hair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hair" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to the strands that grow from the skin of humans and animals, or in discussions about hairstyles, grooming, or biology. Example: "She decided to dye her hair a vibrant shade of blue for the summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Fashion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can clearly see the speed and assurance of Schiele's execution, the uninhibited flow of the hand, denoting – in a few quick seconds of activity – tumbling curls of hair or crumpled fabric, or the fluid confluence of flank and hip and thigh.

The Guardian - Arts

Three women who work at a hair care shop testified that they heard Kaarma say that same day that he had been waiting up nights to shoot an intruder.

The Guardian

"What, we're supposed to call his cousin?" A large man in front of me with graying hair sounds relieved: "I thought I was the only one who thought this whole thing is ridiculous".

The Guardian

He's been in DIY bands since the early 90s, is missing teeth as well as most of his hair, and is wearing a T-shirt that says Dinosaurs Are Wankers.

The Guardian - Music

All his new team-mates thought their coach was joking – "You would be hard-pressed to think anything other than that the hair dye had finally seeped into Kevin Squire's brain," one told the North Devon Journal – but, sure enough, Collins bought himself a new pair of boots and featured at No8 against a rather startled Newton Abbot.

The Guardian - Sport

Barack Obama / [No subject] - We should grow some kickass facial hair.

The Guardian

For weeks, even months, they would refuse shampoo, resulting in hair that emitted cheap cider and bong fumes wherever they went and gradually became lanker, greasier and flatter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I dragged it by the hair to the surface, it was my friend's daughter.

The Guardian

A handful of objects including a Victorian cast of the head of a hanged man and a delicate lace pillow embroidered with her own hair by a woman arrested hundreds of times for public drunkenness have left one of the most private collections in the world for the first time, for the first public exhibition from the Black Museum of the Metropolitan police.

The Guardian

Which then means other religions can legitimately press the ruling elite for their bit of power, their strand of hair.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They're common signs and some women notice excess hair and weight gain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "hair", be specific. Instead of just saying "hair", use descriptive adjectives like "curly hair", "long hair", or "red hair" to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

Remember that "hair" is generally an uncountable noun. Avoid saying "hairs" unless you're referring to individual strands. Instead of "She has many hairs on her coat", say "She has a lot of hair on her coat".

Linguistic Context

The noun "hair" functions as a countable noun when referring to individual strands and an uncountable noun when referring to the mass of filaments growing from the skin. Ludwig's examples show its role as a descriptor and subject in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

25%

Fashion

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hair" is a versatile noun that can be used in various contexts to describe physical appearance, grooming habits, and even cultural or social identity. According to Ludwig, the examples show that its most frequent use is in News & Media, Lifestyle and Fashion contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

As Ludwig AI confirms, "hair" is grammatically correct. Pay attention to avoiding the use of "hairs" except when referring to individual strands. Overall, understanding the subtle nuances of "hair" can greatly enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hairstyle

A general term for the way hair is arranged or styled.

head of hair

Emphasizes the quantity or fullness of the hair.

hairdo

An informal term for hairstyle

locks

Similar to "tresses", but can also refer to individual strands or sections of hair.

tresses

Refers to long flowing locks of hair, often associated with a romantic or poetic style.

hair texture

Focuses on the physical feel and appearance of the hair (e.g., curly, straight, wavy).

mane

Often used to describe a thick, full head of hair, reminiscent of a lion's mane.

hair color

Highlights the specific shade or dye of the hair.

coiffure

Refers specifically to a hairstyle, often an elaborate or formal one.

hair condition

Refers to the health and state of the hair (e.g., dry, oily, damaged).

FAQs

How can I describe someone's hair in more detail?

Use adjectives to specify color (e.g., "blonde hair", "brown hair"), texture (e.g., "curly hair", "straight hair"), and length (e.g., "long hair", "short hair").

Is it correct to say "hairs" instead of "hair"?

In most cases, "hair" is an uncountable noun and should be used in its singular form. "Hairs" is only appropriate when referring to individual strands.

What are some synonyms for "hair" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use "tresses", "locks", "mane", or "hairstyle".

What is the difference between "hair style" and "haircut"?

Hairstyle refers to the general arrangement of the hair, while "haircut" is the act of cutting or trimming the hair to change its style or length.