Hair Salon Terminology You Need to Know to Get The Style You Want

Heading to your local Blushes can be the highlight of your week. Whether you simply want a trim or something more dramatic, it’s important to know the correct terminology so you can get the best result. Our team have put together the ultimate list of salon terms to prep you for your next visit.

Understanding Hair Salon Services and their meaning

Balayage - a French term used to refer to a sweeping or painting motion wherein ribbons of the hair are lightened to achieve a multi-tonal, dimensional effect.

Balayage Uplift - The Balayage Uplift is a bespoke service where your colourist will work with you to brighten, tone or accentuate any area's that need a little TLC in between appointments.

Ombré - Hair colouring technique that gradually blends from one colour to another. A seamless transition that typically starts darker at the roots and becomes lighter towards the ends of the hair. Can be customised to range from a soft, natural fade to a more striking contrast.

Toner - Used as an "icing on the cake" treatment to neutralise any underlying unwanted warm tones after a lightening service.

Creative Colour - This refers to non-traditional hair colours and trends, usually with shorter-term results. Think pastel shades, mermaid hair, and more experimental looks.

Blending - Blending is an artful technique commonly used in Balayages and Ombrés. Involves skilful manipulation of colour transitions to achieve natural, subtle changes throughout your hair, with seamless integration of hues.

Colour Correction - Has a previous colour gone awry? Colour Correction is the rescuer you need. Involves removing or harmoniously blending any unintended colour results from past services. Colour corrections often require multiple appointments - it's a journey to the perfect shade.

Tint - Tint can be used as a semi-permanent or permanent colouring process, depending upon your desired maintenance. It can be used to either lift the hair or darken it. Provides a full-coverage effect, think glossy, block colours.

Full Head Foils meaning - This refers to either highlights or (sometimes) lowlights. Having a full head of foils can achieve a multi-tonal look by weaving through sections of the hair to give the impression of a lighter look overall. You may choose to lighten slightly or go for a dramatic change. (The procedure usually takes between 2 and 4 hours, depending on hair length and thickness.)

Half Head Foils meaning - A half head of foils service is used as a top-up service or for those who don't tend to wear their hair up. Sections are taken in weaves but only cover from the top of the ear upwards.

Highlights/Lowlights - Looking to brighten up or add dimension? Whether you're after a bold, standout effect or a subtle, natural finish, Highlights and Lowlights are your best friends. These techniques introduce lightness or depth to your hair, enhancing texture and perfectly complementing your overall style.

Feathering - For those with thick locks seeking relief, Feathering is the go-to. This cutting method skilfully removes excess volume, allowing for lighter, more dynamic ends that can flick effortlessly in or out, moving away from a singular, blunt shape.

Framing Your Face - Customise your cut to flatter your features by blending various hair lengths around your face, starting as high as your jawline and seamlessly connecting to the longest strands. It adds a subtle, face-enhancing touch - perfect for those sporting a fringe.

Types of hair salon professionals (With examples)

Trainee - This is a junior position for a stylist who is undergoing training as they work. They are often working on the lowest price bracket for hair cutting.

Salon Assistant - A salon assistant works at a junior level but plays a large part in ensuring the smooth running of the salons, by assisting the stylists.

Colourist - A colourist will be able to dye your hair, while also sometimes performing other tasks within the salon.

Senior Colourist - The senior colourist will be more skilled in complex colour changes.

Colour Director - A colour director will be highly skilled in all areas of hair colouring and have a wide range of experience. They will take on a leadership role for the other colourists in the salon.

Colour Specialist - Ideal for those difficult colour corrections and big changes, a colour specialist will focus exclusively on colouring hair.

Colour Master - When you see a colour master, you can expect the highest level of colouring skill, which is perfect if you have complex hair needs or damaged hair.

Stylist - A stylist will be able to cut and style your hair.

Senior Stylist - With a higher level of experience, a senior stylist is skilled at more professional hair cutting and styling techniques.

Style Director - The salon style director is a specialist in hair cutting and styling with a deeper level of knowledge and training. They will also be a leader for the other stylists in the salon.

Creative Director - This person will contribute to the overall salon success, and have extensive experience in cutting, colouring and styling. They will also have a say in the creative direction that the salon takes overall.

Advanced Director - The advanced director oversees the salon more generally while being highly skilled in their chosen area of hair.

Master Stylist - The master stylist is a highly-skilled stylist who will have a wide range of hair cutting and styling experience.

Partner - A partner in the salon means the salon owner. There may be one or more partners in any given salon. They will have a large say in the look and feel of the salon.

Additional services and terms

Patch Test - A patch test is used to determine whether or not you have an allergy to a treatment, usually hair dye. A small amount of the treatment will be applied to your skin (often behind your ear) at least 48 hours before any colour appointment to check you do not have an allergic reaction.

Treatments - From scalp cleansing treatments to a healthy hair fix, there are a variety of treatments to suit all of your hair desires.

Final words

Armed with this handy glossary, we hope you feel ready to ask for exactly what you want.

Not quite sure what the best look for your hair could be?

We have a wide range of highly skilled hair stylists and colourists waiting to help you achieve the hair of your dreams.

Get in touch to book a full hair ID consultation with us so we can plan your bespoke hair service.