The Ultimate Hair Glossary
Understanding the language of hair care and styling is essential for making confident choices about your hair. Whether you are chatting with your stylist at London Rayne Salon in Duluth, Minnesota or researching the latest trends online, knowing these key terms will help you communicate effectively and get the results you want. Our team of expert stylists has created this ultimate hair glossary to simplify the terminology, so you can feel empowered during your next salon visit.
A
A-Line Bob: A bob haircut that is shorter in the back and gradually longer in the front, creating a sleek angle.
Ammonia-Free: Hair color made without ammonia, which is gentler on the scalp and healthier for your hair.
Anti-Frizz Serum: A smoothing product that tames frizz and flyaways, leaving hair sleek and shiny.
Asymmetrical Cut: A style where each side is cut at different lengths, giving a bold, edgy look.
B
Balayage: A hand-painted highlighting technique that creates a natural, sun-kissed effect.
Bangs: Short pieces of hair cut across the forehead to frame the face.
Blowout: A professional style using a blow dryer to create smoothness and volume.
Braids: Woven strands of hair that can be simple or intricate, protective, or purely stylish.
C
Conditioner: A nourishing product applied after shampoo to hydrate, detangle, and add shine.
Curling Iron: A heated tool used to create curls or waves by wrapping hair around a barrel.
Cuticle: The protective outer layer of the hair shaft.
D
Deep Conditioning Treatment: A salon or at-home service that provides intense moisture and repair.
Dry Shampoo: A powder or spray that refreshes hair and absorbs oil between washes.
E
Extensions: Added strands (natural or synthetic) to boost length, volume, or color.
F
Fade: A haircut where hair transitions gradually from short to longer lengths.
Flat Iron: A styling tool used to straighten hair between two heated plates.
G
Highlights: Lightened strands that add brightness and dimension.
Hair Gloss: A semi-permanent shine and tone treatment that refreshes color without harsh chemicals.
H
Heat Protectant: A product that shields hair from damage caused by hot tools.
I
Ionic Hair Dryer: A dryer that speeds up drying time and reduces frizz using negative ions.
K
Keratin Treatment: A smoothing service that eliminates frizz and enhances shine using keratin protein.
L
Layers: A haircutting technique that adds texture, movement, and volume.
M
Mousse: A lightweight foam for volume, hold, and styling flexibility.
N
Natural Hair: Hair that has not been chemically treated or altered.
O
Ombre: A gradual color fade from darker roots to lighter ends.
P
Pixie Cut: A short, cropped hairstyle often paired with bangs or textured layers.
Pomade: A styling product with shine and hold, perfect for sleek looks or defined curls.
R
Roots: New growth at the scalp that often needs color touch-ups.
S
Shampoo: A cleansing product that removes oil, buildup, and dirt.
Split Ends: When hair strands split at the ends due to dryness, heat, or damage.
T
Toner: A color product used to neutralize brassy or unwanted tones.
U
Undercut: A style where hair is left longer on top and shaved short underneath.
V
Volume: Refers to fullness and lift in the hair.
W
Waves: Loose, soft curves in the hair, often created with heat tools or braids.
