hairstyle

American  

Or hair style

noun

1. a style of cutting, arranging, or combing the hair; hairdo; coiffure.

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hairstyle British  

/ ˈhɛəˌstaɪl /

noun

1. a particular mode of arranging, cutting, or setting the hair

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Other Word Forms

• hairstylist noun

Etymology

Origin of hairstyle

First recorded in 1910–15; hair + style

Explanation

A hairstyle is the way you get your hair cut or how you arrange it. If you like to shave the sides of your head and gel up the rest of your hair in a spiky mohawk, that's your hairstyle. If your hair stylist or barber says, "Do you want your usual hairstyle?" it means they wonder if you'd like the same crew cut or bob you got last time. A fancy hairstyle, which you can also call a hairdo, might just be for a special occasion: "I'll have a curly hairstyle for the prom, how about you?"

Example Sentences

Kim Ju Ae’s “half-updo” mirrors the hairstyle favored by her mother, North Korea’s first lady, Ri Sol Ju.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

Showing her own style with her streaked "Halo" hairstyle, she opened her competition by winning the team title.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

Each highlights Mary’s professional evolution and, of course, her changing wardrobe and hairstyle.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2026

Martin said the other day that fans will criticise him for anything, including his hairstyle.

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2025

Here in the community, each age had a prescribed hairstyle.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

• braid
• dreadlocks
• haircut
• hairdo
• headdress
• ponytail