THE KEY TO RECEIVING THE BEST SALON EXPERIENCE IS BEING ABLE TO CLEARLY EXPLAIN YOUR DESIRED LOOK. SO NO MORE NODDING IN AGREEMENT IN HOPES YOU AND YOUR STYLIST ARE ON THE SAME PAGE! WE HAVE WORKED OUR WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET TO GATHER SOME POPULAR HAIRDRESSING TERMS, WORDS AND PHRASES TO HELP YOU LEARN THE LINGO FOR WHEN YOU’RE NEXT IN THE SALON CHAIR!
ASHY TONES – Ashy refers to a cool hair colour. Cool tones include purples and blues and often have a pastel-like quality. It can be applied to tone down hair that is too brassy/warm.
BABY LIGHTS – Similar to highlights, baby lights is a lightening process in which fine pieces of hair are lightened for a subtle and natural lift to the hair.
BASE COLOUR – The colour applied at the root area or all-over the hair before a creative colour technique is done.
BALAYAGE – A technique for highlighting hair in which the dye is painted on in such a way as to create a graduated, natural-looking colour.
Hair by Gemma, Colour Specialist at Westrow Street Lane
BLENDING – A technique used in lots of looks such as Balayage and Ombré. The hairdresser will use this to create a subtle change in colour throughout the hair.
BLUNT – The perfect look for people with fine hair to create the illusion of density and volume. Every strand of hair will fall to the same length.
CHOPPY – When you want more texture in your hair, choppy is your answer. Choppy is usually used on styles that are shoulder length or shorter, and also on fringes.
COLOUR CORRECTION – A process of removing or blending unwanted colour results from a previous appointment. The service may have to be repeated over a few appointment to achieve the desired look. This technique should never be tried at home!
DIMENSION – Adding different tones and shades to your hair to prevent the hair from looking full or flat.
EFASSOR – A product for hairdressers to remove unwanted tones and lifts out excess colour up to a shade lighter.
FEATHERING – A cutting method to remove volume from thick hair, allowing the ends to be light and flick either in or out, rather than one blunt shape all round.
FLAT – When the hair doesn’t have any volume and naturally falls straight all over. One of the main sufferers of flat hair are people who do not colour their hair. Also using box hair dyes and having just one tone throughout your hair can make it look limp and dull. A good colourist will be able to discuss ways to add more oomft to your tresses.
FRAMING YOUR FACE – A cutting technique that includes blending different hair lengths around your face. This can start at your jawline and meet the longest length of your hair for a subtle look. This method is great to use when you have a fringe.
GRADUATION – A type of layering mostly used on bob length hair. The hair is cut shorter at the back and progressively gets longer towards the front.
Hair by Danni-Girl, Senior Stylist at Westrow Leeds
HIGHLIGHTS/LOWLIGHTS– After a bit of extra light in your hair or want to restore dull, one tone hair? highlighting and lowlighting can help add depth, texture and compliment your look. The technique result can differ from bold, chunky sections or subtle, natural finish.
LAYERING – Layers are popular cutting technique but their actual purpose are to reduce weight in thick hair, or add movement and body to fine hair.
MATTE – A salon finish without the shine. Lots of products can achieve this look such as the L’Oreal Homme Wax for Men and L’Oreal Tecni.Art Structurising Fibre Gel
OMBRÉ – Another popular trend, Ombré means shade in French. It is a gradual change in colour which can be subtle or bold. Starting at the root to the ends.
PARTIAL HIGHLIGHTS – Most of you will have come across highlights at some point but partial highlights are a little different. Partial Highlights is a process in which lightener is applied to specific pieces of hair. This could be around the hairline, on the top of layers or hidden underneath layers for a peekaboo effect.
RAZORING – I may sound like a daunting phrase however it is just a thinning method used by hairdressers to create texture and softness.
STROBING – Similar to highlighting and contouring make up techniques, strobing adds shimmer to the parts of the hair where the light naturally hits, allowing the client to focus their attention on their best assets whilst minimising the less attractive features. This clever placement and contrast in colours has been used on many celebrities such as Perrie Edwards (Little Mix Member), Gigi Hadid (Model) and many more.
TOUSLED – A look with an undone wave. You can achieve this look by simply plaiting damp hair and waiting until its dry and then running your finger through it.
“TINT DOESN’T LIFT TINT” – A phrase lots of hairdressers will use to try explain to their clients that have wanted to go lighter over summer but don’t want to use bleach. If you have previously coloured your hair it is pretty much impossible without bleach! A good colourist will know your limit and provide you with a hair care programme to keep your hue in tip top condition.
WARM TONES – On the other side of spectrum to Ash tones, Blondes know the struggles of brass. Purple/Blue colour counteract Yellow/Orange tones. Combat slight warm tones by using a purple shampoo such as L’Oreal Serie Expert Silver Shampoo. If the brassiness is severe request cool colours and a purple toner when you’re next in the salon chair.
WET LOOK – A versatile hairstyle that can be striking or subtle. Products from the L’Oreal Tecni.Art Wet Domination collection can help achieve this look.
Image from the L’Oreal Professional SS15 Collection by Steve Rowbottom
