Formal to Senior
Care · Daily · Support
お髪のお手入れをお手伝いしてもよろしいでしょうか？ — Would it be alright if I helped you with your hair? (Care · Daily · Support, Formal to Senior, JLPT N3)
You
お髪のお手入れをお手伝いしてもよろしいでしょうか？
おかみのおてれをおてつだいしてもよろしいでしょうか？
Would it be alright if I helped you with your hair?
Romaji: O-gushi no o-teire wo o-tetsudai shite mo yoroshii deshou ka? / Reply Romaji: Ee, onegaishimasu.
Reply
ええ、お願いします。
ええ、おねがいします。
Yes, please.
Gesture & etiquette
Stand or sit behind them at their level before beginning. Show them the comb or brush before touching their hair. Ask about their preferred style: 「いつもどんな風にされていますか？」(How do you usually have it styled?). Respecting their hair style preferences affirms their identity.
Hair grooming is a deeply personal activity tied to identity and self-image — especially for women. Always ask before touching someone's hair or head. 「お髪のお手入れ」(hair care/grooming) is more respectful than 「髪のセット」(setting your hair), which sounds clinical.