Ever felt a tad lost in translation at the salon, navigating through a whirlwind of hair terms that sound more like a secret code? Trust me, you’re not alone! Hair lingo can sometimes feel like diving into a dictionary with no map. But fear not—I’m here to be your hair language guide!
This blog post is your backstage pass to understanding those funky terms like ‘balayage,’ ‘ombre,’ ‘graduation,’ and more.
I’ve had countless chats with many of you, and one thing stood out—hair terms can sometimes feel as mystifying as a new language. That’s precisely why I wanted to whip up this handy guide, simplifying those complex terms you hear buzzing around the salon chairs. Picture this as your go-to crash course, giving you the insider scoop on what ‘blunt’ really means for your ends or decoding the difference between a ‘bob’ and a ‘lob.’ From demystifying haircut techniques to unraveling the chemistry behind hair coloring, we’ll venture through this terminology jungle together. Let’s turn confusion into confidence, one hair term at a time!
So buckle up and get ready to level up your hair vocab!
Haircut Terms:
- One Length: A haircut without layers or graduation, maintaining maximum hair density, suitable for any hair length, including fringe.
- Graduation: Haircut with a 45-degree angle, shifting weight for styles above the shoulder, like the Gradated Bob or wedge cut.
- Layers: Cutting hair at over 45-degree angles, removing weight for movement, great for medium to long hair.
- Fringe: Bangs or shorter hair near the forehead, styled bluntly or with texture.
- Blunt: Cutting hair in a straight line, maximizing density at the ends, also used for fringe/bangs.
- Piece-y: Ends cut at an angle to create varied lengths or textured separation, known as point cutting or slide cutting.
- Swoop: A dramatic fringe/bangs or front hair created by cutting at an angle or slide cutting to achieve an angled look.
- Square: A haircut with even lengths all around, including layered cuts, often used for the “shag.”
- Round: Haircut slightly shorter in the front, creating layers that cascade longer towards the back, suitable for curly hair.
- Triangular: Shapes pushing hair weight forward, often seen in A-line bobs or pixie cuts with longer face-framing pieces.
- Bob: Haircut ranging from earlobe to shoulder length.
- Lob: A longer version of a bob, reaching the collarbone or top of the shoulder blade.
- 3 Layers: A humorous term; layers don’t have a specific number, as each strand falls at a slightly different length.
Hair Chemistry Terms:
- Hair Color: Chemical services altering hair color, often permanent, covering gray or changing shades.
- Semi-Permanent: Temporary color without ammonia, coating the hair’s outer layer.
- Demi-Permanent: Partially penetrates the hair cuticle, suitable for tone adjustments or slight lightening.
- Lightener (Bleach): Rapidly lightens hair by opening the cuticle to remove color, often followed by toning.
- Toner: Semi/demi-permanent color used after lightening to neutralize unwanted tones.
- Developer: Part of hair color activating lightening or color; comes in different strengths.
- Color Remover: Opens the cuticle and shrinks color molecules to remove color.
- Foils: Used in highlighting services to separate color shades.
- Plastic Wrap: Used to separate colors during larger section treatments like balayage or ombre.
- Shower Cap: Retains scalp heat during treatments for better absorption.
Hair Coloring Techniques:
- Highlights: Brightening strands for a pop of color and dimension.
- Partial Highlight: Brightening specific areas, usually around the face or crown.
- Full Highlight: Lightening the entire head for an all-over brightened look.
- Ombre: A gradual transition from darker roots to lighter ends.
- Balayage: Hand-painted highlights for a natural, sun-kissed effect.
- Blonding: Techniques to achieve stunning blonde shades.
- Bleach and Tone: Lightening hair with bleach and adjusting the shade with toner.
- Cool: Ashy or cooler color tones.
- Warm: Colors with golden, red, or coppery tones.
- Brassy/Yellow: Unwanted warm tones like orange or yellow in blonde hair.
Haircutting and Styling Terms:
- Roots: Hair nearest to the scalp, often showing natural color.
- Mid Shaft: The middle part of your hair, between roots and ends.
- Ends: The bottom part of your hair.
- Appointment Time: Your scheduled salon visit.
- Processing Time: Duration needed for treatments or color to work.
- Color Touch-up: Refreshing color at the roots.
- Shampoo Blow Dry: Shampooing and blow-drying service.
- Updo: Formal hairstyles for special occasions.
- Event Styling/Wedding Hair Styling: Special hairstyles for events or weddings.
- Hair Cut/Trim: Altering hair length or shape.
- Classic Short Cut: Timeless short haircut styles.
- Scissor Over Comb: Precision cutting technique using scissors and a comb.
- Pixie: Short hairstyle with cropped sides and longer top.
- Cow Lick: A section of hair growing differently.
- Texture: Natural pattern or feel of your hair.
- Thinned/Thinning: Reducing hair density for a lighter feel.
- Thick/Coarse/Medium/Normal/Fine/Short/Medium Length/Long/Straight/Wavy/Curly/Kinky Hair: Different hair types and lengths.
Hair Condition and Health:
- Virgin Hair: Hair untouched by chemical treatments.
- Healthy Hair: Good condition, free from damage or breakage.
- Dry Hair: Lacks moisture, often appearing dull or frizzy.
- Porous: Hair absorbing moisture easily due to damage or its natural state.
- Split Ends: Damaged ends splitting.
- Previously Colored Hair: Hair that’s been colored before.
- Relaxed Hair: Chemically straightened hair.
- Permed Hair: Chemically treated for curls or waves.
- Smoothed Hair: Treated for reduced frizz or added shine.
- Aging Hair: Hair changes due to aging, like graying or thinning.
- Breakage: Hair strands snapping due to damage.
- Compromised Hair: Weakened hair due to excessive styling or chemicals.
- At Home Treatment Plan: Personalized home hair care routine.
- Alopecia: Hair loss or baldness.
Hair Product Guide:
- Shampoo/Pre Cleanser/Conditioner/Mask/Deep Conditioning Treatment: Cleanse and nourish hair.
- Toning Shampoo/Conditioner/Foam: Neutralize unwanted tones in colored hair.
- Scalp Treatment: Improve scalp health.
- Leave-in Conditioner/Heat Protectant/Blow Dry Lotion/Hair Serum/Oil/Anti-Humectant: Protect, style, and nourish hair.
- Volumizing Product/Texturizing Paste/Hair Wax/Curl Cream/Curl Defining Lotion/Mousse/Dry Shampoo/Salt Spray/Setting Spray/Working Hair Spray/Finishing Spray: Style for volume, texture, curls, hold, or finishing touches.
Alright, we’ve wrapped up our crash course in hair terms, and you’re now armed with a glossary that’s sure to make your next salon visit a breeze! Remember, mastering these hair terms isn’t just about sounding like a pro (though you’ll undoubtedly rock that too!), but it’s about empowering you to make the most out of your salon experience.
Now, armed with this newfound knowledge, booking your next online appointment won’t feel like decoding a cryptic message—use these terms as your secret weapon! Whether you’re eyeing that perfect ‘balayage’ or aiming for a chic ‘lob,’ knowing the right lingo will ensure your stylist knows exactly what you’re envisioning. So, go ahead, take charge of your hair game, and let’s elevate those online booking sessions with confidence and clarity.
