Term | Definition |
backbrushing | also known as ruffing; technique used to build a soft cushion or to mesh two or more curl patterns together for a uniform and smooth comb out |
backcombing | Also known as teasing,ratting, matting and French lacing; combing small sections of hair from the ends towards the scalp, causing shorter hair to mat at the scalp and form a cushion or base |
barrel curls | pin curls with large center openings, fastened to the head in a standing position on a rectangular base |
base | stationary foundation of a pin curl; the panel of hair on which a roller is placed |
blowdry styling | technique of drying and styling damp hair in a single operation |
carved curls | pin curls sliced from a shaping and formed without lifting the hair from the head |
cascade curls | also known as stand up curls; pin curls fastened to the head in a standing position to allow the hair to flow upward and then downward |
circle | the part of the pin curl that forms a complete circle; also, the hair that is wrapped around the roller |
closed center curls | pin curls that produce waves that get smaller toward the end |
concentrator | nozzle attachment of a blow dryer; directs the air stream to any section of the hair more intensely |
Curl | the hair that is wrapped around the roller |
diffuser | blow dryer attachment that causes the hair to flow more softly and helps to accentuate or keep texural definition |
double press | technique of passing a hot curling iron through the hair before performing a hard press |
end curls | used to give a finished appearance to hair ends either turned under or over |
finger waving | process of shaping and directing the hair into a pattern of "s" shaped waves through the use of the fingers, combs, and waving lotions |
foam | Also known as mousse; a light, airy, whipped styling product that resembles shaving foam and builds moderate body and volume into the hair. |
full-base curls | thermal curls that sit in the center of their base; strong curls with full volume |
full-stem curl | curl placed completely off the base; allows for the greatest mobility |
gel | thickened styling preperation that comes in a tube or bottle and has strong hold |
hair pressing | method of teporarily straightening extremely curly or unruly hair by means of a heated iron or comb |
hair spray | a styling product applied in the form of a mist to hold a style in position; available in a variety of holding strengths |
hair wrapping | a technique used to keep curly hair smooth and straight |
half base | position of a curl or a roller one half off its base, giving medium volume and movement |
half-base curls | thermal curls placed half off their base; strong curls with moderate lift or volume |
half-stem curl | curl placed half off the base; permits medium movement and gives good control to the hair |
hard press | technique that removes 100 percent of the curl by applying the pressing comb twice on each side of the hair |
indentation | the point where curls of opposite directions meet forming a recessed area |
knot | also known as chignon; a technique used for formal hairstyling that creates the look of a knot or bun |
liquid gels | styling products that are lighter and more viscous or sticky than firm-hold gels, used for easy styling, defining and molding |
medium press | technique removing 60 to 75 percent of the curl by applying a thermal pressing comb once on each side of the hair using slightly more pressure than in the soft press |
no-stem curl | curl placed directly on its base; produces a tight, firm, long lasting curl and allows minimum mobility |
off base | the position of a curl or a roller completely off its base for maximum mobility and minimum volume |
off-base curls | thermal curls placed completely off their base; have only slight lift or volume |
on base | position of a curl or roller directly on its base for maximum volume; also called full base |
open-center curls | pin curls that produce even, smooth waves and uniform curls |
pleat | Also known as classic French Twist; a technique used for formal hairstyling that creates a look of folded hair |
pomade | also known as wax; styling products that add considerable weight to the hair by causing strands to join together, showing seperation in the hair |
ribboning | technique of forcing the hair between the thumb and the back of the comb to create tension |
ridge curls | pin curls placed immediately behind or below a ridge to form a wave |
rod | round, solid prong of a thermal iron |
shaping | Section of hair that is molded in a circular movement in preparation for the formation of curls. |
shell | the clamp that presses the hair against the barrel or rod of a thermal iron |
skip waves | two rows of ridge curls, usually on the side of the head |
soft press | technique of pressing the hair to remove 50 to 60 percent of the curl by applying the thermal pressing comb once on each side of the hair |
spiral curl | method of curling the hair by winding a strand around the rod |
stem | section of the pin curl between the base and first arc of the circle that gives the circle its direction and movement; the hair between the scalp and the first turn of the roller |
straightening gel | styling product applied to damp hair that is wavy, curly, or extremely curly, and then blown dry; relaxes the hair for a smooth, straight look |
temper | A process used to condition a new brass pressing comb so that it heats evenly. |
thermal irons | an implement comprised of a rod handle, barrel or rod, and shell that is made of quality steel used to dry hair using heat |
thermal waving and curling | methods of waving and curling straight or pressed hair using thermal irons and special manipulative curling techniques on dry hair |
twist | a technique used for formal hairstyling that creates a look of conical shape |
updo | A hairstyle with the hair arranged up and off the shoulders, and secured with implements such as hairpins, bobby pins and elastics |
volume-base curls | thermal curls placed very high on their base; provide maximum lift or volume |
volumizers | Styling products that add volume, especially at the base, when wet hair is blown dry. |
waving lotion | type of hair gel that makes the hair pliable enough to keep it in place during the finger waving procedure |