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Meaning of "to do one's hair"



 
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Meaning of "to do one's hair" Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:40 am  Meaning of "to do one's hair"
 

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #92 "Using Make and Do (2)", question 5

I'm not quite ready yet — I have to ......... my hair.

(a) make
(b) do
(c) made
(d) did

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #92 "Using Make and Do (2)", answer 5

I'm not quite ready yet — I have to do my hair.

Correct answer: (b) do

Your answer was: incorrect
I'm not quite ready yet — I have to make my hair.
_________________________

What does it mean to do one's hair? Does it mean to make a new hairstyle or to get it in a tidy condition (if it is untidy or shaggy...)

Did I make any grammatical errors in the above sentences?

Thanks !

Ljiljan Maksimović
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Do your hair Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:55 am  Do your hair
 

Hi Ljiljan Maksimovich,

Do your hair can mean the whole range that you have suggested. It can simply mean comb or make tidy and it can also mean wash it, style it and so on.

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"to do one's hair" Tue Aug 29, 2006 13:42 pm  "to do one's hair"
 

"Do my hair": It usually just means comb or tidy my hair. If you go to a hairdresser you would say you were "getting" or "having your hair done".
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"to do one's hair" Tue Aug 29, 2006 14:20 pm  "to do one's hair"
 

dOlier wrote:
"Do my hair": It usually just means comb or tidy my hair. If you go to a hairdresser you would say you were "getting" or "having your hair done".

Hi Boys Wink

If you'll pardon my saying so, only a man would think of a little combing or tidying as "do my hair". Laughing

When I do my hair (I'm of the feminine persuasion), there's definitely more involved than a little combing or tidying. Smile

So, it seems the meaning of this expression may be somewhat gender specific. Very Happy

Or is there also an element or BE vs AmE here?

Amy
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Do Tue Aug 29, 2006 14:25 pm  Do
 

Like I said:

Quote:
Do your hair can mean the whole range that you have suggested. It can simply mean comb or make tidy and it can also mean wash it, style it and so on.

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Indian head massage :-) Tue Aug 29, 2006 14:34 pm  Indian head massage :-)
 

Hi all Smile

Yes, when I make an appointment (in the UK - hi, Amy Smile ) in a hairdressing saloon to have my hair done it can mean many various things – from 'just a cut and blow-dry' to having multicolored highlights Smile

But I am not still sure would it be appropriate term if you just have some hair care – with no any immediate visual effect Smile
Or what?
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Meaning of "to do one's hair" Tue Aug 29, 2006 14:45 pm  Meaning of "to do one's hair"
 

Hi Alan

Yes, I noticed that and that was very admirable of you. Very Happy

Maybe I should put it this way:

In my opinion, a female would have come up with the interpretation/definition "comb or make tidy" mainly as an afterthought (if at all Laughing) whereas "comb or make tidy" might be a primary interpretation for a man. Wink

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Do Tue Aug 29, 2006 15:03 pm  Do
 

Hi,

All I can say is Gosh - not wishing to split hairs. I could be even bolder and say: The original question has certainly set the hare running.

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Meaning of "to do one's hair" Tue Aug 29, 2006 15:39 pm  Meaning of "to do one's hair"
 

Hi Tamara

Yes, "visual effect" or some careful styling...

The interpretation of this expression may explain why many men don't understand why women often require so much time in the bathroom. Laughing

Wife to husband: "I'll be finished shortly, hon. I just have to do my hair."
(The woman means 15-30 minutes)
(The man understands 15-30 seconds.)
Laughing

Amy
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