Se faire brosser les cheveux

Question

Almost reluctant to ask this question based on the number of comments and confusion on this topic but here goes…….

The question was to write:

“I had my hair brushed”

HINT: se faire brosser les cheveux = to have one’s hair brushed

In the comments, Cécile writes:

You will use ‘se faire faire quelque chose mostly when you are having something done by someone else.

So on that basis, as the question implies that someone else brushed my hair, I answered :

“Je me suis fait faire brosser les cheveux".

However, the correct answer is :

"Je me suis fait brosser les cheveux".

Could someone explain why I’m wrong?

Accepted Answer

Hi G,
I think I can see your confusion, it is because you have repeated 'faire' twice, it is already there in -
Je me suis fait faire brosser les cheveux
even if it is conjugated.
You would only use faire twice if you were having something done/made for you:
Je me suis fait faire un manteau =  I have had a coat made (for me)
Je me suis fait faire des sandales = I have had some sandals made (for me)
But if it is specific you won't repeat 'faire' twice -
Je me suis fait couper les cheveux = I have had my hair cut
Je me suis fait construire une maison = I have had a house built 
Hope this helps!

Answer

Okay I think I'm starting to get it.Is this sentence correct?:Je me suis fait cuire un repas spécial.I had a special meal cooked (for me).

Answer

Hi G,
Unfortunately, the example you have chosen uses * 'faire cuire' *which means to cook something.
Se faire cuire = to cook something for yourself
So although the sentence is correct the translation isn't.
* in French 'cuire' is used for the food :
Les pommes cuisent très vite = Apples cook very quickly
Je fais cuire des pommes pour faire une compote = I am cooking apples to make a compote

Answer

Yes I realised the translation was wrong after reading one of the original comments.I take back what I said about "starting to get it" :-)