There is no doubt that we can all identify with this need after so many weeks of confinement! Our hair has become unmanageable with blonde highlights turning dark and tints turning grey. Once Phase 1 came into operation, the hairdresser became the priority of the day!
We all agree that getting your hair done is a very pleasant experience as you let someone else take responsibility. Your only job is to sit back, relax and enjoy the moment!
But what is the difference between having your hair cut and getting your hair cut? Absolutely none! In Grammar, we call this the Causative: have/get and it is used to talk about something we have arranged for someone to do for us. It is quite simple to use. The only rule being that both verbs are followed by an object and then the past participle i.e.
I need to have my hair(object) cut (past participle).
I need to get this stain(object) removed (past participle) at the dry cleaners.
The difficulty can be with irregular verb forms such as bring-brought, leave-left, find-found etc., so it is important to have your irregular verb list to hand.
The Causative have/get is typically used when talking about any services we want done. Services include carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, beauticians, photographers, doctors, dentists, architects, lawyers etc.,
One point worth noting is that we usually omit the agent in the sentence as it is self-evident. For example: I need to get my car repaired. There is no need to say by a mechanic as it is obvious who will perform the service.