Ask any hair pro, and they’ll tell you that color is a science. Which is why some of the terms that get bandied about in salons can sound like chemistry to a client in the chair. To make sure you and your colorist are on the exact same page, we asked our team of pros to come up with a list that demystifies the vocab you and your stylist may be using during consultations. Let’s get you started speaking the same color language today!
Let’s get you started speaking the same color language today!
Here are some terms your stylist might say and what that means for your hair:
It means:
They need to minimize or enhance the tone of the hair with either permanent color or a demi-permanent formula. This isn’t an optional add-on, but rather, the essential last step that refines your color…taking, say, a brassy blonde to the cool side after it’s been lifted, as well as sealing the cuticle to reduce damage.
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It means:
They are going to create a gradual shift between tones…a gradient look from dark to light, resulting in a color-melting effect. This can be achieved with color (to go darker) or bleach (to lighten).
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It means:
That instead of using foils, they will freehand-paint ribbons of lightness throughout the hair for a very natural, sun-kissed effect.
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It means:
They’re creating depth/darkness at the scalp with either demi-permanent color, permanent color, or even your natural hair color. This shadow technique extends the longevity of dimensional highlights so things blend naturally as they grow out; it’s also perfect for covering gray, and can even create the illusion of density at the scalp.
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It means:
You’re going to get darker tones in the hair – usually with foils — to create depth and dimension against lighter pieces.
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It means:
You’re going to get lighter tones in the hair with bleach/lightener to create contrast and dimension against darker pieces.
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It means:
They’re using a highlighting technique that involves gentle teasing at the root area, which creates a seamless blend rather than a harsh line of demarcation…perfect for color melts and other multi-dimensional effects.
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It means:
They’ll be adding demi-permanent natural tones into salt-and-pepper hair. Generally, more pepper to the salt!
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It means:
They’re using permanent color to achieve 100% coverage of gray or white hair.
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It means:
They are likely going to use crème-based permanent color to deposit, lift, and tone your hair to cover gray or grow-out, or even correct unwanted color. This technique doesn’t wash out over time, but rather, grows out with your hair.
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It means:
That your hair has never been chemically colored or bleached.
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It means:
They are going to use bold, vibrant, trendy color in your hair. These typically semi-permanent shades wash out gradually, usually in 10-12 shampoos.
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It means:
They are going to use bleach in your hair mixed with developer to break down and remove natural pigments, thus lightening your hair.
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It means:
Rather than using bleach, they are going to use permanent crème color mixed with developer to achieve four to five levels of lift on virgin hair. The blonding level isn’t extreme, and this technique can also add tone while lightening the hair.
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