The Ultimate Hair Glossary: Terms You Should Know by Paloma Valentina Hair in Hacienda Heights, CA

Understanding the language of hair care and hair color is essential for making informed choices about your look. Whether you're planning your next blonding session, considering extensions, or just curious about new hair treatments, knowing the right terminology helps you communicate clearly and confidently with your stylist. At Paloma Valentina Hair in Hacienda Heights, CA, solo stylist Paloma created this guide to help you feel empowered and educated as you navigate your hair journey.

A

A-Line Bob
A sleek bob haircut where the hair is shorter in the back and gradually angles longer in the front.

Ammonia-Free
Hair color formulas that are gentler on the scalp and strands, perfect for sensitive clients or those who prioritize cleaner beauty options.

Anti-Frizz Serum
A smoothing product that helps control frizz and flyaways, especially helpful for chemically treated or colored hair.

Asymmetrical Cut
An edgy haircut featuring different lengths on each side of the head for a bold, modern look.

B

Balayage
A hand-painted highlighting technique that creates soft, natural dimension in the hair. A signature service at Paloma Valentina Hair for clients seeking low-maintenance blonding.

Bangs
Shorter pieces of hair styled across the forehead or swept to the side, offering a simple way to refresh your style.

Blowout
A salon service using a blow dryer and round brush to create smooth, voluminous hair with movement and shine.

Braids
A versatile styling option for adding texture, visual interest, or protective styling to natural or extended hair.

C

Conditioner
Essential for all hair types, conditioner softens and detangles while keeping color-treated or lightened hair hydrated.

Curling Iron
A styling tool used to create curls and waves, often used after a blowout or for finishing blonded and layered looks.

Cuticle
The outer layer of your hair strand that protects the inner shaft. Healthy cuticles help keep color vibrant and hair smooth.

D

Deep Conditioning Treatment
Ideal for dry or damaged hair, especially after bleach or color services, these treatments restore moisture and strength.

Dry Shampoo
A powder or spray that absorbs oil and adds volume between wash days, perfect for maintaining styled or extended hair.

E

Extensions
Added hair—natural or synthetic—used to increase length, volume, or both. Paloma specializes in seamless, customized hair extensions for natural-looking transformations.

F

Fade
More common in barbering, this technique blends short hair into longer hair for a clean, tapered finish.

Flat Iron
A straightening tool for achieving sleek, polished styles, often used after color or smoothing treatments.

G

Highlights
Lighter sections of hair that add brightness and contrast. Great for enhancing movement in layered or balayaged hair.

Hair Gloss
A semi-permanent treatment that adds shine, refreshes tone, and smooths hair without altering the overall color.

H

Heat Protectant
A must-have for clients who regularly style with heat tools. It shields your strands from damage and helps maintain healthy hair.

I

Ionic Hair Dryer
This advanced tool dries hair faster and with less frizz by breaking down water molecules using negative ions.

K

Keratin Treatment
A smoothing treatment that reduces frizz and curl, often paired with hair color for a sleek, manageable finish.

L

Layers
Strategic cuts throughout the hair to create movement, volume, and shape—especially flattering with blonding or balayage.

M

Mousse
A lightweight styling foam that adds body and hold without stiffness, often used in voluminous blowouts.

N

Natural Hair
Hair that hasn’t been chemically altered. Even natural hair can benefit from custom color or extension services.

O

Ombre
A gradient color technique that fades from dark roots to lighter ends. A popular look that pairs beautifully with extensions.

P

Pixie Cut
A chic, cropped cut ideal for those who want minimal maintenance and maximum style.

Pomade
A styling product that adds shine and hold, most often used for sleek finishes or short styles.

R

Roots
The new hair growth at your scalp. Regular touch-ups keep blondes and color clients looking fresh.

S

Shampoo
Used to cleanse the scalp and strands. Paloma recommends sulfate-free shampoos to protect your blonding and extensions.

Split Ends
Dry, damaged tips of the hair that split into two. Trimming them regularly keeps your hair looking healthy.

T

Toner
A color-refining product used to correct brassiness or enhance blonde tones, essential for balayage and blonding clients.

U

Undercut
Hair is cut short beneath longer top layers, often used for bold or alternative styles.

V

Volume
The height and body of the hair, which can be enhanced with blowouts, layers, and styling products.

W

Waves
Soft bends in the hair that add effortless texture, especially popular with beachy balayage looks.

Understanding these hair terms helps you get the most out of your salon experience. Whether you're booking a full blonding session, refreshing your balayage, or looking to add dreamy length with hair extensions, Paloma Valentina Hair in Hacienda Heights is here to guide you every step of the way.