump.· Something darted out from behind the hedge, and made me jump.
if a person or a place gives you the creeps , they make you feel slightly frightened and nervous because they are strange: · This house gives me the creeps - it's so dark and quiet.· I hate being left alone in the office with Graham - he gives me the creeps.
informal if something such as a story or account makes your hair stand on end it makes you very frightened: · Wait until I tell you about the murder -- it'll make your hair stand on end.· I've heard rumours about how Captain Crayshaw disciplines his crew... things to make your hair stand on end.
if a thought or experience sends shivers down your spine , it makes you feel very frightened especially because it involves someone or something that is very evil: · When you think of what happened in that house, it sends shivers down your spine.· Mere mention of his name is enough to send shivers down the spine of even the most battle-hardened fighter.
if a thought or experience makes your blood run cold , it shocks and frightens you because it is extremely cruel, violent, or dangerous: · The thought of ever returning to the prison makes his blood run cold. · The man stepped forward, and when Amelie saw him give a Nazi salute, it made her blood run cold.
to relax to make yourself feel calmer, more comfortable, and less worried, by resting or doing something enjoyable: · Just wait! In two weeks' time I'll be relaxing on a beach in Greece.· Trained staff will look after your children, so that you can relax and enjoy yourself.· For heaven's sake Keith, will you just sit down and relax for five minutes!
to gradually relax after you have been working hard or worrying a lot: · After a couple of drinks, Tom began to unwind.· Set in spectacular countryside, the Shiga Hotel is the perfect place to unwind. · The world motorcross champion likes nothing better than unwinding in front of the TV.
to do everything slowly and with less effort than usual so that you do not become worried or tired, especially because you are not feeling strong or healthy: · Now that you've finished your exams, you can take it easy.· I'm going to put my feet up and take it easy this afternoon.take things easy: · Pete will still have to take things easy for while.· My training schedule was very demanding last year, so I'm taking things a bit easier this year.take it easy on yourself: · Take it easy on yourself for a few days. We'll talk later.
informal if you loosen up , you become more relaxed and stop worrying about things: · Hey, loosen up! It's not worth getting upset about something she said.· Our drama teacher would do crazy things, just to get us to loosen up some.
spoken informal to relax and calm down, especially after doing something exciting: · The main reason I'm going to Jamaica is so I can lie on the beach and chill out without being distracted.· Would you like to come back to my place and just chill?
informal to relax completely and enjoy yourself, especially in social situations: · I spotted Juanita really letting her hair down on the dance floor.· Chat rooms on the Internet are a place we can let our hair down and say what we think.
to allow yourself to completely relax in a social situation, and not worry about what is polite, or about what other people may think: · He's quite scholarly, but he can be really funny when he lets himself go.· Dick took me to the party and, for once, I let myself go completely.
someone who looks tidy someone who has a neat appearance because of the type of clothes they are wearing: · I rang the bell, and a neatly dressed maid answered the door. · She was in her mid-forties, neatly dressed with a quiet air of authority.
looking perfectly neat and clean, because you take a lot of care about your clothes, your hair etc: · Leonardo appeared, immaculate as ever in a dark suit and tie. · She was always elegantly dressed and absolutely immaculate.· A small but immaculate figure stood in the doorway.
a man who is clean-cut looks neat and clean: · a handsome, clean-cut man· Where Clinton was rugged and earthy, Gore is clean-cut and preppy.
to have a very neat appearance: · He sat at his desk, not a hair out of place, and turning a pencil over in his hand.· He seemed stern and austere and never had a hair out of place.
WORD SETSAB, nounabdomen, nounaccommodation, nounAchilles tendon, nounAdam's apple, nounadaptation, nounadenoids, nounadrenalin, nounairway, nounambidextrous, adjectiveanatomical, adjectiveankle, nounantibody, nounantigen, nounanus, nounanvil, nounaorta, nounappendix, nounarch, nounarmpit, nounarterial, adjectiveartery, nounatrium, nounbaby tooth, nounback, nounbackbone, nounbandy, adjectivebarrel-chested, adjectivebeat, verbbelly, nounbelly button, nounbicep, nounbig toe, nounbikini line, nounbile, nounbiological clock, nounbiorhythms, nounbiped, nounbladder, nounblind spot, nounblink, verbblink, nounblood count, nounblood group, nounblood pressure, nounbloodstream, nounblood type, nounblood vessel, nounBO, nounbody clock, nounbody odour, nounbone, nounbone marrow, nounbowel, nounbow legs, nounbrain, nounbrainwave, nounbreast, nounbreastbone, nounbristly, adjectivebronchial, adjectivebronchial tube, nounbrow, nounbuck teeth, nounbullnecked, adjectiveburp, verbbust, nounbuttock, nouncanine, nouncapillary, nouncardiac, adjectivecardio-, prefixcardiovascular, adjectivecarotid artery, nouncartilage, nouncentral nervous system, nouncerebellum, nouncerebral, adjectivecervical, adjectivecervix, nounchamber, nounchange of life, nouncheek, nouncheekbone, nounchest, nounchin, nouncirculation, nounclavicle, nouncleavage, nounclitoris, nounclose-set, adjectivecoccyx, nouncochlea, nouncock, nouncollarbone, nouncolon, nouncolour, nouncolour-blind, adjectiveconception, nouncone, nounconnective tissue, nouncoordination, nouncornea, nouncortex, nouncough, verbcough, nouncowlick, nouncranium, nouncrook, verbcrotch, nouncrow's feet, nouncrutch, nouncry, verbcuticle, noundandruff, noundeep-set, adjectivedefecate, verbdefence mechanism, noundental, adjectivedentine, nounderrière, noundiaphragm, noundigit, noundigital, adjectivedimple, noundisc, noundominant, adjectivedouble-jointed, adjectivedribble, verbdrool, verbduct, nounduodenum, nounear, nouneardrum, nounearhole, nounegg, nounejaculate, verbelbow, nounenamel, nounendocrine, adjectiveentrails, nounepidermis, nounepiglottis, nounerect, adjectiveerection, nounerogenous zone, nounexcrement, nounexcreta, nounexcrete, verbexcretion, nounexpectorate, verbextremity, nouneye, nouneyebrow, nouneyelash, nouneyelid, nouneyesight, nouneye tooth, nounface, nounfallopian tube, nounfart, verbfart, nounfemur, nounfibre, nounfibula, nounfigure, nounfingernail, nounfingertip, nounfist, nounfive o'clock shadow, nounflat-chested, adjectivefoetal position, nounfolic acid, nounfollicle, nounforearm, nounforefinger, nounforehead, nounforeskin, nounframe, nounfunny bone, noungall bladder, noungallstone, noungastric, adjectivegenital, adjectivegenitals, noungland, nounglottis, noungonad, noungrey matter, noungroin, nounG-spot, noungullet, noungum, nounhair, nounhairless, adjectivehairy, adjectivehammer, nounhamstring, nounhand, nounhand-eye co-ordination, nounhandlebar moustache, nounhead, nounheart, nounheel, nounhiccup, nounhiccup, verbhip, nounHomo sapiens, nounhumerus, nounhymen, nounimmune, adjectiveimmune system, nounimmunity, nouninbred, adjectiveincisor, nounindex finger, nouninherit, verbinstep, nounintestine, nounin vitro fertilization, nouniris, nounIVF, nounjaw, nounjawbone, nounjowl, nounkidney, nounknee, nounknee cap, nounknuckle, nounlap, nounlarge intestine, nounlarynx, nounlash, nounlaugh lines, nounlaughter lines, nounleft-handed, adjectivelefty, nounlens, nounlid, nounlifeblood, nounligament, nounlip, nounlittle finger, nounliver, nounlobe, nounlong-sighted, adjectivelumbar, adjectivelung, nounlymph, nounlymph node, nounmammary, adjectivemammary gland, nounmanual, adjectivemarrow, nounmasticate, verbmatrix, nounmelanin, nounmelatonin, nounmember, nounmenopause, nounmenses, nounmenstrual, adjectivemenstrual period, nounmenstruate, verbmiddle ear, nounmiddle finger, nounmidget, nounmidriff, nounmilk tooth, nounmind, nounmolar, nounmucous membrane, nounmuscle, nounnail, nounnape, nounnasal, adjectivenavel, nounnervous, adjectiveneurology, nounneuron, nounniacin, nounnipple, nounnode, nounnodule, nounnostril, nounocular, adjectiveoesophagus, nounoral, adjectiveovary, nounoverbite, nounoviduct, nounpalate, nounpalm, nounpalpitate, verbpalpitations, nounpancreas, nounpassage, nounpatella, nounpectorals, nounpelvic, adjectivepelvis, nounpenetrate, verbpepsin, nounperiod, nounperiod pain, nounperspiration, nounperspire, verbphallus, nounpharynx, nounphlegm, nounphysical, adjectivephysiognomy, nounphysiology, nounphysique, nounpigeon-toed, adjectivepit, nounpituitary, nounplacenta, nounplasma, nounplatelet, nounpore, nounpotbelly, nounpremenstrual, adjectiveprepubescent, adjectivepressure point, nounprimal, adjectiveprivate parts, nounprognathous, adjectiveprostate, nounpuberty, nounpubescent, adjectivepubic, adjectivepudendum, nounpulmonary, adjectivepulp, nounpulse, nounpupil, nounquad, nounquadruplet, nounquin, nounquintuplet, nounradius, nounreceptor, nounrecessive, adjectiverectal, adjectiverectum, nounred blood cell, nounREM sleep, nounrenal, adjectiveretina, nounRhesus factor, nounRH factor, nounrib, nounrib cage, nounright, adjectiveright-handed, adjectiveright-hander, nounrigor mortis, nounring finger, nounrod, nounRoman nose, nounround-shouldered, adjectiverun, verbsalivary gland, nounsallow, adjectivescalp, nounscaly, adjectivescapula, nounsciatic, adjectivescrotum, nounsemen, nounseminal, adjectivesense, nounsense organ, nounsensory, adjectivesextuplet, nounshank, nounshin, nounshinbone, nounshoulder, nounshoulder blade, nounside, nounsinew, nounsinus, nounskeletal, adjectiveskull, nounsleep, verbsleep, nounsmall intestine, nounsneeze, verbsneeze, nounsnub nose, nounsnub-nosed, adjectivesoft palate, nounsolar plexus, nounsole, nounsphincter, nounspinal, adjectivespinal column, nounspine, nounspit, verbspit, nounspittle, nounspleen, nounspotty, adjectivesputum, nounsternum, nounsteroid, nounstirrup, nounstomach, nounstool, nounstubble, nounsubcutaneous, adjectivesuck, verbsuckle, verbsuckling, nounsweat gland, nounsystem, nountailbone, nountan, verbtan, nountanned, adjectivetarsus, nountartar, nountaste bud, nountear, nounteardrop, nounteat, nountemple, nountendon, nountestes, nountesticle, nountestis, nountestosterone, nounthickset, adjectivethigh, nounthorax, nounthroat, nounthumb, nounthumbnail, nounthyroid, nountibia, nounticklish, adjectivetoe, nountoenail, nountongue, nountonsil, nountooth, nountorso, nountouch, nountrachea, nountriceps, nountrunk, nountympanum, nounulna, nounumbilical cord, nounurethra, nounuterus, nounuvula, nounvagina, nounvascular, adjectivevein, nounvenous, adjectiveventricle, nounvessel, nounvestibule, nounvital, adjectivevocal cords, nounvoice box, nounvulva, nounwaist, nounwall-eyed, adjectivewax, nounwhite, nounwhite blood cell, nounwindpipe, nounwisdom tooth, nounwomb, nounwrinkle, verbwrist, nounyawn, verbyawn, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYcolour She bleached her hair blonde. If I didn’t colour my hair I’d be totally grey. Melanie ran upstairs to comb her hair. Her boots were muddy and her hair was dripping. He was drying his hair with a towel. gelled hair a grizzled old man long hair I’m going to have my hair permed. He ruffled her hair affectionately. an exclusive hair salon She showered and shampooed her short dark hair. She had shining black hair. He reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. She had just awakened, her eyes sleepy and her hair tousled.
· He’s about six feet tall, with dark hair and blue eyes.
· his long black hair
literary (=completely black)· She had shiny jet black hair, and skin as white as snow.
· Her long fair hair fell untidily over her shoulders.
(=yellowish-white in colour)· long blonde hair and blue eyes
· the beautiful girl with the long golden hair
· Her hair was pale brown.
literary (=dark brown)· She had a fine head of chestnut hair.
(=yellowish-brown)· He wore his long, sandy brown hair in a ponytail.
(=an unattractive dull brown)· I have pale, mousy hair that is dull and lacks shine.
· The whole family had red hair.
British English (=orange-brown in colour)· a cheeky little boy with ginger hair
literary (=orange-brown in colour)· He gazed at her long neck and beautiful auburn hair.
· an old man with white hair
British English, gray American English· She was about 70, with grey hair.
· Her father’s hair was starting to turn silver.
length· I like your hair when it’s short like that.
· A few of the boys had long hair.
· He had shoulder-length reddish hair.
type· a girl with long straight hair
· When he was young, his hair was thick and curly.
(=tightly curled)· She had dark frizzy hair which might have been permed.
(=with loose curls)· Her golden wavy hair fell around her shoulders.
· She had thick hair down to her waist.
(=thin)· Her hair is so fine, it’s difficult to style.
(=stiff and standing up on top of your head)· Billy had black spiky hair.
condition· How do you keep your hair in such perfect condition?
(=no longer in good condition)· If your hair is out of condition, this may be because you are eating the wrong foods.
· She combed her hair until it was all glossy.
literary (=very shiny and attractive)· her lustrous dark hair flowing on to her shoulders
(=not shiny)· a shampoo for dull hair
(=containing too much oil)· This shampoo is ideal for greasy hair.
(=lacking oil)· a shampoo for dry hair
especially literary (=thin, straight, and unattractive)· a scruffy young man with lank hair
(=becoming thinner because you are losing your hair)· His dark hair was thinning on top.
(=gradually disappearing, so that it is high on your forehead)· The man was in his late thirties, and his hair was receding slightly.
especially literary (=very untidy)· His face was bright red and his hair looked dishevelled.
especially literary (=a little untidy, in a way that looks attractive)· his youthfully handsome face and tousled hair that hung untidily over his collar
especially literary (=blown around by the wind)· Her hair was all windswept when they came off the beach.
verbs· She has beautiful blonde hair.
· He cleaned his teeth and brushed his hair.
· He showered and washed his hair.
(also fix your hair American English) (=arrange it in a style)· She’s upstairs doing her hair.
(also get your hair cut etc) (=by a hairdresser)· I need to get my hair cut.
· My mum always cuts my hair.
(=change its colour, especially using chemicals)· Craig has dyed his hair black.
(=have that style of hair)· He wore his hair in a ponytail.
(=let it grow longer)· I’m growing my hair long, but it’s taking forever.
(=become bald)· He was a small, round man who was losing his hair.
(=touch someone’s hair in a loving way)· He ran his fingers through her smooth silky hair.
(=rub it in a kind friendly way)· He patted me on the back and ruffled my hair.
hair + NOUN· The drug can cause hair loss.
British English, hair color American English· Genes control characteristics such as hair colour and eye colour.
· The survey showed that 75% of women have used hair dye.
phrases (=a thin piece of hair)· She brushed away a strand of hair from her eyes.
(=a fairly thick piece of hair)· She tossed a stray lock of hair back off her forehead.
(=a large amount of thick untidy hair)· He had an unruly mop of brown hair.
COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘I cut my hair’ if another person cut your hair for you. Say I had my hair cut.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=to have your hair cut)· I’d like to make a hair appointment for next week.
She bleached her hair blonde. If I didn’t colour my hair I’d be totally grey. Melanie ran upstairs to comb her hair. Her boots were muddy and her hair was dripping. He was drying his hair with a towel. gelled hair a grizzled old man long hair I’m going to have my hair permed.· She doesn’t buy beauty products that have been tested on animals.
He ruffled her hair affectionately. an exclusive hair salon She showered and shampooed her short dark hair. She had shining black hair. He reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. She had just awakened, her eyes sleepy and her hair tousled.· The best cleanser for you depends on your skin type.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Naturally straight, black hair was set at the crown on small curlers then gelled into two different shapes.· Marcus was usually silent: a stocky man with flat black hair and a private smile.· The same almost black hair, the same vivid blue eyes.· Harry Sargent had a handsome head of black hair, pale skin, and bright eyes, and affected a Byronic appearance.· He's got all this thick black hair like a baboon.· But he had a thinnish face, with an aquiline nose and really black hair.· He turned out to be a slight boy with dark, wary eyes and black hair cut short.
· She was smiling out at him, her long blond hair tousled.· On one of them was Blue Mooney, his pale blond hair blown against his cheek as he skidded around the corner.· Blood matted the blond hair, and Lindsey took a deep breath as she leaned closer to peer at the wound.· Debbie wore a much simpler dress this time: a cream-colored cotton number that showed off her blond hair and tan.· He's white, in his late twenties, about six feet tall with gingery blond wavy hair.· Dark roots on blond hair are also in; so is the double-process blond.· He'd admire his long, blond hair, his bright blue eyes and his perfect white teeth.
· Jennifer, in a blue tracksuit that showed off her blonde hair to perfection, was sitting in her wheelchair.· The one with the thinning blonde hair made a remark at which the second man sniggered.· Her blonde hair was pulled back into a smooth chignon and tied with a yellow silk bow.· On the screen a woman with bright blonde hair and red-rimmed glasses was teaching her audience how to make profiteroles.· Her mass of blonde hair was down, flowing free in the winter air.· And the same blonde mass of hair.· Petal came back in, with her blonde hair wafting about her shoulders.· She had the most beautiful blonde hair.
· His Straight brown hair fell half-combed across his forehead, and his clothes were clean but rumpled.· Mathilde had strong teeth and brown hair which she wore pulled back with a ribbon.· Crazy Horse was a slim man of medium height with brown hair hanging below his waist and a scar above his lip.· He was bearded and the dark brown hair of his whiskers and mustache outlined the thickness and pinkness of his lips.· Her dark brown hair was neatly cut and waved around her face; there was only a slight tinge of grey.· She had blondish-brown hair and was dressed in wool and fur.
· With his blue black curly hair and ice blue eyes, he could melt most women with a glance.· Her curly hair was back from her face more than yesterday, and she had yellow earrings.· His arms are covered with a sheath of curly black hair.· Fingered through permed or curly hair, they give more definition to curls and tendrils.· I think Janir resembles her more, with his dark skin, curly hair and strong features.· He stretched, panther-like, raked a lazy hand through his curly dark hair.· Red is the six-foot sophomore with short, curly hair the color of terra-cotta.
· He had a moustache, short dark hair, and he wore glasses.· His dark hair and even darker beard do nothing to assuage her discomfort.· Thick, dark hair curled around his face and his rolled-up sleeves revealed strong, well-muscled arms.· He was clean-shaven, wore glasses and had dark hair with a bald spot.· Her dark blonde hair and serpentine figure drew the approval of Sir Charles Webb-Bowen himself.· Sister Mary was a tall, sturdy-looking woman whose dark hair was simply cut.· Her long dark hair brushed like burnished jet.· What did she look like? Dark hair.
· Simply spray Hot Shapes on to clean, dry hair before setting to get instant hold with a glossy finish.· Under her starched cap the dyed dry hair was puffed out.· But it can't do anything about dry or damaged hair.· It's what makes your hair bouncy and pliable. Dry hair is hair which lacks moisture rather than hair which lacks oil.· So we've combined them in a shampoo that makes dry hair lustrous and more manageable.· Make sure you use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner for dry hair.· You can also put them in dry hair, but we suggest that you lightly spritz all over with water first.
· He props himself up on one elbow. Fair hair glistens on his forearm.. ` You're not a painter?· He had a sandy mustache and fair short hair that clustered on his forehead.· He stroked her fair hair before taking it.· As mine was a redemptive story about fair hair, hers was one about straight hair.· In his crinkly fair hair there was hardly any grey.· He's got long fair hair and a little white face too.· She had no makeup on and her long fair hair was twisted into a knot on top of her head.· He had very fine, fair hair and pale skin, faintly pitted by smallpox.
· Like rabbits, they are born blind but they do have some very fine body hair.· Undaunted, he began nibbling her earlobe, as fine strands of hair brushed his face.· Their bristles were made from the finest hair available, taken from inside the ear of a goat.· It shows itself only to the most powerful of microscopes as a speck, one-fiftieth of a strand of fine hair.· Fine dark hair on her lip, fine black hair on her forearms.· One had fine gold silken hair, faded and grey with the dust.
· With his unkempt ginger hair running down into sideboards it made his hard face look even meaner.· Profuse amounts of grey and ginger hair sprouted from nose and ears.· One was white, of medium height with fair or ginger hair cut short on one side and longer on the other.· Bessie was a fiery character, a large plump woman with a shock of ginger hair, freckles and green eyes.· A pair of waving ginger hairs appeared in the corner of a mouth the colour of old putty.· The Gyggle forearms were covered all over with a regular pattern of tight ginger curlicues of hair.· The other in his 30's, with ginger hair and moustache and a tweed sports coat.· He has short ginger hair, and is clean shaven with freckles.
· She was slender and very fair with long golden hair and as unlike as possible any Naulls that had ever been.· His golden hair was parted down the middle, and he wore a gold ring on his right hand.· One of the children was a little girl, with golden hair and blue eyes.· The giant with golden hair: Fearsome but knowledgeable.· The smiling, classic features, topped by the golden hair.· He required the boy to return with three golden hairs from the giant of the kingdom in order to keep his bride.· Fingers of energy, disguised - a felicitous whim - as strands of your golden hair.· They love him ... all that golden hair and the jaunty moustache.
· Behind the left ear his grey hair had been twisted into a knot.· Profuse amounts of grey and ginger hair sprouted from nose and ears.· The man who shot Richard had grey hair and was wearing a black leather jacket, a blue jumper and jeans.· He had grey hair and a black moustache which rose and fell as he breathed.· This masculinity was emphasised by her uncompromising coiffure, her grey hair drawn tightly back and screwed into a straggling bun.· However, the publisher was beaming, his grey hair smooth in the sunlight from the dusty window.· He was wearing rough clothes, and he was about sixty, with a brown face and long grey hair.· His grey hair was shiny with rain.
· Most are vulnerable to the cold, since they can not grow long hair and a thick insulating coat.· Pierced ears, noses or eyelids, purple hair, long hair, no hair or a mohawk.· His long hair stopped neatly at the level where it curved most attractively, but his shave was indifferent.· Two young boys call inside one of the tents and a dark man with long, graying hair emerges.· Her long hair fluttered behind her as she moved about.· I slipped my long hair inside the wig, adjusted it, then put on a pair of large sunglasses.· She had no makeup on and her long fair hair was twisted into a knot on top of her head.· The girl was very pretty with cream colored skin and long black wary hair falling down her back.
· Her short red hair was crudely shaped in a wedge and her pallid cheeks and small chin were peppered with unsightly acne.· At the University of Houston, they remember her capacity for hard work and her flaming red hair.· It was their next door neighbour, the woman with the red hair.· One of them, a boy with red hair, had a bad case of adolescent skin eruptions.· It was a bikini, flower-printed and attractive against her dark red hair.· Her face was a pile of white cloud afire with red hair.· I have red hair and green eyes.
· A medallion in Hughes Hall portrays her with short hair, an aquiline nose, and a determined chin.· To this day, I believe the only thing that saved him from a beating was his short hair.· You've got short hair, you've got a moustache now, and you wear glasses.· The shorter the hair, the thicker it looks.· The older boy, leaner and more muscular, has shorter hair and a small skull-cap which may conceal a tonsure.· He is tall, a marathoner, with salt-and-pepper short hair.· The other one was young, chubby, red-faced, with short red hair and looked embarrassed.· She has short reddish hair and green eyes.
· By Tina at Marc Young Maximum root lift and volume achieved on long, straight hair.· And perms, our straight hair tortured into frizz for the Christmas or Easter gathering and the requisite smiling photograph.· I even resorted to going to a hairdresser who guaranteed that I'd emerge with dead straight hair.· He was absorbed in eating, and his blond, straight hair fell forward over his forehead.· She was a plain girl, with straight hair and thin limbs and a mathematical turn of mind.· As mine was a redemptive story about fair hair, hers was one about straight hair.· He had a lot of straight, silvery hair.· Laz pumps my hand in a blustering manner that sends his straight hair bobbing over his ruddy face.
· Feeling weightless and soft, she slid her arms further round him, her fingers pushing into his thick hair.· Her thick hair fell forward over her face.· Adam put a hand nervously through his thick black hair, suddenly conscious of the lawyer's stare.· She had big dark eyes and fine lashes, and she kept her thick hair pulled severely back.· His thick brown hair fell down the sides of his face.· Enrique lounged behind the wheel, short and barrel-chested, his thick gray hair falling over his shoulders.
· She had long wavy brown hair, and a gentle, kind face.· He wore his carefully combed wavy hair, dark brown with tinges of gray, rather long.· She ran her hand approvingly through her wavy auburn hair.· He's white, in his late twenties, about six feet tall with gingery blond wavy hair.· Others sport a wig of what could pass for close-cropped, wavy human hair.· Brown, wavy hair - not that really dark brown, but the sort that goes lighter in the sun.· He looked like he was in his early forties with thin, wavy gray hair and a sorrowful expression.
· Standing in front of them was an extremely old man with a beard that trailed on the ground and long flowing white hair.· He is 61, with white hair and a droopy mustache.· The summer light through the window frames Bill's white hair.· I wash your intimate places, pull your white hairs, and cut your nails.· His thick white hair was cut short and unevenly, so that in parts it stood up in clumps.· Anna was a fiercely idealistic woman whose prematurely white hair flared like flame from her freckled face.· In his sixties, he had a mane of white hair and a kindly expression.· Baby Girl, she might say, pick out my white hairs.
NOUN· She was fine-boned and delicate, with auburn hair tied back in a leather clasp.· This final aching agony had auburn hair, grey eyes, multiple sclerosis and a sick dislike of crying babies.· A man in his mid-thirties with dull auburn hair and a freckled face behind rectangular metal-rimmed glasses.· Her auburn hair had been lifted from her shoulders and tied with a tortoiseshell slide.· They had selected a full-skirted velvet frock in a deep royal blue which set off her auburn hair.· Her auburn hair was dressed in the Roman style, her gown an ankle-length shirt of green satin covered with net.· She had a head of flowing auburn hair and carried herself in a self-possessed manner touching on the arrogant.· Her soft brown wool suit and velvet Vandyke cap perfectly complemented her auburn hair.
· You simply press the touch-pad which corresponds to your hair colour and the one which corresponds to your skin tone.· That's the promise of Contrasts High and Low lighting kits - the easy way to enhance your natural hair colour.· It can be brushed, combed or scrunched into your hair to enhance natural hair colour.· My hair colour doesn't affect me and I've never felt that people treat me as having lower than average intelligence.· The only roots Cilla has lost touch with are those of her natural hair colour.· The gene affects hair colour, and codes either for orange or for black.· The same thing is true in a different campaign for hair colour.· A woman peeks down her bikini bottom to remind herself of her true hair colour.
· Well, of course, she could get her hair cut and buy new clothes.· The profession usually requires short, neat hair cuts and trim beards if any, for men.· She's had her hair cut, but it's Annie all right.· Changing your hair cut and/or colour can be a great looks-booster.· She had had her hair cut.· She looked different with her hair cut and it made them feel shy.· Would you have your hair cut?· De Levantiére has had her hair cut and it makes her look very sophisticated.
VERB· She brushed her long hair into a shining mane and arranged it carefully around her shoulders.· The girl gave her a questioning look, brushing her hair back from her face.· Never brush your hair when wet; instead use a wide-tooth comb.· He rearranged a couple of silver paperweights and brushed his long white hair with his hand.· He brushes a strand of hair from her forehead, giving her permission.· All I want is her to carry on brushing my hair with her hands.· She brushed her hair back and looked at him.
· The girls set to work, sewed, talked, laughed, and combed their hair.· He wore his carefully combed wavy hair, dark brown with tinges of gray, rather long.· She eats another nut, and needlessly, absently, combs her hair.· She sat her on the counter beside the sink and combed back her thin hair.· They ate steak pudding with exceptional appetite and, when everything was cleared away, Melanie ran upstairs to comb her hair.· He leaned over to comb his hair in the rearview mirror before he got out of the car.· Never before have we been so potent, not even in New York when we were combing nurses out of our hair.
· When she came down again it was ten o'clock and she had been curling her hair.· He curled my hair for me.· Beauty salons crimp and curl shining hair with a fall like silk into shapeless frizz.· You aren't allowed things such as curling irons and hair dryers.· She can't still be curling her hair.· He was tall and thin but his most striking feature was his long, softly curling brown hair.· I washed and curled her hair and she wore a lovely pink bodice to go home in.· She looked different since Lily had stopped curling her hair.
· She would let me brush her hair some days.· She was letting her dark brown hair grow long again.· In the second half Complicite let their hair down in their own inimitable way.· Might have skipped rope with her, or let her braid my hair, or told her my dreams!· But Coffin no longer disliked this; he might let his own hair lengthen.· Out in the pasture, the princess let her hair down.· He liked this: what his pub was all about, for people to let their hair down.· He would wear old woolen jackets and patched pants and let his hair grow and protest nuclear power.
· She had lost her hair, probably the after-effects of chemotherapy.· Surgeons removed her right leg above the knee and she lost her hair through radiotherapy.· It was as if by deciding to lose my hair, I'd stopped the cancer from taking it against my will.· There were mild abrasions and some lost hair, Walter said.· He was losing his hair a little.
· My eyes feel all hot and my head's prickly like some one's pulled my hair.· Margarett had pulled back her hair rather severely and parted it on the side.· Taking small sections of hair at a time, pull your hair over the Flexi Comb and tuck under the edge.· The change was noted immediately, and my heavens, what a great gnashing of teeth and pulling of hair.· He pulled and her hair flew out over her winter coat.· Tonya is pulling her hair back into a ponytail.· The lean wind grips him, twisting and pulling his hair.· During the day, I pulled my hair back into a knot that reminded me that I was married.
· The wind ruffled his greying hair.· A strong breeze ruffled Crossley's hair and made him shiver.· They kissed Guks and ruffled his hair.· I had seen her ruffle his hair as though he were a little boy.· Nicholas leant down and ruffled his cold hair.· Still she felt that breeze ruffling her hair, biting at her nose.· I don't want to ruffle my hair.
· Then, with a single gesture, the three waiting figures smoothed back their hair and advanced warily to meet him.· Springing up, she smoothed back her tousled hair and hurriedly unbolted the door to Bethany smiling at her.· He held her close, smoothing back her hair, his big hands so gentle.· He would remember smoothing back her hair.· She smoothed the hair back from the dead face.· Dare she touch her forehead? Smooth her hair?· To create this graceful and sophisticated look, Michael used Salon Formula Mousse to smooth hair into a perfect conical shape.· She smooths down her hair, tipping the beret back to its original angle.
· He stroked her fair hair before taking it.· Absently, she stroked his hair.· That hot mouth moved over her hot, shivering skin, inciting fierce moans of desire as she stroked his dark hair.· She stroked his hair tenuously, as if afraid of being told not to.· That night her father sat on the edge of her bed and stroked her hair, as if she were still a little girl.· She held me tenderly and stroked my hair, and said nothing until I was calm again.· Late one night I stirred from a deep sleep to find Dad sitting beside my bed, gently stroking my hair.
· Its usual reaction when abused by an attacker is to tear out its own hair rather than attempt to bite.· The first to rise asks Lisa how she finds comfort in cutting herself and tearing out her hair.· And here is the Duchess of Alba, tearing at her hair in a rage over some trifling remark.· Granny Weatherwax lay in it, her dress torn, her hair uncoiling from its rock-hard bun.· Her clothes were torn, and her hair was a mess, but there was no damage.· Anyone else would be tearing his hair out, confronted by a pack of jabbering foreigners, but does Feargal?· Surely it can only harvest a crop of bald heads as human beings tear out their hair over it?
· When she tossed her head her hair fell around her shoulders and upper arms in a lovely auburn cascade.· Jazz tossed his hair back for the first time to take in what was going on.· I tossed my hair and glided on to the stage.· Automatically, she tossed back her hair and smiled.· She tossed her short black hair.· She sat down at the table for two Roman had selected, and tossed her hair back from her face.
· I wash my hair and leave it to dry naturally.· Last night she had washed her hair in the metal tub, and today it shone.· We had to wash our own hair and mend our own clothes.· I took a shower and washed my hair with his yucca blossom shampoo.· Anne stayed at home for a week, saw nobody, and washed her hair every day.· There was no indoor plumbing, so I had to wash my hair by a community well.· She had bathed and washed her hair during the evening before her admission to hospital.· I ask Doi-san if I may wash her hair but she refuses.
· Melanie started wearing her hair in stiff plaits, in the manner of a squaw.· The men wear their hair to the shoulders and women dress in tunics.· I wear my hair long and I comb it forward to hide as much as possible of my face.· He took his key from the floor clerk, who wore her hair in braids.· The victim has been scalped and the priest wears the hair.· She wears her henna-ed hair chopped short, someplace be-tween punk and tomboy.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► keep your hair on► not turn a hair► not harm/touch a hair of/on somebody’s head► the hair of the dog (that bit you)PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► crop of dark hair/blonde curls etc► have your hair cut/your house painted etc► have a good/fine/thick etc head of hair► keep your hair/shirt on!
- He can't get in our hair.
- The thought of a lawsuit was enough to make his hair stand on end.
- He was so close to her, his arms brushing lightly against hers, making her hairs stand on end.
- I've been hearing rumours about his methods of taming his crew ... things to make your hair stand on end.
- Some of the stories people had told me in that room would make your hair stand on end.
- Yet here he was expecting to play a part that would make her hair stand on end.
- The moisture had made his hair curl even more, and had brought out the hardiness of his complexion.
- The things he could tell you about her would make your hair curl.
- He sat at his desk, not a hair out of place, and turning a pencil over in his hand.
- He seemed stern and austere and never had a hair out of place.
- Joel never has a hair out of place.
- Anyone else would be tearing his hair out, confronted by a pack of jabbering foreigners, but does Feargal?
- I was pulling my hair out.
- Chat rooms on the Internet are a place we can let our hair down and say what we think.
- I spotted Juanita really letting her hair down on the dance floor.
- Playing softball is just a good way to let your hair down and have fun.
- You can really let your hair down and do what you want at the club.
- Among the many booksellers and publishers whom I spotted letting their hair down on the dance floor was independent publisher Christopher Hurst.
- He liked this: what his pub was all about, for people to let their hair down.
- In the second half Complicite let their hair down in their own inimitable way.
- Man's got ta let his hair down.
- Out in the pasture, the princess let her hair down.
- This was the day our friends let their hair down and spoke with amazing frankness.
- We know when we can afford to let our hair down and when we can't.
- I felt miserable and realised the hair of my dreams had turned into the worst bad hair day you could imagine.
- Your basic bad hair day at the photo lab.
- I paint her face and do her hair.
- I said, I did, I was approached about who does your hair?
- It's to do with the hair.
- Now, do you want me to do your make-up, or not?
- One test of our response to the change made by age is what we decide to do about grey hair.
- She said that the day of the wedding, she should do my hair first.
- The working class adolescent of the 60s had quite a job deciding what to do with his hair.
- Finesse's hairspray formulations are non-sticky, and yet give perfect control when applied to dry hair.
- For 24 hours a day, the irritation caused by severely dry skin verges on torture.
- In places the green is so thick on the page that it develops a gloss like the dried skin of oil paint.
- Just as you care for dry skin on the face, the scalp needs a soothing touch ... gentle cleansing and moisturising.
- Make sure you use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner for dry hair.
- Simply spray Hot Shapes on to clean, dry hair before setting to get instant hold with a glossy finish.
- Specific questioning showed symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth.
- There may be a dry burning sensation; a dry mouth, ropy mucus, mouth ulcers.
- Cream Silk Hot Oil Therapy is a deep conditioner, developed to add strength and body to fine, flyaway hair.
- I haven't seen hide nor hair of him in months.
- Among the many booksellers and publishers whom I spotted letting their hair down on the dance floor was independent publisher Christopher Hurst.
- He liked this: what his pub was all about, for people to let their hair down.
- In the second half Complicite let their hair down in their own inimitable way.
- Man's got ta let his hair down.
- Out in the pasture, the princess let her hair down.
- This was the day our friends let their hair down and spoke with amazing frankness.
- We know when we can afford to let our hair down and when we can't.
- He moved, and his shock of hair caught the sun as he raked a hand through it.
- Batard is a little sweeter than Chevalier but perhaps that's splitting hairs; both these wines are excellent.
- Let's stop splitting hairs and get back to the main issue.
- But I don't want to split hairs.
- Anyone else would be tearing his hair out, confronted by a pack of jabbering foreigners, but does Feargal?
- The girl tossed her hair and twisted in her chair.
- And the mare, as if finally understanding, begins to strain, tosses her head wildly, pulls at the reins.
- His horse snorted, tossing its head so that foam flew in dark patches on the ground.
- I tossed my hair and glided on to the stage.
- Karen tossed her head back, sending her hair over her left shoulder.
- The animal plunged to a halt, snorting and tossing its head nervously as water sprayed into the air around them.
- The Lieutenant's horse was tossing its head, snorting, raising its bright hooves high as it trampled the crop.
- Then the fox tossed his head and gulped down the Gingerbread Man.
- Two goats will circle head to tail in a display of strength, tossing their heads and posturing and grunting at each other.
WORD FAMILYnounhairhairinessadjectivehairless ≠ hairy
1[uncountable] the mass of things like fine threads that grows on your head: Her hair was short and dark. a short fat man with no hair on his headfair-haired/dark-haired/long-haired etc He’s a tall fair-haired guy.GRAMMAR: Countable or uncountable?Hair is only used as an uncountable noun in this meaning: · He has black hair. ✗Don’t say: He has black hairs.2[countable] one of the long fine things like thread that grows on people’s heads and on other parts of their bodies, or similar things that grow on animals: The cat has left white hairs all over the sofa. I’m starting to get a few grey hairs.long-haired/short-haired long-haired cats3be tearing/pulling your hair out to be very worried or angry about something, especially because you do not know what to do: Anyone else would have been tearing their hair out trying to follow these instructions.4let your hair down informal to enjoy yourself and start to relax, especially after working very hard: The party gave us all a chance to really let our hair down.5bad hair day a day when your hair does not look tidy or neat even when you try to arrange it carefully – used humorously: I’m having a bit of a bad hair day.6keep your hair on British English spoken used to tell someone to keep calm and not get annoyed: All right, all right, keep your hair on! I’m sorry.7get in somebody’s hair informal to annoy someone, especially by always being near them8make somebody’s hair stand on end to make someone very frightened9make somebody’s hair curl if a story, experience etc makes your hair curl, it is very surprising, frightening, or shocking: tales that would make your hair curl10not have a hair out of place to have a very neat appearance11not turn a hair to remain completely calm when something bad or surprising suddenly happens12not harm/touch a hair of/on somebody’s head to not harm someone in any way13the hair of the dog (that bit you) alcohol that you drink to cure a headache caused by drinking too much alcohol the night before – used humorously → have a good/fine/thick etc head of hair at head1(14), → not see hide nor hair of at hide2(5), → split hairs at split1(8)COLLOCATIONScolourdark· He’s about six feet tall, with dark hair and blue eyes.black· his long black hairjet black literary (=completely black)· She had shiny jet black hair, and skin as white as snow.fair· Her long fair hair fell untidily over her shoulders.blond/blonde (=yellowish-white in colour)· long blonde hair and blue eyesgolden· the beautiful girl with the long golden hairbrown· Her hair was pale brown.chestnut literary (=dark brown)· She had a fine head of chestnut hair.sandy (=yellowish-brown)· He wore his long, sandy brown hair in a ponytail.mousy (=an unattractive dull brown)· I have pale, mousy hair that is dull and lacks shine.red· The whole family had red hair.ginger British English (=orange-brown in colour)· a cheeky little boy with ginger hairauburn literary (=orange-brown in colour)· He gazed at her long neck and beautiful auburn hair.white· an old man with white hairgrey British English, gray American English· She was about 70, with grey hair.silver· Her father’s hair was starting to turn silver.lengthshort· I like your hair when it’s short like that.long· A few of the boys had long hair.shoulder-length/medium-length· He had shoulder-length reddish hair.typestraight· a girl with long straight haircurly· When he was young, his hair was thick and curly.frizzy (=tightly curled)· She had dark frizzy hair which might have been permed.wavy (=with loose curls)· Her golden wavy hair fell around her shoulders.thick· She had thick hair down to her waist.fine (=thin)· Her hair is so fine, it’s difficult to style.spiky (=stiff and standing up on top of your head)· Billy had black spiky hair.conditionin good/bad/terrible etc condition· How do you keep your hair in such perfect condition?out of condition (=no longer in good condition)· If your hair is out of condition, this may be because you are eating the wrong foods.glossy/shiny· She combed her hair until it was all glossy.lustrous literary (=very shiny and attractive)· her lustrous dark hair flowing on to her shouldersdull (=not shiny)· a shampoo for dull hairgreasy (=containing too much oil)· This shampoo is ideal for greasy hair.dry (=lacking oil)· a shampoo for dry hairlank especially literary (=thin, straight, and unattractive)· a scruffy young man with lank hairthinning (=becoming thinner because you are losing your hair)· His dark hair was thinning on top.receding (=gradually disappearing, so that it is high on your forehead)· The man was in his late thirties, and his hair was receding slightly.dishevelled especially literary (=very untidy)· His face was bright red and his hair looked dishevelled.tousled especially literary (=a little untidy, in a way that looks attractive)· his youthfully handsome face and tousled hair that hung untidily over his collarwindswept especially literary (=blown around by the wind)· Her hair was all windswept when they came off the beach.verbshave ... hair· She has beautiful blonde hair.brush/comb your hair· He cleaned his teeth and brushed his hair.wash your hair· He showered and washed his hair.do your hair (also fix your hair American English) (=arrange it in a style)· She’s upstairs doing her hair.have your hair cut/done/permed (also get your hair cut etc) (=by a hairdresser)· I need to get my hair cut.cut somebody’s hair· My mum always cuts my hair.dye your hair (blonde/red etc) (=change its colour, especially using chemicals)· Craig has dyed his hair black.wear your hair long/in a ponytail etc (=have that style of hair)· He wore his hair in a ponytail.grow your hair (long) (=let it grow longer)· I’m growing my hair long, but it’s taking forever.lose your hair (=become bald)· He was a small, round man who was losing his hair.run your fingers through somebody’s hair (=touch someone’s hair in a loving way)· He ran his fingers through her smooth silky hair.ruffle somebody’s hair (=rub it in a kind friendly way)· He patted me on the back and ruffled my hair.hair + NOUNhair loss· The drug can cause hair loss.hair colour British English, hair color American English· Genes control characteristics such as hair colour and eye colour.hair dye· The survey showed that 75% of women have used hair dye.phrasesa strand/wisp of hair (=a thin piece of hair)· She brushed away a strand of hair from her eyes.a lock of hair (=a fairly thick piece of hair)· She tossed a stray lock of hair back off her forehead.a mop of hair (=a large amount of thick untidy hair)· He had an unruly mop of brown hair.COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘I cut my hair’ if another person cut your hair for you. Say I had my hair cut.