~ Lesson 1 ~
I've been a hairstylist my entire adult life. I started beauty school when I was 16. I'm telling you this because at times, I tend to forget that what I know about hair and that some of the terms I use, aren't common knowledge to a lot of people. I'm sure there are many other stylist that feel the same way. The best thing you can do as a salon patron is A. Ask your stylist "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" when they start to throw words at you that you aren't quite sure of the meaning. And B. Educate yourself before you go!!! You may even impress your stylist by being able to speak her "language"!
The following is a small list of some basic hairstylist terminology, as I use it. (There is so much to cover that I will do this in a few different lessons, eventually breaking it down into smaller categories. This way, you'll really know your stuff!)
COMMUNICATION with your stylist is the #1 most important thing when it comes to getting the best service you can at the salon.
Cuticle- The outer most layer of the hair. This is the part of your hair that is most prone to damage from over-processing, styling with heat, and damage from the elements.
Over-Processing- Usually caused by damage from a chemical treatment. If the hair is over-processed it can be left feeling dry, brittle, or have a cotton candy like texture. Very over-processed hair can feel a bit slimy (like wet noodles) when it is wet.
Chemical Treatment- This is any process used on the hair that involves the use of a chemical to change the appearance or structure of the hair strand. This covers, Perms, relaxers, keratin smoothing treatments, permanent color, and highlights among others.
Layers- This is a type of haircut or cutting technique where the hair is held at a specific angle when it is cut in order to make the haircut have different lengths of hair in order to achieve a specific look. This helps to give volume and movement. (YOU CANNOT GET A SPECIFIC NUMBER OF LAYERS. There can be differing amounts of layers and lengths of layers in the hair. For example, short, medium, or long layers. If any one says "Sure I'll give you three layers!" Please RUN!)
Permanent Color- This is a type of hair color that will have to be grown out or colored over to remove. When your hair grows you will see somewhat of a line where your natural color is growing in and where you hair color ends. (This is called a Line of Demarcation. The boldness of which depends on how many levels away from your natural color you decided to go.)
Demi or Semi-Permanent Color- Will not result in a line of demarcation. They will not lift your natural (or other) hair color, and will only deposit(add) color. Usually fades out in 6-8 weeks.
Fringe- Basically just another term for Bangs.
Trim- How much hair that is taken off during a trim really must be established between the stylist and client. A trim may mean an inch to you while your stylist takes a half inch. Generally, to me, a trim just means keeping the same hairstyle, after the amount of hair that is to be cut is decided.
Dusting- This term is used when the stylist just barely takes anything off. This basically is used when one is working on growing out a style but wants to freshen it up just a bit.
Texturize- This term can be used for a number of things. It can be the way the hair is cut (using a razor or point-cutting techniques). It can be used to describe a chemical service, "These highlights will texturize your hair giving you more hold and volume". It can also be used to describe how a product might work to help add texture to your hair (Again, giving you more volume and better hold.)
Professional Hair Products- Hair products (Hairspray, Shampoo, Hair Color and so on) that can only be sold or purchased by a Licensed Cosmetologists. These are generally the best products on the market, and although they are a bit more expensive, the benefits out-way the cost substantially. Many salons do retail Professional Products. If yours does not be sure to ask your stylist how you can get what you need. (She may be able to pick some up for you from her Supply House.) Note: I cannot express enough how important hair products are if you are trying to achieve a specific look. Chances are, no matter how great your hair is cut, if you're not using the correct products you won't get the look you're going for. Always ask your stylist what she is using when she is styling you so that you can get the same look at home!
I do hope that this list has helped start some of you on the path of becoming more knowledgeable of salon vocabulary, in turn helping you to develop better communication and a more meaningful relationship with your Hairstylist.
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