Hair Care Glossary
The most commonly used terms in professional hair care, explained in simple terms.
- Conditioner
- A rinse-out product used after shampooing that detangles, softens, and seals the hair cuticles.
- Hair mask
- A more intensive treatment than conditioner, with a longer processing time, to hydrate, nourish, or reconstruct.
- Leave-in
- A non-rinse product (cream, spray, serum) applied after washing to protect and detangle.
- Co-wash
- Cleansing with a conditioning cleanser, without foam, used especially for curly hair.
- Toning shampoo (purple, silver, blue)
- Shampoo with pigments that neutralize unwanted undertones: purple against yellow, blue against orange.
- Bond building / Plex
- Technology that protects and reconstructs the internal bonds of the hair, used during and after bleaching and coloring.
- Keratin
- The protein that makes up hair; in products, it helps to strengthen and smooth the fiber.
- Bleaching
- A chemical process that lightens the hair by removing part of the natural pigment.
- Developer (oxidant)
- A hydrogen peroxide-based emulsion that activates dyes and bleach; it is measured in volumes (10, 20, 30, 40 vol).
- Permanent, demi-permanent, direct color
- Permanent color lasts until regrowth; demi-permanent fades gradually; direct color (like color masks) deposits on the surface.
- Scalp
- The skin on the head: the choice of shampoo depends mainly on its condition.
- Porosity
- The hair's ability to absorb and retain water; damaged or bleached hair is more porous.
- Frizz
- A messy effect caused by raised cuticles that absorb humidity from the air.
- Heat protectant
- A product that reduces heat damage from hairdryers, flat irons, and curling wands.
- Matte / glossy finish
- The visual effect a styling product leaves on the hair.
- Hold
- How well a styling product sets the hairstyle: light, medium, or strong.
To apply these concepts, read our hair care guides or browse all hair products.