Cover of The Haircut Length Check

Imogen wanted a small haircut before picture day. She walked into the salon after school. A stylist named Yusra greeted her.

"How much do you want off?" Yusra asked. Imogen held up two fingers. "Just two inches," she said.

Yusra looked at the length again. "Two inches, or two centimeters?" she asked. Imogen paused and thought about it.

"I mean two inches," Imogen said. "Not too short." Yusra nodded and marked the spot with her comb.

"I always ask twice," Yusra said. "Some people mean centimeters." She measured the hair with a small ruler.

Imogen watched in the mirror. Small pieces of hair fell to the floor. The cut looked neat and even.

"All done," Yusra said at last. She turned the chair around slowly. Imogen touched her hair and smiled.

"This is exactly right," Imogen said. She thanked Yusra and paid at the desk. She walked home with her new haircut. Her picture day was now two days away.

🧠 Check your understanding

  1. How much does Imogen first say she wants cut?

    Show answer

    Answer: Two inches

    Imogen holds up two fingers and says she wants two inches off.

  2. Why does Yusra ask Imogen to clarify?

    Show answer

    Answer: Some people mean centimeters, not inches

    Yusra always checks twice, and some customers mean centimeters instead.

  3. How does the haircut turn out?

    Show answer

    Answer: Neat and even, just as Imogen wanted

    Imogen looks in the mirror and says it is exactly right.

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