You're scrolling thru Pinterest for new hair inspo and you keep coming across descriptions that are basically in another language, the language of the hair industry.
While a great hairstylist won't need you to know the meaning of each term, it is nice for you to understand what is it you like and dislike.
So, this one's for you if you've ever wondered:
"What's the difference between balayage and babylights?"
"How do you even pronounce balayage?"
or
"Are lowlights and highlights the same thing?"
Let's breakdown all this salon industry lingo.
BASE COLOR- The color closest to your scalp. It can be your natural color or an artificial color that is essentially placed on your 'root' area. Most often the darkest color of the palette.
HIGHLIGHTS- This term is used as a general reference when making hair lighter with a dimensional technique and placement. During a traditional a highlight service paper thin sections of hair are woven into a foil where a lightener product is applied.
LOWLIGHTS- This term is used as a general reference when making hair darker with a dimensional technique and placement.
BABYLIGHTS- Similar to a traditional highlight, this technique weaves ultra fine strands of hair into a section. This process typically involves a fuller foil application and achieves a very natural highlight finish.
MONEY PIECE- A customizable face framing highlight placement. Variations range from a bold, chunky blonde highlight that starts at the scalp, to a thinner face framing ribbon that begins transitioning further from the scalp.
TEASY LIGHTS- Backcombing or 'teasing' a section that is going to be highlighted/lightened. This produces a gradient transition from a base color to the highlight color.
CONTRAST- The difference in brightness between colors. Dark tones vs. light tones.
BALAYAGE - bol-e-aj; a french term that means 'too sweep'. This refers to the painting motion used to achieve the proper application. Balayage is a technique used to attain a sun kissed, natural highlight throughout ones hair. While the phrase balayage is commonly used to refer to an over all look, the term is technically a technique.
FOILIAGE- When the desired result is a balayage look with a high contrast between a base color and a highlight color, the balayage placement is insulated with foil in order to achieve maximum lightening during a color session.
TIP OUT- Too brighten the ends of the hair lightener is applied to the tips of the hair. This is often done in addition to another color service.
LIVED IN COLOR- An over all look of effortless color. The placement of colors are applied in an impactful yet subtle way. It is common to use several of the techniques above to achieve a lived-in look. This is a great option for those that prefer less frequent visits to the salon.
BASE BREAK or BASE BUMP- A gentle shift in your natural base color to soften the contrast between highlights and a natural base color.
ROOT SMUDGE or ROOT MELT- This application is done post highlighting service or as maintance between lightening services. A shear color is painted from your roots onto the highlights closest to your scalp. This produces a smooth gradient transition for an over all natural finish and an extra soft grow out.
GLOSS or GLAZE- Adds shine, enhances, neutralizes or cancels color tones. Most often used to refresh the ends of hair or achieve a specific tone on lightened hair.
BOND BUILDER- An additive applied to the lightning powder or color to ensure the integrity of your strands throughout chemical services
CONDITIONING TREATMENT- A treatment to strengthen, moisturize, smooth or add shine to hair.
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