STYLE GUY "A Hair Glossary"

 The world of beauty is littered with buzz words, catchphrases, and jargon.  We're all being constantly bombarded with words that inform us to lift, firm, brighten, or soften our skin, nails, and hair.  One product promises to reduce puffiness, while another guarantees a plumper pout, or will give my eyes more POP!--Whatever that its--I hadn't even known they had lost it.  I even saw a commercial the other day for a pill whose main ingredient was PMT or "Positive Mood Technology"! I haven't checked on it, but I don't think that PMT is regarded as an actual substance by the FDA.  I think it's just some made up bullxxxx that suggests that ad firms think we'll believe anything as long as it has an acronym.  Although I did find some PMT in a martini glass the other day, so you never know.  My point is that we hear these words so often that they've either lost their meaning, or we were never sure what they meant in the first place.  So in the interest of clearing up the confusion, I've compiled a list of words and their meanings that often get bandied about in the salon, that might just help your communication and understanding on your next visit to the salon. 

One Length- when all of the hair is cut to the same length, no layers and no bangs.  It could be as short as the nape of the neck or to your knees; curly or straight.  it can be plain and severe, or look strong and elegant.

Layers-  Although most people think of Farrah or Jennifer, layers can be anything that isn't one length.  Sometimes short and choppy, or spiky or wispy, or long and flowing.  Layers make or break most all haircuts.

Bob-  The bob was invented in the 1920's and created a sensation.  It got its name from the fact that the hair was "bobbed" or cut off short and one length around the head, usually just under the ear lobes.  It's now used to suggest any one-length or nearly one-length cut anywhere from ear lobe to shoulder length. 

Bangs- Technically they're any hair that is cut to fall over or onto the forehead.  However it also can refer to all the hair that grows above and around the forehead regardless of the length it is cut.  Also referred to as the Fringe, especially by Europeans and snooty hair stylists.

Base Color- The color that is the majority of the head of hair.  This could be your own natural color or a color that has been applied to the entire head. 

Highlight- Strands, pieces, or chunks of hair that are made lighter than the base color.  Most often thought of as blonde, it could be any color that is lighter than the base.  Brown can be a highlight if placed over black.

Balayage-  a fancy French word that means "by hand".  This is when highlights are painted on free-hand.

Low Light- Strands, pieces, or chunks that are made darker than the base color.  Most often thought of as only dark shades, but medium blonde can become a low light when placed to pale blonde. 

Multi-Dimensional Color- When any or all of the above color techniques are used to create a head of hair that shows varying shades of light, medium, and dark.  This could be a blonde, brunette, or red head.

Foiling, Partial Foil, Full Foil- Foiling refers to the aluminum foil sheets that are used when performing a highlight, lowlight or other multi dimensional color.  The foils are used to separate different sections that are to made varying colors.  A full foil is done throughout the head, while a partial is restricted to the top and sides only. 

Toner- A mild, diluted hair color formula that is designed to add color pigment to lightened or faded hair in order to alter or restore the tone of the original color. 

Glaze-  A clear or sheer color that bonds to the hair's surface and usually wears off after four to six weeks.  This can be used to add shine or repair damage or to blend in gray.  It can alter the depth of a color or can be used as a toner to change or enhance the existing tonal quality of the hair.

               I hope this little glossary of terms has made some our stylist mumbo-jumbo more understandable to you.  To get the best hair you can have, it helps if we all speak the same language.

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