Bridal Hair & Makeup Glossary

Apple	–	the full round bit of your cheek that becomes prominent when you smile
Arch	–	the part of your eyebrow that slopes downward
Asymmetric Updo	–	may look organically casual, but it's important to enlist a professional's help to achieve this tousled, uneven style.
Back-piece	–	a barrette or comb which is decorated and fastens to the back of the head, usually the veil attaches to it.
Balayage	–	a technique for highlighting the hair in which the dye is painted on in such a way as to create a graduated, natural-looking effect. Can be used in short to very long hair. It's gentle on the hair and creates sun-kissed natural highlights. It is great technique for people with sensitivity to hair color as it doesn't touch the scalp.
Ballet Bun	–	keeps the focus on your face. With hair this simple, you can take more liberties with your makeup. Position your veil under the bun to complete the look.
Barrette	–	a one piece which clips onto your hair. Available in many styles from simple to ornate, one will suit almost any wedding style.
Beehive	–	no updo complements a tea-length gown or short gown quite like a beehive. Retro looks radiant if you keep the style sleek.
Blend	–	mix and buff out any harsh lines
Blot	–	dab away any excess such as oils or lipstick
Blotchy	–	patches of unevenness in the skin or pigment
Blush	–	color added to the cheeks to give a healthy flush to the skin
Braided Updo	–	the braid keeps the strands of long, thick hair, which can be difficult to sweep up and off the neck, tight and tidy adding some visual interest.
Brassiness	–	used to refer to hair that is overly warm or yellow in tone. This can be the result of color buildup; color that is not processed properly or improperly formulated color. Brassiness is generally corrected by applying a toner or a color glaze to counteract the yellow.
Bridal Barrettes	–	a bridal hair accessory that fastens using a clip style that is long and large in structure. It is usually worn at the back of the head, where the veil can be attached to it. Smaller style of barrettes can be worn on the side of the head. When worn in the back, barrettes can be called back-pieces.
Bridal Bun Wraps or Circlets	–	these are circular bands that encircle a bun or an updo bridal hairstyle. Can be worn at the top, middle, or base of the head, depending on where the bun rests.
Bridal Clips	–	available in pearl, rhinestone, metal, or flower styles, hair clips easily clip into the bridal hairstyle and can be worn above the ear, on the side of a bun, within an updo, or at the base of a ponytail or braid. Flower hair clips tend to be the most popular, as they mimic fresh flowers being woven into the hair.
Bridal Combs	–	these bridal hair accessories offer a more secure hold onto your hairstyle using comb teeth. Combs can be attached to a veil, worn on top or on the side of the head, or worked into a hairstyle, depending on your hair length and style of veil.
Bridal Fascinators	–	a larger type of headpiece that can be worn alone or attached to a small cap, worn at the side of the head or in the side of a hairstyle. Usually features, flowers, feathers, ribbon, or more structured detailing. Can be secured using a clip, comb, or pin style. Sometimes features a blusher or birdcage veil.
Bridal Hair Brooches	–	like clips, hair brooches accent the hair style, but fasten using either a pin, clip, or comb. They are heavier than clips and work best in thicker hair types or updos.
Bridal Hair Pins	–	a style of bridal hair accessory that accents a hairstyle using a pin design, rather than a clip. Works ideally when slid into updos, buns, or half-updo hairstyles.
Bridal Headbands	–	this type of bridal hair accessory is a band of varying width and style, which is worn over the top of the head, fitting closely to your head's shape.
Bridal Twist Jewelry	–	these bridal hair accessories are small and can be worn in up, down, or half-up hairstyles. They twist into your hair, adding an accent to the style. Can be placed anywhere near the top or sides of the hairstyle.
Brow bone	–	where your brow sits and just below where your eye socket meets your skull
Buff	–	work into the skin
Bun Wrap	–	a circular band that wraps around a bun. Some are available decorated, others are invisible
Cakey	–	when a product sits flaky, dry or crusty on the skin
Center Parted Updo	–	provides a natural canvas at the crown of the head for a tiara or embellished headband.
Chignon	–	a knot worn at the nape of the neck. As with most other wedding hairstyles, this can be done sleekly or messily, depending on your preference. Along with the French Twist and the Ballet Knot, this is one of the most popular and classic wedding updos.
Color Corrector	–	help even out the skin tone
Color Maintenance	–	includes periodic salon visits for color touch-ups and refreshing and regular at-home support with post-color care products. Be sure to ask your stylist how to best maintain your color.
Colorist	–	(see Stylist)
Comb	–	an accessory held in place with teeth. Can be attached to a veil, worn on top of the head or used to embellish a hairstyle.
Concealer	–	used to conceal or hide any small imperfections such as under eye circles, blemishes, scars. Comes in various consistencies, formulas and textures
Consultation	–	before every color service, you should expect an in-depth consultation with your stylist. This conversation is where you will exchange information and ideas about your hair and the look you want to achieve in order to get your color recommendation. During the consultation, your colorist will assess the condition of your hair to help determine what kind of color product is most appropriate for your hair's needs.
Contour	–	adding a bit of shadow to your natural bone structure where shadows would naturally occur, in areas such as below cheekbones, below bottom lip, crease, temples , etc. Contour color is a darker shade than skin and adds dimension
Contrast	–	a value applied to highlights. High-contrast highlights are much lighter than the surrounding hair and provide a dramatic look. Lower contrast highlights result in a more natural look.
Cool	–	a tonal value that can apply to blonde, brunette, and red shades. A color is said to have cool tones, if it tends toward blue or violet. Cool colors include platinum blondes, ash browns, and plum reds. (see also Warm)
Coverage	–	a measure of a hair color's ability to cover gray. Some hair color formulations are too transparent to effectively cover gray hair. Covering gray also requires a special color formulation in order to avoid flat or unnatural results.
Crease	–	where your eyelid meets your brow bone and forms a fold of skin, shadows naturally fall here
Crown	–	a full circular jeweled piece which sits on top of the head perfect for fairy-tale themed weddings, usually much larger than a tiara.
Cupid's Bow	–	the beautiful V-shape of your top lip
Curled Ponytail	–	whether you're doing loose waves or tight curls, this style says fresh and fun. This is also a great transitional style for your reception if you wore your hair down for the ceremony.
Décolletage	–	your chest area including collarbones
Decolorizing	–	removing natural or artificial hair color with a lightener (bleach). This is the first step in a double-process hair service. There are on-scalp decolorizes and off-scalp decolorizes.
Dehydrated	–	lacking moisture
Demi-permanent Hair Color	–	designed to last through five to seven shampoos, depending on the processing time selected and the porosity of the hair. Demi-permanent colors do not lighten hair. Redken does not offer a demi-permanent hair color product.
Depth	–	a hair color shade is determined by the amount of darkness in the color. Deeper shades contain more pigment and absorb more light, while lighter shades are more transparent and reflect more light.
Dewy	–	level of gloominess or luminosity in a product or that it leaves on the skin
Dimension	–	a function of the range of tones in your hair. A head of hair that is all one color is said to be flat or lacking dimension. Your stylist can add dimension to your hair with highlights or lowlights.
Discoloration	–	refers to the pigmentation in the skin such as patches that no longer look like they once did
Double-process	–	a hair color technique is used to achieve dramatic color changes, such as going from very dark to very light hair. First, the hair is lightened with a decolorize. Then the new color is deposited on the hair. Your stylist will determine if a double-process is right for you.
Dual Finish	–	refers to a makeup formula that changes upon application such as cream to powder finish (totes like magic)
Exfoliate	–	rubbing the layers of dead skin off with an abrasive or chemical nature to renew and rejuvenate the skin leaving it soft and supple
Eye Shadow	–	pigment pressed into various formulas and textures to add color, shadow and highlight to the eye
Eyeliner	–	product used to line the eye adding depth and drama to the eye and making the eye color pop
Facial mask	–	applying a layer of product to the face and leaving it for a few minutes to either unclog pores, exfoliate, add moisture, help with wrinkles, add radiance etc which is then removed
Fading	–	hair color fades for a variety of reasons, including exposure to water, air, sun, and harsh shampoos. To counteract fading, use color maintenance products.
Finger Waves	–	nothing says vintage glamour as much as finger waves. If you're wearing a beaded empire-waisted gown or a slinky sheath, this style is a beautiful complement to your look.
Finish	–	the "look" given by a product (any makeup or skin care product) after it's been applied; dewy, luminous, matte, frosted, shimmery, satin
Finish	–	the appearance of the hair's surface, the polish or texture. Different hair color products result in a different finish.
Formulation	–	the mixture of hair colors your stylist applies to your hair. Taking into account your hair's condition and your desired results will create your unique formulation.
Foundation	–	a product that evens out the skin tine and covers imperfections giving the appearance of flawless skin, comes in a variety of finishes, textures, formulas, shades dependent entirely on your own skin
Fragrance-free	–	non-scented
French Twist	–	a timeless style that goes with any bridal look. The hair is pulled back and stacked in a vertical coil with the ends secured underneath or piled on top.
Gloss	–	delivers shiny color with no ammonia. It is a demi-permanent color.
Glow	–	radiance often coming within, also youthful in appearance
Gray Coverage	–	(see Coverage)
Hair Condition	–	can affect the final color result. Your stylist will evaluate your hair's condition in order to determine if you need special pre- or post-color conditioning services.
Hair Extensions	–	add length and fullness to your natural hair. Whether you're planning on wearing your hair down or up, weaving in extensions builds the body you need for the look you want.
Hair Vine	–	a long ornament which is held in place with a small comb or pin. Vines can run along the side of a style or wrap around a headband.
Hairpin	–	short in length, open on one end, closed on the other. Used to pull back or accent the hair.
Hairstick	–	a long stick with one pointed end which secures hair in an updo.
Half Crown	–	smaller than a crown, but sits taller than a tiara. A semicircle of jewels which sits on top of the head.
Headband	–	a band of varying widths that follows around the shape of your head.
High Knot	–	can be as simple or complex as you like. The look is dramatic hair is pulled taut and straight back, then piled on the crown of the head. This hairstyle calls for gorgeous dangling earrings or a statement necklace.
Highlighter	–	a lighter, light-reflecting pigment added to the brow bone, tear duct, cheek bone, above cupid's bow
Highlighting	–	means isolating select strands in the hair and treating them with a hair color, lightener or toner. Highlights can add dimension by contrasting with the rest of the head of hair and are created with foils, a cap or special combs or brushes used for painting.
Integrity	–	the overall strength and condition of the hair. Hair with poor integrity may require pre-treatment before a color service.
Juliet Cap	–	this is a small, round cap that fits snugly on the top of the veil. It's usually accented by beading, pearls, crystals, or semi-precious stones.
Knotted Updo	–	requires professional vision and execution. It's your day to shine, so splurge on this intricate style -- and give yourself a reason to look forward to taking off your veil at the reception.
Lash Line	–	where your eyelashes spring out of your top and bottom eyelid
Layering	–	multiple layers of a product that build up coverage or color; provides more depth if used correctly
Lift	–	the chemical process of lightening the color of the hair. Different hair color formulations have different lifting abilities.
Lightener	–	a lifting agent lightens the color of the hair. Bleaching, decolorizing, and lightening are all terms used interchangeably by stylists to describe the lifting process.
Lip Color	–	either natural (like your own lip) or another color. Fastest way to feel made up and fancy
Lip Line	–	the outline of your natural lip;
Loose Waves	–	Long hair looks romantic worn in loose waves. Pin back your bangs with a crystal-tipped bobby pin after you remove your veil to keep the style event-appropriate.
Low Bun	–	can be as smooth and formal or messy and informal as you like. This style is easy enough to replicate yourself. Make it special by adding a beaded headband.
Lowlights	–	adding darker strands to the hair to balance a too light look. Lowlights are typically created with foils, caps, or combs. The effect complements the natural color and can add dimension to your hair.
Luminescence	–	light-reflecting pigment found in make-up to make you look bright and glowing
Mascara	–	the simple wonder, dark pigment applied to the lashes making tired eyes look awake
Matte	–	containing no shine or gloss
Metallic	–	contains a shiny, reflective metal finish
Mid-tone	–	a middle shade; darker than the highlight shade and lighter than contour/crease shade
Mousse	–	texture that resembles that of fluffy whipped cream or chocolate mousse
Mute	–	to make a color appear less intense
Off-scalp Decolorize	–	works quickly and is stronger than many other decolorizes. It is typically used in highlighting.
Oil Absorbers	–	added to a formula to help absorb oils from your skin
Oil-free	–	without added oils in its formula
On-scalp Decolorize	–	a lightening agent typically used for double-process hair services and for some types of highlights.
Opaque	–	full coverage, allowing very little skin to show through
Over-processed	–	hair that has been over-processed via bleaching, straightening, or other services can be porous and challenging to color. If your hair is over-processed, your stylist may suggest that you choose pre-treatments and a gentle color product.
Oversized Bun	–	great with over-the-top, glamorous looks. Combine this style with some bling and a ball gown, and you'll be one unforgettable bride.
Permanent Hair Color	–	can be used to achieve subtle or dramatic color changes, to lighten hair, and to color hair that is up to 100% gray. Your technician will help you find a permanent hair color that provides long-lasting, healthy-looking results with beautiful color dimension.
Ponytail	–	for a daytime or casual outdoor wedding, there's no style fresher and sweeter. Add volume at the crown, or keep it sleek. Wrap a strand of hair around the base of the ponytail to keep the look clean and a little more special than your usual headed-to-the-gym style.
Porosity	–	determines how it will absorb color. Hair that is very porous, due to over processing or other chemical exposures such as swimming, will absorb color more readily.
Powder	–	talc-like products like eye shadow, blush, and face powder
Primer	–	used underneath other product that creates a barrier between your skin and anything applied
Protein	–	hair is 70-80% protein. Proteins provide strength and resilience.
Satin	–	a formula that's neither matte nor shiny that gives a soft, smooth finish to the skin
Sculpting	–	the process of reshaping a feature or face; completely higher grade stuff
Sheer	–	a thinner, more transparent finish gives the skin a glow but allow the skin to shine through underneath
Side Braid	–	starts at the crown of the head or even below the ear is a romantic wedding day style; incorporate a strand of pearls or string of crystals into the braid for added sparkle.
Side Parted Updo	–	contemporary chic for brides with long hair. Secure hair below the ear where the bangs end, or pull it back centered.
Single-process	–	hair color will permanently transform your hair in one application, there is no separate decolorizing step, versus double-process hair color. Single-process hair color is generally used to boost or lighten natural color and to cover gray.
Stippling	–	short dabbing strokes - blending technique for blending out the edges. A great way to carefully apply one product over another (see also Layering)
Stylist	–	salon stylist is your partner in achieving your hair color goals. In order to best benefit from his or her expertise, give your stylist as much information as you can about your hair and the hair color look you want to achieve during your consultation. A stylist who specializes in color services is a colorist.
Texture	–	the consistency of a product; the feel and weight
Texture	–	as defined by the diameter of an individual hair strand, is generally described as fine, medium, or coarse. Your stylist will factor in your hair's texture when determining your best color formulation.
Tiara	–	jeweled or beaded semicircle worn on top of the head. We carry a beautiful section of wedding tiaras for your big day!
Tiara Combs	–	like the traditional tiara, tiara combs feature a sparkling, crown-like design that rests on the top of the head and can be incorporated into the hairstyle. Instead of side bands, this style of tiara uses combs to rest on the head or in the hairstyle. They are usually smaller than traditional tiaras.
Tiaras	–	these sparkling accessories are like princess crowns and usually feature rhinestones, pearls, or other decorative accents. They rest at the top of the head in the center and can be incorporated into hairstyles. They rest in place using a circular or half-circle design with side bands, much like a headband.
Tight Lining	–	applying a tiny bit of liner to the top waterline as close as possible to the lashes to make the lash line appear fuller and thicker
Tinted	–	gives the skin the slightest hint of color
Tone	–	in hair coloring, is the term used to describe a specific color
Transparency	–	a value used to describe the amount of pigment a hair color formulation will deposit on the hair. Highly transparent colors will provide subtle changes.
Undertone	–	the underlying color – yellow, pink, blue
Updo with Bangs	–	if you prefer face-framing styles to updos that pull back every strand of hair, try this style. Sweep bangs to the side and secure the end with a bobby pin.
Warm	–	is a tonal value that can apply to blonde, brunette, and red shades. A color is said to have warm tones, if it tends toward yellow or red. Warm colors include golden blonde-haired people, auburn brown-haired people, and coppery reds. (see also Cool)
Waterline	–	inner liner above lower lash line
Waterproof	–	repels water and is not soluble in water; make-up usually requires an oil-based make up remover to take the product off.
Water-resistant	–	won't smudge if it gets wet but will begin to move if fully underwater
Wreath	–	a full circle of flowers or ribbon which rests on the crown of the head.