What does hairdo mean?
Hairdo is an informal word for a hairstyle or the particular arrangement of someone's hair. It often suggests a style that is new, noticeable, elaborate, or otherwise worth mentioning, although the term does not imply any special quality beyond the arrangement itself. In everyday use, people might praise someone's “new hairdo,” say that a salon has given them a “dramatic hairdo,” or use the word more neutrally for a cut and styling. The expression is conversational and can sound playful, old-fashioned, or characteristically North American depending on the speaker and context. “Hairdo” can also be used as a verb, meaning to arrange or style the hair, though this use is much less common than the noun. Compared with the more neutral “hairstyle,” “hairdo” often puts emphasis on the result as something creatively or deliberately “done.” Its compact compound formation makes it memorable and gives it a conversational flavor well suited to informal writing and speech.
A particular way of arranging or cutting a person's hair, especially a new, conspicuous, or elaborate style.
"She gave herself a completely new hairdo for the celebration."
Informal; often especially associated with North American English.
To arrange or style the hair.
"The stylist hairdood the client's hair before the event."
This verbal use is uncommon and chiefly informal.
The standard plural adds -s to the complete word.
"She tried several new hairdos before choosing one."
A hairdo is a hairstyle treated as something you actively “do” to your hair.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hairdo come from?
Hairdo was formed in English in the early 20th century from hair and do, using do in the sense of arranging or styling, as in do one's hair. It is attested by the 1930s and reflects the informal practice of naming a hairstyle as an act of doing one's hair. The older French loanword coiffure shares the word's meaning but was not a component of the compound.
Related word forms
How hairdo is actually used
The word is informal and can sound playful, dated, or mildly comic in some contexts, particularly in North American English. It is also used as an uncommon informal verb meaning to arrange or style the hair.
Easily confused with hairdo
A hairstyle is the general term for an arrangement of hair, while a hairdo is a more informal and often more conspicuous one.
A hairdresser is the person who cuts or styles hair, whereas a hairdo is the resulting style.