Hair Speak 101: Cracking the Code on Salon Slang

Have you ever found yourself nodding along to your stylist's instructions, only to realize you have no clue what they're actually saying? Fear not, babes, because today, we're decoding the mysterious world of hair terminology! Get ready to impress your hairstylist (and maybe even yourself) with your newfound hair knowledge.

1. Layers: Let's start with a classic – layers! You've probably heard this term tossed around at the salon, but what does it actually mean? Layers refer to different lengths of hair within a single hairstyle, creating dimension and movement. Whether you're going for subtle layers or a bold, choppy look, layers add that extra oomph to your hair game.

2. Balayage: Ah, the ever-popular balayage – but what exactly is it? Balayage is a French technique where color is hand-painted onto sections of hair for a natural, sun-kissed effect. Unlike traditional highlights, balayage blends seamlessly with your natural hair color, resulting in a low-maintenance, lived-in look that's perfect for those who want to rock the effortlessly chic vibe.

3. Texture: Texture isn't just something you feel – it's also something you see! In hair terms, texture refers to the overall look and feel of your hair, whether it's sleek and smooth or tousled and textured. Your stylist might use texturizing techniques like razor cutting or point cutting to add movement and definition to your locks, giving you that coveted 'just rolled out of bed looking fabulous' vibe.

4. Toning: No, we're not talking about hitting the gym – we're talking about toning your hair! After lightening your locks, your stylist might apply a toner to neutralize any unwanted undertones and achieve your desired shade. Whether you're going for icy blonde or warm caramel, toning ensures your hair color looks its best and brightest.

5. Glossing: Who doesn't love a little extra shine? Glossing is a technique where a semi-permanent color or clear gloss is applied to the hair to enhance shine and add vibrancy. It's like giving your hair a spa day – except instead of cucumbers on your eyes, you get glossy, radiant locks that are sure to turn heads.

6. Blowout: A blowout isn't just a fancy way of saying drying your hair – it's a salon service where your hair is washed, dried, and styled using a blow dryer and round brush. The result? Smooth, bouncy hair that looks like it just stepped off the runway. It's the perfect way to treat yourself to a little pampering and leave the salon feeling fabulous.

5. Lowlights: Lowlights are the darker counterpart to highlights. Instead of lightening the hair, lowlights involve adding darker shades to create depth and dimension. It's like adding shadows to a painting, giving your hair a multi-dimensional look that's both natural and eye-catching.

6. Highlights: Highlights are lighter strands of hair that are strategically placed throughout your hair to add dimension and brightness. They can be achieved through various techniques like foiling or balayage, and they can range from subtle sun-kissed streaks to bold, chunky sections. Highlights are perfect for adding depth and movement to your hair, giving it that natural, sunkissed look.

7. Color Correction: Color correction is a process used to fix hair color that has gone awry. Whether it's a botched DIY dye job or an unfortunate salon mishap, color correction involves carefully adjusting the color to achieve the desired result. This can include removing unwanted tones, balancing uneven color, or completely changing the hue. Color correction can be a complex process, so it's best left to the professionals to ensure a successful outcome.

8. Porosity vs Density: Porosity and density are two different characteristics that affect the overall appearance and health of your hair. Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture, while density refers to the thickness of your hair strands and how closely they are packed together.

·        Porosity: Low porosity hair has a hard time absorbing moisture and can often feel dry and resistant to styling products. High porosity hair, on the other hand, absorbs moisture quickly but struggles to retain it, leading to frizz and damage.

·        Density: Hair density is categorized as thin, medium, or thick. Thin hair has fewer strands per square inch, while thick hair has more. Understanding your hair's porosity and density can help you choose the right products and treatments to keep it looking its best.

9. Single Process: 

A single process refers to a hair coloring technique where only one color is applied to the entire head of hair. This can include anything from covering gray hairs to changing your hair color completely. It's a straightforward and efficient way to achieve a uniform color and is often used for basic color touch-ups or all-over color changes.

10. Face Frame: Face framing is a hair cutting and styling technique that involves creating layers or sections of hair around the face to accentuate facial features. These face-framing layers can soften harsh angles, highlight cheekbones, or draw attention to the eyes. Face framing is a versatile technique that can be customized to suit individual preferences and face shapes, adding depth and dimension to your hairstyle while enhancing your natural beauty.

So there you have it, babes – a crash course in hair terminology that'll have you speaking fluent stylist in no time! Whether you're chatting about layers, balayage, or toning, you'll be armed with the knowledge to communicate your hair goals like a pro!

For all of your hair needs in Saskatoon, BLNDE Beauty Bar and Revamp Salon have got ya covered! Give us a call today to book in with one of our talented stylists to help make your hair dreams a reality.