How to Say “No Thinning” Clearly (With Examples)**
Why Many Visitors Don’t Want Their Hair Thinned in Japan
(A Gentle Guide for First-Time Barbershop Customers)**
Many visitors leave Japanese barbershops saying:
“The haircut was good.
But I won’t come back.”
The reason is rarely the fade.
It’s thinning.
Introduction
Sometimes, the hardest part of a haircut in another country
is not the scissors — but saying one honest sentence.
When visiting a Japanese barbershop for the first time, many international guests want to say:
When visiting a Japanese barbershop for the first time, many international guests want to say:
“Please don’t thin my hair.”
“No thinning scissors, please.”
…but may feel:
- unsure how to explain the reason
- shy or embarrassed to say it
- worried it may sound rude
You are not alone.
This guide explains:
- why thinning is common in Japan
- why many visitors don’t like it
- easy English phrases you can use
- how to communicate your request even if you’re shy
1. Why Thinning Is So Common in Japan
Japanese hair often has the following characteristics:
- thick
- dense
- heavy at the bottom
Because of this, many Japanese people struggle with a hair shape that becomes:
- flat on top
- puffy on the sides
- a “reverse triangle” silhouette
To balance the shape, Japanese barbers commonly use:
- thinning scissors
- razor cutting
- stroke cutting
These techniques help:
- reduce weight
- control volume
- blend the hairstyle smoothly
This is why Japanese barbers often ask:
“Sukimasu ka?”
(Do you want me to thin your hair?)
For Japanese clients, thinning is a very normal step.
2. Why Many International Guests Don’t Want Thinning
Hair types in Europe, North America, South America, Australia and many other regions tend to be:
- finer
- softer
- more fragile
- more likely to lose volume
When this kind of hair is thinned too much, it can:
- lose volume
- look see-through or stringy
- become messy or flick outward
- become harder to style
This is not a cultural problem.
It’s simply a difference in hair texture.
For many visitors, thinning = “my hair will collapse”.
3. Saying “No Thinning” Is Completely OK in Japan
There is no strict rule such as:
- “Foreigners never thin their hair.”
- “Japanese always thin their hair.”
What matters is what suits your hair texture.
It is 100% acceptable in Japan to say:
“Please don’t thin my hair.”
“Please leave the volume.”
Many of my international customers actually prefer:
- a natural, fluffy silhouette
- a heavier shape at the ends
- avoiding the “feathery” look thinning can cause
Your request is completely normal.
4. The Most Effective Phrases for Japanese Barbers
👉 If you’re also ordering a fade,
here’s a simple English guide Japanese barbers understand:
[Fade Order Guide Japan]
(Short, simple, easy for non-English speakers)
✔ When you do NOT want thinning
- No thinning, please.
- Keep the volume.
- Please don’t use thinning scissors.
✔ When you want “just a little”
- A little thinning, please.
That’s it.
Short English works best in Japanese barbershops.
5. For Those Who Feel Shy or Embarrassed (This is the most important)
Many visitors tell me:
- “It’s hard to explain.”
- “I don’t want to sound rude.”
- “I’m shy…”
This is completely normal.
You don’t need perfect English or Japanese.
You don’t need a long explanation.
👉 The same applies to eyebrows.
If you’re unsure, this guide shows exactly what to say:
[Eyebrow Guide for First-Time Visitors at Japanese Barbershops]
Just say:
“No thinning, please.”
That one short sentence is enough for any barber to understand.
They will adjust everything according to your hair texture.
Summary
- Japanese and international hair behave differently when thinned
- “No thinning” is not cultural—it’s about hair type
- It is never rude to request “no thinning”
👉 Useful phrase: “Sukanaide!”（すかないで） - English can be short
👉 “No thinning!” / “Thinning, no thank you.” - Even if you’re shy, one simple sentence communicates everything
Enjoy your haircut in Japan with confidence!
👉 Want to know what happens after the cut?
Here’s a simple guide to Japanese barbershop finishing touches:
[Why Japanese BARBER Shoulder PON-PON??]
A Little Message From Your Barber ☝️✨
Since you’re in Japan,
you now have the rare chance to experience Japanese Technical Thinning if you ever feel curious.
And even if the style doesn’t turn out perfect,
you can still say…
“Well… I tried Japanese barber thinning and messed it up! Hahaha!”
Sometimes, a small challenge breaks a big wall inside you.
If you feel adventurous, give it a try —
you might discover something new 😛✂️💈
If you’re curious about other small cultural differences in Japanese barbershops,
you may enjoy these guides below.
- “Some visitors are also confused about clippers in Japan.”
- 👉1️⃣ Clippers
- “Reservations work differently in Japan.”
- 👉2️⃣ Reservations
- “This small gesture often surprises first-time visitors.”
- 👉3️⃣ Shoulder Pon Pon
If you still feel unsure about explaining your haircut in Japan,
this simple checklist may help.
No talking needed.
Just point & check.
コメント