PORTUGUESE SALON VOCABULARY

Nails – Unhas:
acetona – nail polish remover
alicate – nail clippers (also the word for plant cutters/shears)
lixa – nail file (also the word for sandpaper)
lixar – to file
esmolte – nail polish
algodão, cotonete – cotton
unha francesa – french manicure
unhas postiças – fake nails, acrylic nails

Hair Removal - Waxing - Depilação
depilação - hair removal
cera de depilação - wax
lâmina de barbear - shaving blade
gilete - razor


Hair – Cabelos:
prancha (or chapinha) – hair straightener
pentear – to comb
escovar – to brush
enxaguar – to rinse
lavar – to wash
piranha (or grampo) – hair clip (piranha literally means piranha (as in the carnivorous fish)… and be careful…the word “piranha” also means “slut” when talking about a girl in Portuguese slang)
goma (or elastico) – hair tie
desgrenhado - discheveled (hair)
secador de cabelos – hair dryer
franja – bangs
cabelo comprido – long hair
cabelo curto – short hair
mechas – highlights
pintar os cabelos - to dye ones hair
trançar – to braid
trançinhas – braids
rabo de cavalo - ponytail
xampu – shampoo
condicionador – conditioner
gel – gel
corte – hair cut
cabelereiro – hairdresser
escova japonesa or relaxamento – permanent chemical hair straightening (often done with Brazilian Keratin treatment)
alongamento – hair extensions
ponta dupla – split end