Glossary of Hairdressing Terms

Small bend in the hair created with hair dryer or irons. Normally used to make hair flick out.

Hair that’s a bit wavy, with a wind-tousled finish; often created with a thickening or salt-water-based spray or gel

The Bob was the classic look of the 50s and 60s; the style was short and straight but blow-dried and curled under. At its worst the style could make you look like a mushroom, but at best with the curl accentuating your cheekbones it created an incredibly sexy look. Bob is now used to describe one-length hair that finishes anywhere between your ears and your shoulders. Make sure you let your hairdresser knows how long you’d like yours.

Originally the word crop was used as an alternative to haircut, without any specific meaning to the style of the cut. Now it means hair that is cut very short with the hair hugging the head.

A cut in which the ends all vary slightly in length; stylists often use a razor to achieve this effect. (But if you don’t have straight hair – and a lot of it – don’t go there.)

Usually involves adding layers from mid-length to ends, making the style feel lighter and bouncier.