"on my hair" vs "in my hair"

Question

"on my hair" vs "in my hair"

Both 'in my hair' and 'on my hair' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In my hair' is used when something is physically inside the hair, like a hair accessory or product. 'On my hair' is used when something is physically on the surface of the hair, like dirt or a hat.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

Use 'on my hair' when referring to something that is physically on the surface of the hair, such as a hat, dirt, or a hair clip.

Examples:

There's a leaf on my hair from walking through the park.
She always wears a scarf on her hair in the winter.
I accidentally spilled some paint on my hair.
He placed a tiara on her hair for the pageant.
There's a strand of hair on my hairbrush.

Alternatives:

on my head
on my scalp
on my hairline
on my hair strands
on my hair roots

Use 'in my hair' when referring to something that is physically inside the hair, such as a hairpin, a hair tie, or hair dye.

Examples:

I found a strand of glitter in my hair after the party.
She put a flower in her hair for the wedding.
There's a knot in my hair that I need to untangle.
I can feel the conditioner working in my hair.
He found a bug in his hair while hiking.

Alternatives:

in my hairdo
in my hairpiece
in my hair extensions
in my hair follicles
in my hairbrush

Answer 1

on my hair

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

in my hair

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"on my hair" vs "in my hair"

on my hair

in my hair

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