Hair Terminology

Whether you are my client, or just stumbled across my blog, I want this to be a resource for you and all your hair care needs. I will post an entry or video once every two weeks with information relating to hair tips, tricks, how-tos, etc. If you have a question or want me to cover something specific, please let me know. I am open to suggestions and am here to help you. I am not a hairstylist who likes to keep information to myself, but instead educate others to help make your hair life as enjoyable and easy as possible.

In order to make sure we are all on the same page, I figured I would make my first post about hair terminology. These terms are used on a daily basis in the hair industry and will help you both understand this blog and communicate clearly with your stylist at your future appointments.

Keratin: A type of protein that your hair is made of.

Haircut: When your stylist cuts your hair. Whether it is a 1/4 inch or 12 inches, it is the same process and requires the same steps. How much you want cut off can be determined in your consultation.

A-line: A type of haircut where the hair is shorter in the back and longer in the front.

Stacked: A type of haircut where the hair builds up weight. It has a "stacked look."

Texture: Hair texture is categorized as "fine," "medium," or "coarse." You can determine this by looking at and feeling a single strand. 

Hair color: Chemicals that change the color of your hair.

Tone: Determined by how light reacts with the color. There are three types of tones; neutral, warm and cool.

Neutral tone: Neutral has neither cool nor warm tone.

Warm tone: Color that has a gold, copper, or red "tinge" to it. Light is reflected or "bounces off" in warm tones.

Cool tone: Color that has a blue, green, or violet "tinge" to it. A cool tone is often referred to as "ash." Light is absorbed in cool tones.

Level: Another term for shade. The deeper the level, the lower the number. (i.e. black hair is a level 1)

Color correction: Any process where you make a big change in color. (i.e. black to light brown; blonde to dark brown)

Highlights: Strands of hair that is lighter than your base color.

Lowlights: Strands of hair that is darker than your base color.

Full highlight: Highlights from the nape up. If you put your hair in a ponytail, you would see highlights underneath.

Partial highlight: From the crown up, and the sides. More natural looking, since the sun doesn't naturally lighten your hair underneath.

Ombre: All of the bottom half of your hair is lightened.

Balayage: Pieces of your hair is lightened. Think of balayage as a natural looking "off the root" highlight.