Saying "I want" (voglio) in a shop or salon can sometimes sound too direct. To soften your requests and sound polite, Italian uses the imperfect tense—even though you are talking about what you want right now.
This is the imperfetto attenuativo (polite imperfect). It works exactly like English when we say "I wanted" or "I was hoping" instead of "I want."
Making Requests with Volevo and Cercavo
The most common polite imperfects are volevo (I wanted) and cercavo (I was looking for). Use them directly before a noun to gently state what you are after, like a trim (una spuntatina) or a specific cut (un taglio).
| I just wanted a little trim, please. | Volevo solo una spuntatina, per favore. |
| I was looking for a completely new cut. | Cercavo un taglio veramente nuovo. |
| I wanted my hair short and very layered. | Volevo i capelli corti e molto scalati. |
Expressing Intentions Gently
You can further soften your ideas using verbs of thought and hope, such as sperare (to hope) or pensare (to think). When followed by an action, use the preposition di before the infinitive.
| I was hoping to get a quick trim. | Speravo di fare una spuntatina veloce. |
| I was thinking of lightening my hair a bit. | Pensavo di schiarire un po' i capelli. |
However, if you are "thinking of" a noun rather than an action, use the preposition a after pensare.
| I was thinking of a layered cut, except in the back. | Pensavo a un taglio scalato, tranne dietro. |
If you use desiderare (to wish), attach it directly to the infinitive without a preposition.
| I was hoping to leave the side bang quite long. | Desideravo lasciare il ciuffo abbastanza lungo. |
These polite forms are perfect for discussing a beautiful new hairstyle or updo (un'acconciatura).
| I was hoping to try an elegant updo. | Speravo di provare un'acconciatura elegante. |