Hairstyle Dictionary: Basic Hairdresser Lingo Broken Down
Welcome to the world of hairdressing, where the language can be as layered as a well-cut bob! Whether you’re in the salon chair or browsing the latest hair trends online, understanding hairdressing terms and lingo is key to achieving your dream look.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re breaking down the essential terms of the haircut trade, so you can talk the talk and walk out with a fabulous 'do. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some Paul Mitchell must-haves to keep your locks looking salon-fresh every day.
A Cut Above the Rest: Haircut Terms Explained
Layered Cut: This haircut term involves cutting hair at different lengths throughout your head. It’s perfect for adding volume and movement, especially for those with thicker hair. Style your layers with ease using Sculpting Foam, which enhances texture while controlling frizz.
Sculpting Foam
$9.50 - $29.50
Fringe (bangs): Hair cut short over the forehead, often accompanying various haircuts. They can be blunt, side-swept, or layered. To style and maintain your fringe, try Clean Beauty Styling Cream for light control and a touchable finish.
Clean Beauty Styling Cream
$25.00
Texturizing: This hairdressing term is a technique involving thinning out hair to reduce bulk and maintain your hair's length. It’s ideal for thick and unruly hair, adding a lightweight feel and movement. Use Texturizing Sea Spray to enhance the definition in your style.
Texturizing Sea Spray
$27.50
Blunt Cut: A single-length style, where hair is cut straight across at the ends. This chic cut is a great choice for fine hair, giving an illusion of thickness and fullness throughout.
Behind the Chair: Coloring and Styling Terms
Ombré: A popular haircut term that involves hair color fading from dark at the roots to lighter at the ends, or vice versa. It's a stylish and low-maintenance coloring technique that can be dramatic or subtle. Maintaining the vividness of ombre hair is crucial, and Paul Mitchell’s Clean Beauty Color Protect Shampoo and Conditioner can help preserve the color and prevent it from becoming dull.
Balayage: This haircut term is a French coloring technique where color is applied by hand rather than using traditional foiling or cap highlighting. It creates a more natural, sun-kissed highlight effect. To keep your balayage looking vibrant, use the Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Color Protect Leave-In Treatment which will nourish hair, boost shine, and help keep your hair color looking fresh longer.
Clean Beauty Color Protect Leave-In Treatment
$29.50
Toner: Often used after bleaching, toner adjusts the hair's color subtly to achieve the desired shade, be it cooler, warmer, or just a different hue. Toners can neutralize unwanted brassy or yellow tones. To maintain cool blonde shades, use Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Blonde Shampoo.
Paul Mitchell Clean Beauty Blonde Shampoo
$9.00 - $59.00
Hair Health Lingo 101
Split Ends: The bane of many hair days, you may hear the hairdressing term “split ends” when the ends of your hair become dry, brittle, and frayed. They are often caused by heat styling, harsh chemicals, and general wear and tear.
Volume: This haircut term refers to the body and lift of your hair. Struggling with fine hair and flatness? Boost your strands with a product from our volume and texture range before styling—applying at the roots for a noticeable lift.
Frizz: Errant hair that stands up or curls independently, often due to humidity or dryness. Keep frizzy hair smooth with the Super Skinny Serum, which seals and smoothes hair strands.
Super Skinny Serum
$10.50 - $39.00
Dry Scalp: Characterized by a lack of moisture in the scalp, leading to itching and flaking. Nourish and hydrate with Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment for soothing relief.
Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment
$24.00 - $43.00
Additional Treatments and Techniques: Understanding the Extras
Keratin Treatment: This haircut term is a salon treatment that infuses keratin into your hair, smoothing frizz and adding shine. It's ideal for those with unruly or frizzy hair. After this treatment, maintain your smooth look with our Awapuhi KeraTriplex Cream Rinse.
Awapuhi KeraTriplex Cream Rinse
$12.50 - $67.00
Deep Conditioning: An intensive treatment that penetrates deeper into the hair shaft, providing moisture, repairing damage, and improving texture and shine. Ideal for dry, damaged, or color-treated hair. Try our HydraTriplex Treatment for a hydrating boost.
HydraTriplex Treatment
$40.00
Brazilian Blowout: This is the hair lingo for a popular smoothing treatment that eliminates frizz and promotes glossy, straight hair. This treatment is excellent for those looking to make their hair more manageable and reduce styling time.
Co-Wash: This haircut term is short for 'conditioner washing.' Co-washing is a gentler way to cleanse hair by using conditioner instead of shampoo. It’s especially beneficial for curly, coarse, or dry hair as it hydrates while cleaning. Try our Lavender Mint Moisturizing Cowash to cleanse, hydrate, and detangle in one step.
The Tools of the Trade
Diffuser: This haircut term is an attachment for your blow dryer and a curly and wavy hair game-changer. It disperses air evenly to maintain your curls’ shape while minimizing frizz. For an extra boost of definition, prep hair with our Lavender Mint Curl Refresh Foam.
Lavender Mint Curl Refresh Foam
$24.00
Flat Iron: A go-to tool for achieving that ultra-sleek, straight hair look. But remember, heat protection is crucial! Our Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray shields your hair from the intense heat, preventing damage and ensuring a smooth finish.
Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray
$24.00
Round Brush: This versatile brush is key for achieving volume and smoothness in blowouts. The round brush works wonders in creating that salon-quality volume and bounce, especially for styling layers or bangs.
Shears: This haircut term is the fundamental tool of every hairstylist. Shears are scissors used for precisely cutting and trimming hair to achieve various lengths and styles. For those who deal with split ends or enjoy regular trims, the Paul Mitchell Bond Rx Leave-In Treatment helps strengthen hair, keeping it healthy between cuts.
Your Glossary for Gorgeous Hair
Now that you’re fluent in hairdressing and haircut terms, you can confidently step into any salon and articulate exactly what you want, understanding every step of your hair journey.
Remember, the right haircut and style can be transformative, but the right products will keep your hair looking its best long after you've left the salon. With Paul Mitchell’s range of products and tools, you’re well-equipped to maintain your mane in tip-top shape. Happy styling!