SALON SPEAK: CUT AND DRIED
Featuring Richard Mannah, Joico Global Pro Stylist
Want to avoid all those miscommunications in the hair chair so you get the cut you really want? We asked our team of pros to come up with the ultimate glossary – a super-helpful list that demystifies those terms you and your stylist may be using during consultations. Test your knowledge and get on the same page today!
“I just want a trim.”
What it means to your stylist: You want a haircut.
Remember: Cutting hair is cutting hair; and your pro doesn’t do anything different to cut 1/2 -inch off than they do to cut four inches. Which is why it’s important to communicate how much you’re looking to part with…use a ruler if you have to!
View this post on Instagram
“I want layers.”
What it means to your stylist: You want to remove weight in the hair and create movement. Sometimes these layers are cut internally (so you still see all-one-length hair on the outside); sometimes they’re more obvious with various levels. Specify what you’re after.
“I want a cut that makes my hair look thicker.”
What it means to your stylist: You want graduation, a layering technique that adds volume by elevating the hair when cutting so it gives a lofty, stacked appearance.
View this post on Instagram
“I want my hair thinned out.”
What it means to your stylist: You want to remove bulk or weight to your hair, either with layers, or with thinning shears that filter out hair from the interior.
View this post on Instagram
“I want more texture.”
What it means to your stylist: You want them to create space and movement in the hair by cutting shorter pieces next to longer pieces. This can be done with layers, a graduation technique, or texturizing sheers that result in a piece-y look.
“I want bangs.”
What it means to your stylist: You want hair cut above the eyes…which can vary greatly in length or shape, so it’s critical to look at pics and discuss the nitty-gritty details. Curtain bangs form a solid sheath that graze the eyes; long bangs can be swept to one or both sides; baby bangs are often short and extremely abbreviated.
View this post on Instagram
“I’d like a bob.”
What it means to your stylist: You’d like a cut above the shoulders, but below the earlobe. The shape can be round, square, or triangular; with layers of graduation or all one length. Bangs are optional.
View this post on Instagram
“I’d like a lob.”
What it means to your stylist: You want a long bob – with length typically cut between the collarbone and the shoulders so hair sweeps the shoulder when your turn your head. Again, bangs are optional.
“I’d like long layers.”
What it means to your stylist: You’d like layers that fall close to the perimeter or outline of your haircut, resulting in a seamless, blended effect that adds movement to the overall look.
View this post on Instagram
“I want face-framing layers.”
What it means to your stylist: You want shaping around the face and neck, rather than all-one-length pieces at the front. Depending on where they hit, these layers can be constructed to enhance and draw the eyes to any feature (the cheekbones, lips, eyes, etc).
View this post on Instagram
