Just like most other professions, there’s a certain amount of “shop talk” or lingo that comes with working in a beauty salon, and if you’re just starting out, it’s wise to learn some of these terms now. With that in mind, we’re going to go over some of the most common beauty salon lingo, jargon and terminology you’ll probably be faced with during your career.
1. “I’m going to take you from a one to a 10”
This doesn’t mean you’re going to drastically improve your client’s looks (that would be insulting) or that they are getting extensions: it actually refers to the color of a client’s hair. A one to a 10 would mean that the client is going from a very dark, black hair color all the way to a very bright blonde.
2. A “full set”
This means the client is getting a whole new set of false nails in either gel or acrylic. Once this has been achieved, the client should only need to come back for perhaps a fill (filling in the growth between the nail and the cuticle) every 1 – 3 weeks.
3. Peptides
Chances are, you’ve probably heard of peptides by now, but do you know what they mean? They are essentially very tiny bits of protein molecules that consist mainly of amino acids. These peptides can cause skin cells to behave in different ways, like producing more hyaluronic acid or collagen.
4. An “ear split”
No, it doesn’t mean you’ve accidentally nipped your client in the ear (you should really try to avoid that). This is actually the term giving to a haircutting reference point which stylists use as guidance so your cut will appear nice and even around the ears.
5. A “square-round”
This is a nail term that basically means a square nail that has been rounded off at the corners, giving them a softer appearance.
6. A “40-volume”
The amount of volume is referring to the strength of hair colorant a beauty therapist decides to use. More specifically, this applies to the strength of the developer. Most hair colorants use either a 10, 20 or 30-volume, so a 40 would likely be one of the strongest volumes you can use.
7. Parabens
There’s recently been a lot of controversy and confusion over parabens; the name given to chemical preservatives that are used to make your products last longer. There are now a lot of great alternatives to parabens that are being used more and more in cosmetics.
8. Buffing
Buffing is a process that involves a three-sided, ultra-fine file and gives nails a temporary shiny finish. The process basically involves creating different textures until you reach the desired effect. The dull side of the file is used last, and creates shine.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to some of the most commonly used beauty salon lingo, so now you can go forth into the world and use it like the pro you’re set to become! Good luck.