Hair Terms Explained: A Fun Guide to the Words Your Stylist Keeps Using
Have you ever sat in a salon chair nodding like you understood everything, when deep inside you were thinking:
“What does that even mean?”
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
Let me take you back to the moment I realized I needed a personal dictionary for hair terms.
The Day I Pretended to Understand Every Hair Word
It was a Saturday morning, and I was determined to step into the salon like a grown woman who knew exactly what she wanted. I sat down confidently, scrolling my phone like those girls on Instagram.
Then my stylist asked:
“Should I start with a pre-poo or stretch your hair before the blowout?”
I smiled.
I nodded.
I even raised one eyebrow like I fully understood.
But inside? Pure confusion.
I just prayed she made the right decision for both of us.
She laughed — kindly, of course — and said,
“Don’t worry, love. Let me explain it. You’ll get the hang of it.”
And she was right.
Once I understood these terms, I felt more confident, more involved, and more empowered on my natural hair journey.
So today, Flourish Beauty Palace is giving you your own salon dictionary in the fun, simple language you deserve.
Hair Terms Every Queen Should Know
1. Protective Style
A hairstyle that shields your natural hair from breakage and over-manipulation. This includes braids, twists, crochet, wigs, etc.
2. Knotless Braids
Braids without the tight knot at the root.
Lightweight, painless, stylish — the Beyoncé of braids.
3. Box Braids
Braids sectioned into little square parts with a knot at the base.
They last long and always look classic.
4. Blowout
Stretching your hair with a blow-dryer to get it smooth and ready for styling.
Fluffy. Soft. A perfect canvas for braids.
5. Stretching
Heat-free method of loosening your curls.
Your strands stay safe, and your braids look neat.
6. Pre-Poo
A treatment used before shampooing to protect your hair from getting too dry.
Your hair drinks it like morning coffee.
7. Deep Conditioning
Moisture overload (in a good way).
The spa day your hair secretly deserves.
8. Porosity
How well your hair absorbs and holds moisture.
Low porosity = stubborn.
High porosity = thirsty.
Medium = balanced queen.
9. Density
Simply how full your hair is. Helps your stylist know what style will suit you best.
10. Hairline (Edges)
Those delicate baby hairs framing your face.
Handle with care — they remember everything you do to them.
11. Feathered Ends
When braids taper beautifully at the bottom.
Soft, natural, flowy.
12. Blunt Tips
Braids that end in a sharp, straight finish.
Neat. Bold. Clean.
13. Slipping
When braids slide off the root because the hair wasn’t gripped well or the extension was too silky.
14. Build-Up
Product, oil, and dirt gathering at your roots.
Not cute — but washable.
15. Tension
How tight a braid or style feels at the scalp.
Low tension = safe.
High tension = run!
Why These Terms Matter
Because when you understand what your stylist is saying, you can:
- Choose the right style faster
- Care for your hair confidently
- Protect your edges
- Avoid painful or damaging styles
- Know what to ask for
- Enjoy the salon experience even more
Knowledge = power.
Power = flawless hair.
Simple.
Ready to Put Your New Hair Knowledge to Work?
Whether you’re coming in for knotless braids, a wig install, a blowout, or a nourishing treatment, Flourish Beauty Palace have you covered.
Our stylists don’t just style hair —
They guide you.
They teach you.
They care for your strands like their own.
Book your next appointment with Flourish Beauty Palace and give your hair the royal treatment it deserves.