Hair Terminology Every Client Should Know
Welcome back, we love having you here!
As hairstylists, our goal is to make your salon experience as enjoyable and smooth as possible. We know that sometimes the terms we use can sound like a different language, and that can leave clients feeling a bit unsure.
Understanding a few essential hair terms can help you express what you want confidently and make sure we’re both on the same page.
Here’s a handy guide to some commonly used hair terminology every client should know!
1. Balayage
What it Means: A French word meaning "to sweep," balayage is a hand-painting technique that creates a natural, sun-kissed look. It’s perfect if you want subtle highlights that blend seamlessly with your base color.
Why You’ll Love It: Since it’s hand-painted, balayage grows out naturally, so it’s a low-maintenance way to add brightness to your hair.
2. Highlights vs. Lowlights
Highlights are lighter pieces added to your hair, while lowlights are darker shades. Both can add dimension and depth to your color.
When to Use Them: If you’re looking for more brightness, highlights are the way to go. Lowlights are ideal for adding depth or for balancing overly light hair.
3. Root Smudge (or Root Shadow)
What it Means: This technique blends the roots with the rest of the hair color, creating a soft, lived-in look that helps avoid harsh regrowth lines.
Best For: If you want your color to last longer between appointments, a root smudge or shadow can make your look more low-maintenance.
4. Toner
What it Means: A toner is a semi-permanent color that helps adjust or enhance the tone of your hair. It’s often used after bleaching to counteract brassy or yellow tones and to create the exact shade you want.
Why You’ll Love It: Toners allow us to achieve those cool, ashy, or warm, golden tones that really make your color pop.
5. Layers
What it Means: Layers are sections of hair cut at different lengths. Adding layers can create movement, volume, and texture, making your hair look more dynamic.
Perfect For: Anyone looking to add body or reduce heaviness in thick hair. Layers can also soften your face shape.
6. Base Color
What it Means: This is your starting or primary color, often your natural shade or the color applied to your roots to cover gray or give a uniform tone.
Why It’s Important: Understanding your base color helps us build on it with highlights, balayage, or other techniques for a cohesive look.
We get it—salon talk can sometimes feel like a whole new language, and that can leave you feeling a little unsure. But by getting familiar with a few essential hair terms, you’ll feel more confident expressing exactly what you’re envisioning. Plus, it ensures we’re on the same page to bring your hair dreams to life!
7. Gloss (or Glaze)
What it Means: A gloss or glaze is a semi-permanent treatment that adds shine, enhances tone, and can add a bit of color without changing the hair’s underlying pigment.
Great For: Anyone who wants added shine, smoother texture, or a slight color enhancement. It’s an easy way to make your color look fresh between appointments!
8. Single Process vs. Double Process
Single Process: This involves applying one color all over. It’s usually a quick and straightforward way to cover grays or change your color.
Double Process: This is a two-step process, often involving lightening the hair first, then adding another color on top. It’s commonly used for vibrant colors or platinum blondes.
Bonus Tips for Communicating with Your Stylist!
Knowing these terms can make a big difference, but communication is key! Here are a few tips to make sure we understand each other:
Bring Photos: Visuals help us understand your vision and work out any details.
Be Honest: Let us know about any at-home treatments or previous color services. This helps us create the best plan for your hair.
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask for clarity on terms, techniques, or what to expect. We’re here to guide you!
Hopefully, this quick guide helps you feel more comfortable with hair terminology. Next time you’re in the chair, you’ll be able to describe exactly what you’re envisioning, and together we can create the hair of your dreams.
