Hair Glossary

A

ABRASION – The process of scraping or wearing of hair away from the scalp.  It causes partial or complete absence of hair from those areas.

ACID PERM – An acid perm produces permanent hair waves with curls that are actually softer than an alkaline perm. It has a pH from 6.5 to 8.0.

ACTIVATOR – It is a chemical ingredient added to hair bleach to speed the process without creating extra damage.

ADRENAL – It is a gland that affects certain types of hair growth. 

AFRO HAIR – A famous hair terminology referring to a hairstyle made up of a mass of very tight curls surrounding the head. It can be thick or thin in texture.

A-LINE BOB – A type of bob that is longer in the front then it is in the back, resembling a capital “A.”

ALKALINE PERM – A chemically based permanent curling and waving method that has a pH from 7.5 to 9.5. It is stronger than acid perms. Alkaline perms are designed to produce tight, firm, springy curls rather than the looser curls produced by acid perms.

ALOPECIA – PRARVI explains that it is the hair loss in humans, either naturally or from a disease.

ALOPECIA ADNATA – It is congenital baldness or baldness from the time of birth.

ALOPECIA ANDROGENETIC – It is the common name for male or female pattern baldness which depends on the genetic predisposition of the hair follicles and the levels of DHT in the body.

ALOPECIA AREATA – Alopecia Areata is the medical term used for hair loss which occurs in patches on the scalp.

ALOPECIA FOLLICULARIS – It is the hair loss due to inflammation of hair follicles.

ALOPECIA NEUROTICA – When baldness follows a nervous disorder or injury to the nervous system.

ALOPECIA SENILIS – It is the baldness due to old age.

ALOPECIA TOTALIS – It is the complete loss of scalp hair often combined with the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes

ALOPECIA UNIVERSALIS – The disease in which the hair loss is in every pore of the body, it includes scalp and skin of the whole body.

ALPHA HYDROXY ACID – Known as AHA, these solutions are used as exfoliating. They can help reduce ingrown hairs and improve the look of skin.

AMINO ACID – Organic compounds containing an amino group and a carboxylic acid group. They are “The building blocks of hair.”

AMINOPHENOLS – When phenol derivatives are used in combination with other chemicals in permanent hair dyes. 

AMMONIA – The main ingredient found in hair color that opens the cuticle, it allows color molecules to enter in the hair.

AMMONIUM THIOGLYCOLATE – It is known as “Perm Salt.”  This is a chemical compound (C2H7NO2S) that works by swelling the hair and breaking down disulfide bonds, rendering the hair as “permeable.”

ANAGEN – Scalp hair stays in this active phase of growth for 2–7 years, this period is genetically determined in every individual. Anagen is the active growth phase of hair follicles during which the root of the hair divides rapidly, adding to the hair shaft. During this phase, the hair grows about 1 cm in every 28 days.

ASYMMETRICAL – Hair terminology meaning different lengths on both sides.  For example, in an asymmetrical bob, hair is longer on one side than the other.  It can be drastic or subtle.

B

BABY HAIR – Baby hairs are those small wispy hairs on hairline that are often very fine and a bit unruly. As a result, those baby hairs are often a different texture than the rest of the hair on the heads.

BALAYAGE – Hair that has a certain color in the bottom (a lighter shade) that gradually fades into a different color around the roots.

BANGS– The layer of hair present at the top of the face to about eyebrow level. They can be styled many different ways

BARBICIDE – Brand name of the blue liquid used to disinfect all hair styling tools.

BARBA – A medical term used for the beard.

BASIC SHADE A natural or neutral color of hair.

BEACH WAVES – Hair that is somewhat wavy, with a “wind-tousled” look.  It is usually created by using saltwater-based spray.

BOB – A bob haircut is when the weight line of the haircut falls around chin or ears.

BONDING – The process of attaching hair wefts to hair with adhesive.

BLEACH – Bleach in hair, works by raising the hair cuticle, going into the hair and dispersing color molecules, which lightens the hair. 

BLENDING– The process of blending one line of the haircut to the other line by usually cutting out the hair between both lines.

BLENDED WIG – Blended, means mixed. The wig that has synthetic strands of hair mixed with yaks and Afghan hounds. After the first few washes, it tends to lose its luster.

BLONDE HAIR Blond (male), blonde (female) – It is a hair color characterized by low levels of the dark pigment melanin. The resultant visible hue depends on various factors; it always has some sort of yellowish color. The color can be from the very pale blond to reddish "strawberry" blond or golden-brownish blond. Prarvi deals with each and every blonde shade.

BLOWOUT – It is a service performed at various salons where the hair is washed, blow-dried and styled with hot tools. 

BLUNT CUT – When the scissors are held horizontal to the comb, cutting all hair the same length.

BOND PROTECTIVE SHIELD – A bond protective shield is a product used when a quick weave is being done to protect the hair from any glue damage. First, coat the entire head with the bond protective shield until it gets hard then do the weave.

BRAID – Hairstyle created by weaving strands of hair together. 

BRASSY – Unwanted golden or orange tones in hair.

BULB – Root of the hair is known as the bulb.

BULK HAIR – Term used for loose commercial hair. This hair is used for creating wefts or for services like fusion. It is packed loose. It is mostly utilized for braiding as well as strand by strand application.

BUNDLES – A bundle is a commonly used word in the hair industry.  When we purchase hair, it either comes in a plastic packet with the hair held in place or the weft will be rolled together with a ribbon around it making it look like a bundle of hair.

BUZZ - CUT – A haircut in which the entire head is shaved with a clipper.

C

CAESAR CUT – A popular short haircut in which the top hair is styled forward and there is a little fringe around the face.

CANITIES – The scientific name for grey hair.

CATAGEN – It is the resting phase of the hair growth cycle.

CETYL ALCOHOL (FATTY ALCOHOL) It is a gentle humectant, it boost lather formation and an emulsifier. In hair products, it is used to smooth and soften the hair cuticle in hair. 

CHAMOMILE – Used in products for enhancing color for blonde hair. 

CHELATING – Chelating shampoo is similar to clarifying shampoo.  It works by binding minerals and metals and removing them from the hair.  This is good for removing hard-water buildup or chlorine.

CHEMICAL DEPILATORIES – Powder or cream preparations that are used to dissolve hair above the surface of the skin.

CHEMICALLY TREATED Coloring, perming, straightening, bleaching, these are the processes that are referred to chemically treated in hair terminology. However, these processes can weaken and damage natural hair structure.

CHIGNON – This is a popular hairstyle. It is a knot or coil of hair worn on the back of the head.  It is a popular choice for formal events.

CHINESE HAIR – Chinese hair is available in large quantities, this type of hair is coarse and thick. The texture requires the chemical treatment before it can be used in hair extensions. After the treatment, it lacks shine and has a rough texture. Many Chinese extensions are coated with silicon to give it a shine.

CHEMICAL HAIRCUT– Hair that is processed so many times by bleach, color or perms that it has broken off by itself.

CHILLTIP – A patented cooling device used in laser hair removal.

CHITOSANA natural polymer obtained from sea crust to protect the hair. 

CHOPPY HAIR-CUT – It is a textured haircut, in which all the different pieces are of different lengths.  It is often created with a razor.

CHUNKING – A method of highlighting the hair in which the highlights are very thick and unblended.

CICATRICIAL ALOPECIA – This is baldness due to scarring. The follicles are absent in scar tissue. 

CLARIFYING SHAMPOO – It is stronger than normal shampoo.  It has a strong pH level and should not be used more than once or twice per week. It is designed to remove buildup from hair products, hard water, etc.

CLIPPERS – Electric machines used to cut hair.

CLIPPER-OVER-COMB – A hair cutting technique in which the hair needed to be cut is pulled out with the comb and then the clipper is running over the comb, cutting the hair.

CLIP-IN HAIR EXTENSIONS – Real or synthetic hair that has clips sewn to the top of the weft so they can temporarily add length and volume to the hair.

CLOSURE  It is a tiny piece of Indian Remy hair combined with a thin piece of lace. It is used either to cover the gap left by human hair wefts or in order to cover the crown area, closure gives a great effect.

CLUB HAIR – It is the non-living hair in the last phase of the growth cycle. It has now detached from the hair follicle and is waiting to be shed.

COARSE – It refers to the diameter of the hair.  Coarse hair is large in diameter and feels rough to the touch.

COLORED REMY When virgin hair is dyed from its natural color to other colors. Hair when colored no longer remains virgin. However, Indian Remy hair is accessible in many colors.

COMB-OVER – A trendy haircut, in which the hair is parted to one side and combed completely over.  

CONDITIONER – Creamy hair product used after shampoo to soften and detangle hair.

CORNROW – Tight braids that are on the scalp. They are very helpful while putting hair extensions.

CORTEX – The body of hair, consisting of 90% of the weight. In this only the color of molecules are found.

COWLICK – A cowlick is an area of hair where the hair grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the hair.  

CREAM RINSE It is a mixture of greasy substance applied on hair shaft for detangling after shampooing.

CREW-CUT – A short, tapered haircut in which the hair is extremely short on the top of the head and graduates to longer hair in the front.

CROCHET – Crochet is an installation method where the hair comes already styled and goes through a braid using a crochet hook or latch hook tool.

CROP – A haircut in which the hair is cut very close to the head.

CROSS-CHECK – Cross-checking a haircut is the final step to make sure everything is even.  

CROWN – The area on top of the head.

CUTICLES – The outermost, scale-like surface of the hair shaft. It protects the hair. Healthy cuticles impart the sheen to the hair.

CUTTING-IN – The term used to describe getting a ’haircut’ and having new hairpiece styled for the first time after receiving it.

D

DANDRUFF – A condition caused by excessive cell production causing the scalp to flake.

DEEP CONDITIONER – It is an extra strong conditioner that sits on the hair for at least a few minutes.  It adds protein, moisture, and vitamins in hair to help repair dry, damaged hair.

DEEP PENETRATING TREATMENT  A conditioner for hair meant for occasional use. It is of greater intensity than ordinary conditioners. Formulas usually contain protein, vitamins, and moisture to help dry, damaged hair. 

DEPTH – The lightness and darkness of a color.

DEPIGMENTATION  Erasing the color pigments from hair is known as depigmentation.

DERMAL SHEATH – It is the lining of the hair.

DERMATOLOGIST – A doctor specializing in skin and hair conditions.

DEVELOPER – It is peroxide that is added to permanent or semi-permanent hair color or bleach. It is used to lighten the hair color. It works by lifting the cuticle and allowing the color to enter the hair.

DIFFUSER – It is an attachment for a blow-dryer that disperses the air flow and distributes it over a larger area of hair. It is commonly used with curly hair since the air flow won’t disturb the natural flow of the curls.

DIMENSIONS IN HAIR – It refers to the illusion of depth and space created by the contrast of different colors.

DIMENSIONAL COLORS – To use color for adding dimension to the hair, such as highlights or balayage.

DISCONNECTED – When main parts of the haircut are not connected by a seamless line. 

DISTORTED HAIR FOLLICLES – A rare condition in which the follicle is not straight.

DOUBLE DRAWN  PRARVI explains that Double drawn hair means that within a bundle, the majority of shorter hair is removed and replaced with long hair of the same length. This work is done by hand, not machines. This process increases the quality of hair extension and provides fuller volume.  If you purchase 18” extension, 80% hair will be of 18” and remaining 20% will be of 14” and 16”. The hair thickness will be same from root to tip, giving U shape at the bottom of the hair. This weft is the most popular. Double drawn hair will allow your style to be full as well.

DREADLOCKS – A permanent hairstyle in which the hair with least care is encouraged to get rough and it forms a cylindrical, and dreaded pattern. They are very coarse and thick. Dreadlocks may take several months for forming. This style is practiced in Africa and India.

DRY-CUTTING – Dry cutting gives little kinks or cowlicks, so hair looks more voluminous. It causes less damage to the hair, which allows a longer gap between haircuts. It is performed after the hair is already washed, cut, dried and styled; it is also used as a primary method of hair cutting.

DUSTING – To cut the bare minimum tips of the hair to clean up the haircut, without making it look freshly cut.

E

EDGER – See Trimmer.

EDGY – The trendy and non-conventional hair.

ELASTICITY – The hair’s ability to stretch without breaking and then return to its original shape. 

ELECTRIC TWEEZER – It is the device that removes hair by grasping it above the skin’s surface with electrified tweezers. 

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS – These are the ingredients used in hair products to preserve the resilience of the hair.

EUROPEAN HAIR (Caucasian) – European Hair typically refers to the hair of Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian or Swedish origins. European hair is Caucasian, however, it is generally very fine. Very often these women have given up their hair unwillingly, and are forced by their husbands and families in exchange for small sums of money. This hair is generally color treated by traditional methods of bleaching and dyeing.

EXTENSIONS – These are pieces of real or synthetic hair that are attached close to the scalp to make hair appear longer and/or more voluminous.

F

FALLEN HAIR  Fallen hair refers to the hair strands that fall to the floor after collecting from multiple donors. Because it's swept up from the ground, the cuticles don't face the same direction. This means that fallen hair will tangle much easier than Remy’s hair, as the cuticles can lock together.

FAUX HAWK – The haircut which blends down into a regular men’s haircut.

FEATHERING – This hair terminology refers to the act of softening hard lines in a haircut.

FILLER– Used to even out hair before a coloring service.

FINISHING SPRAY – A hairspray used to keep a hair in place after it has been styled.

FLUID HAIR PAINTING – The method of painting hair color on the hair, the client is reclined and their hair is fanned out on a table.

FLY-AWAY HAIR – The thin, fine hairs that are statically charged and they will not lay with the rest of the hair.

FOILING – A method of highlighting hair. The parts of the hair are sectioned into foils and color is applied.  The foil allows coloring certain pieces of the hair.

FOLLICLE – The hair follicle is the root of the hair or a pore in the skin from which a hair grows.

FOLLICLE SHEATH  It protects the hair during its growth stage. 

FOLLICULAR UNIT – A group of hair that grows together and shares the same blood supply.

FOLLICULITIS – A common disorder characterized by inflammation of the hair follicle.

FREEZING SPRAY – It is a heavy-hold hairspray meant to keep hair in place.

FRINGE – It is the correct hair terminology for “bangs.”

FRONTAL – A frontal is typically a 13×4 hairpiece that is sewn in across the top of the head from ear to ear. The tip of the frontal is a lace material. The frontal provides the most versatility for styling than the 4×4.

FROSTING – The highlights did on small sections of hair through a cap and applying bleach.  The result is very fine with blended highlights that are usually very light in color.

FULL LACE WIG  When Indian Remy hair is sewed onto a thin lace resembling human scalp, it creates a hair unit or a wig. Wigs that are full laced, can be styled, braided and parted just like natural hair and can be styled in a high ponytail. Such wigs do not have noticeable glue or wefts.

FUSION HAIR  It is a technique that uses hot or cold glue to attach human hair to the natural hair. Fusion hair uses human hair extensions that are specially made for this purpose. Those extensions give an amazing look because they are attached to the ends of the natural hair strand.

FUSION – The process of attaching small pieces of hair to natural hair. 

G

GLAZE – A semi-permanent product which adds sheen and luster to the hair.

GLOSS – Shine overlay on the hair.  It is created temporarily with hair products or a clear hair color.

GLUE  Glue is an adhesive compound, used in bonding tips. Removing it is a tough job as they can not only absorb color but also can cause damage to natural hair.

GRADUATION – When hair “graduates” from short to long. 

GREY HAIR – Hair that has naturally lost all pigment.

GUIDE – The first initial line in the haircut that is followed by the rest of the haircut. 

H

HAIR CLONING – A technique which is under development for making an unlimited crop of donor hair available for transplanting.

HAIR EXTENSIONS – The process of adding real or synthetic hair in natural hair, by braiding, fusing, bonding or with the use of clip-ins, to make hair appear to be longer and fuller.

HAIR GROWTH CYCLE – The life of a strand of hair goes through three different phases: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen.

HAIR INTEGRATION – A term used to describe hair weaving.

HAIR INSTALLATION  It is the process in which human hair extensions are applied to the natural hair using the methods of fusion, sewn and boned, and others.

HAIR-PAINTING – To design the hair with color, directly with a brush.

HAIR SHAFT – It is the non-growing part of hair above the skin.

HAIR WEAVING – A process by which a hair piece is attached to existing hair on the head through braiding or a weaving process.

HAIR WEFT CLIPS – To attach hair wefts by clips.

HAND TIED WEFT Hair is tied onto a thin weft using hand and it is used to apply Indian Remy human hair weave. These wefts are very delicate and are known be the thinnest and most identical wefts around.

HEATCLAMPS – A heat gun that is used to seal synthetic hair

HENNA DYE – Permanent but natural, plant-based hair color.  It is reddish-brown in color.  It does not use developer, and will not damage hair.

HIGHLIGHTS – The process of lightening some pieces of the hair, but not all.

HUMECHANT– Ingredient in hair products that draws in moisture.

HYDROLYZED KERATIN – This contains the "structural protein" of hair that is used to repair damage to hair.

HYDROXYPROPYL GUAR HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE – All the essential ingredients that add moisture to the hair. 

I

INDIAN TEMPLE HAIRPRARVI explains that Indian hair is seen to be the best hair available worldwide. It is strong, thick, healthy and in virgin condition. Temple’s hair is the most ethical source of human hair extension. Such hair is shaved directly from the hair of individual donor. Some women in Hindu temples, in the special ceremony, offer their hair in order to get rewarded with special blessings. Temple hair is not only hand sorted but is also bundled and washed and it sun-dried. It does not use any chemical during the process and the customer receives it in its natural form. PRARVI uses the only temple donated Indian hair in extensions.

INGROWN HAIR – A hair that does not break the surface of the skin, and grows inwards on the surface of the skin. It looks like black dots on skin. It can cause infection and inflammation.

INTERLOCKING – It is a process to make dreadlock hairstyle.

IONIC PROCESS – Where water molecules are broken down into smaller droplets by ions. It allows the hair to absorb the moisture more easily.

ISOPROPYL LANOLATE – It is a synthetic moisturizer.

I-TIPPED EXTENSIONS – Specially made extensions, also known as shoelace tipped, and are used in fusion weave application. These narrow and pointed tips extensions are also used in the cold fusion.

J

JOJOBA OIL-Oil extracted from the seeds of an American Shrub, commonly found in hair products.  It closely resembles sebum and adds a lot of moisture to the hair. It contains superior properties to keep skin and hair soft. It is beneficial to dry hair. 

K        

KANEKALON – A Japanese-made synthetic fiber, extensively used in the manufacture of wigs and hairpieces. Its popularity is due to its ability to retain its shape after each washing.

KERATIN – A fibrous and vital content of hair. It is a protein forming the main substance of hair. 

KERATIN STRAIGHTENING – It is an expensive hair treatment that straightens and smoothes hair for a long period of time.  It removes most curl and frizz and will not cause any damage to the hair.

L

LACE-FRONT – Wig cap made from lace. Each strand of hair is hand-knotted into the mesh openings. It creates a more seamless effect at the hairline.

LACE FRONTAL It is a tiny part of Indian Remy hair attached to a thin lace, which is skin-like. It is very similar to that of a full lace wig and its frontals can be used to replicate natural hairline or to hide damaged hair.

LAYERS – Layers are a very type of the hairstyle.  Layers are shorter pieces of hair that blend seamlessly into the haircut, it adds illusive volume and dimension to the female head.

LAYERING – Layering is used to change the thickness of the hair, creating either a thinning or thicker appearance.

LEAVE OUT – A leave out is when most of the hair has weave except only edges are left out. It’s common for people to leave out the perimeter of the hair or just the front edges.

LEUCOTRICHIA – It is a congenital situation of hair, in which the pigment in hairs is absent. It shows hair as grey/white. Several generations of some families have been known to exhibit this dominant trait.

LIGHTENER – It means Bleach in hair, it works by raising the hair cuticle, going into the hair and dispersing color molecules, which lightens the hair.

LINE-UP – The act of creating hard lines around the perimeter of a short haircut with trimmers.

LIPID LAYER – Lipids are part of the structure of the hair. It also forms a protective barrier.

LIQUID HAIR – This product strengthens and rebuilds the structure of the hair. 

LOB-A lob is a long version of a bob.  The weight line should fall around collar bones.

LONG LAYERS – Layers that stay towards the bottom of the hair.

LOWLIGHTS– It is the process of darkening some pieces of hair, but not all of it.

M

MACHINE WEFT  Hair extensions that are machine wefted refer to products which have been sown to create the bundle of extensions.

MEDULLA – The innermost part of hair structure

MELANIN – The natural pigment of the hair which determines the hair color. There are two types of melanin - eumelanin and pheomelanin. If more eumelanin is present, the color of the hair is dark; if less eumelanin is present, the hair is light.

MICRO GRAFT – It is a very small hair graft usually consisting of one or two hairs.

MICROBOND  Micro bond is ½ of an ordinary strand of pre-tipped fusion hair.

MICRO LINKS  These are beads clamped onto the hair shaft and are also known as Micro bead hair extension or Micro Loop hair extensions. Groves that is inside the bead grips the hair but it could damage the natural hair. Metal micro links are the worst of the kind because upon heating, either by a blow dryer or hair straightener, the metal damages and breaks the hair.

MICRO LINKING TECHNIQUE – The process of attaching hair wefts without making braids in the hair. The links are sewn on to the wefted hair.

MONOFILAMENT – It is a fine, transparent nylon or silk mesh with hairs individually hand-knotted into the mesh. It allows the hair to fall naturally and gives more versatility in styling.

MOVEMENT– The path followed by the hairstyle. Wavy hair has a lot of movement.  Straight hair does not have as much movement.

MULLET – A haircut that is short and clean on top of the head and in the front. It is long in the back.

MYRISTATE – It is a synthetic moisturizer.

N

NEUTRALIZER – It is applied to hair after it has been broken down by the perming solution.  The purpose of it is to rebuild the hair back in the newly formed curls.

NORWOOD SCALE – The most commonly used scale for the classification of hair loss.

NOTCHING – The act of cutting some hair but not all of it, to create texture.  

O

OMBRE COLOR Ombre is a French word that means 'shading' or 'graduating'. It usually refers to having dark hair at the scalp and lighter hair at the ends.

OUTER ROOT SHEATH – It is the soft thin layer which envelopes the entire hair. It serves as a reservoir or storehouse for hair stem cells, sebaceous gland, responsible which are responsible for hair lubrication and moisturize them.

OVERTREATMENT – Aggressive treatment used to remove hair which leads to temporary or permanent skin damage.

OVERDIRECTING – When the hair is combed to the complete opposite side of where it should lay, before cutting it or blow-drying it. It is meant to create volume.

OXIDATION – It is the chemical reaction which is caused by mixing hair color and developer together.  This process lifts the cuticle, allowing the hair color to work inside the hair shaft.

P

PALMITATE –It is the synthetic moisturizer. 

PAPILLA – The small area at the root which provides nutrients for the hair.

PARTIAL WEAVE – A partial weave is when half of the hair is exposed, and the rest is a weave. This style is common when looking to add more volume or length of hair. The real hair is still braided just like the full weave but not the whole head. Typically the braids are placed in the back of the head as well, although it depends on the style.

PERM – The process of adding permanent curls or wave to hair.  It can either re-shape curls that already exist or add curls to straight hair.  The head is wrapped in cylinder-shaped perm rods, and then the hair bonds are broken down and rebuilt in the shape of the perm rod.

PERMANENT WAVE – See Perm.

PIERCEY – When the ends of the hair are separated into smaller sections with gel or wax with the fingers.  

PIGMENT – A substance that gives something a particular color when it is present in it or is added to it.

PIXIE CUT – A very short hair that is cut very close to the scalp

PLATINUM BLONDE COLOR PRARVI explains that Platinum blonde hair color is the lightest of all the blonde shades and is best for fair skin tones or medium skin tones with a yellowish tint. Our 613 can be used to color any shade flawlessly.

POINT CUTTING – When the Scissor is held at an angle, creating a “saw-tooth” effect on the hair.  This adds texture to the hair.

POMPADOUR – It is a hairstyle, in which the hair is combed straight up from the forehead without a part.

POROSITY – The ability to absorb moisture

PRE BONDED HAIR EXTENSIONS – I Tip, U Tip, V Tip, or call it fusion hair extensions or Pre-bonded hair extensions, are arguably the most distinct hair extensions. The easiest extensions to be maintained are pre-bonded and fusion hair extensions. In addition to that, it makes your hair thick and rich for much time.

PROTEIN TREATMENT – A type of deep conditioning treatment that adds protein to the hair cortex, it strengthens hair and adds elasticity to it.

R

RAZOR-CUT – Using a razor blade, or comb with razor blades in it to cut the hair. 

RELAXER – A tool used to permanently straighten hair.

REMY HAIR – Hair that has been harvested so that the cuticle is in the same direction on all the hair strands.  It is high-quality hair used in extensions and hair pieces. It is different from Virgin hair as it may be colored or permed. It is soft and silky and is used in making higher quality wigs, extensions, and hair systems.

ROUGH BLOW DRY – A Rough Blow Dry is to remove the moisture from wet hair.

RHYTHM – Term used for the recurrent pattern of movement in the hair.  Tight curls have a fast rhythm while loose waves have a slower rhythm.

S

SCRUNCH DRY – A technique for drying hair that creates a style at the same time. A diffuser is used on the hairdryer.

SEAMLESS WEFTS This technique is done using a skin weft that is applied with a special tape. This type of weave typically lasts for 6 to 8weeks depending on hair growth. It can be removed easily with a special solvent.

SEBACEOUS GLANDS – They are the oil-secreting glands on the scalp.

SEBUM – The oily secretion on the scalp composed of keratin and fat.

SECTIONING – It is dividing the hair into smaller sub-sections for a haircut or hairstyle.  

SEMI PERMANENT – Hair color that is semi-permanent will eventually wash out.  It does not use developer and therefore it cannot make your hair lighter.  It works by coating the hair shaft. Semi-permanent color lasts from 6 - 8 shampoos

SERUM – A serum is a smoothing product to stop hair from frizzing, keeping it smooth and straight.

SHEARS – Scissors used to cut hair.

SHRINKIE EXTENSIONS When small shrink tubes are used to apply small strands of extension hair to the client’s natural hair. Extensions are fused to the client’s hair with a head wand. They typically last for 2-3 months.

SINGLE DRAWN  Single drawn hair is a standard thickness that many extensions are available in and very popular choice. It is obtained as a ponytail from a single donor. A standard bundle of single drawn hair contains 50% full length and 50% varied length hair in extensions for example in a bundle of 18” hair extensions, around 50% hair length will be 18” and the remaining 50% will be 14” and 16”. It means that the hair will be thick at the top and then taper off slightly towards the end, giving V shape at the bottom of the hair. Single drawn hair is the most common extension as less work is involved in processing and low cost.

SILICA FUSION – Silicone lined microbeads are used to attach strands of extension hair to the client’s hair. The silicone acts as a cushion to protect client’s natural hair.

SILICON – It is a gel of inorganic compounds. In the process, many inferior hair extensions are coated with silicones to hide the misaligned cuticle hair. Silicones add shine and softness and the illusion of high-quality hair in excellent condition. Unfortunately, after only a few washes, the true quality of the hair emerges and the left hair is dry and brittle.

SILK PROTEIN – It creates a protective film which seals the hair cuticle. This increases comb-ability and shine and acts as a moisturizer by preventing drying. Silk protein is an excellent conditioning ingredient and is used in many conditioners.

SKIN BASE CLOSURE  It is a tiny patch of Indian Remy hair joined to a rubber base. Skin based closures create a tight seal between the piece and the scalp, which makes it almost unnoticeable.

SKIN WEFTS In skin wefts, a human hair is attached to a slim band of skin-like substance that is identical to a human scalp. The special glue is used to attach it and it gives the impression that hair is growing straight from the scalp.

SPLIT ENDS – When the tip of the hair strand has split due to dryness or damage.

STEAMING – The process by which most synthetic fiber is curled at the factory. The curl pattern in the hair extensions is changed by setting it in rollers. An ordinary hand-held clothing steamer is used on them.

SWISS LACE CLOSURE  Swiss lace closure is nothing more than a tiny patch of Indian Remy hair attached to a slim, breathable lace base. It covers the gap between the wefts and natural scalp and is used to finish a sewn-in weave

SYNTHETIC – Synthetic hair is the lowest in price, it can’t be restyled and is unsafe for hot appliances and beauty tools. The synthetics Japanese fibers (Kanekalon and Toyokalon) can withstand heat without melting.

T

TANGLING  When hair gets knotted because of lack of care or low-quality products, it is referred to as tangling.

TAPER – Hair terminology that means to gradually lessen. It means to diminish or reduce in thickness towards one end.

TAPE HAIR EXTENSIONS Tape weft extensions are not everlasting and are considered semi-permanent but are very quick to apply. It takes 15 to 30 minutes to apply this type of extensions and it lasts up to three months.

TELOGEN – It is the resting phase of the hair cycle.

TEMPLE HAIR  Indian hair is seen to be the best hair available worldwide. It is strong, thick, healthy and in virgin condition. Temple’s hair is the most ethical source of human hair extension. Such hair is shaved directly from the hair of individual donor. Some women in Hindu temples, in the special ceremony, offer their hair in order to get rewarded with special blessings. Temple hair is not only hand sorted but is also bundled and washed and it sun-dried. It does not use any chemical during the process and the customer receives it in its natural form. PRARVI uses the only temple donated Indian hair in extensions. PRARVI deals in best Indian temple hair.

TEMPORARY COLOR – Temporary color is color that coats the hair until you wash it again.

TERMINAL HAIRS – They are coarse, pigmented or non-pigmented, exist on the scalp and gain length at a rate of 1-2cm per month during a cyclical life of up to 10 years.

TEXTURE – The feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface. In hair, it means the feel and appearance of hair.

TEXTURIZER – A texturizer is a mild relaxing treatment. Instead of causing the hair to be ’bone straight,’ this chemical treatment is left on for a short period of time. It slightly relaxes the natural curl in African hair so that it becomes more manageable and with proper maintenance curly styles can also be maintained. 

THERMAL RECONDITIONING – A method of straightening hair by working like a reverse perm.

THINNING SHEARS – When in shears, one or both of the blades have notches cut out of them.  When these shears are used to cut hair, they only cut some of the hair and leave some. This creates a textured look.

THINNING OF THE HAIR – Reducing some bulk of the hair. Thinning shears, razors, layering or various other methods are used for thinning.

TONE – Distribution of ash and warm pigments in hair to give the visual effect of gold or ash in the hair. 

TRACK – Cornrows in which hair extensions are sewn into.

TOUPEE  The Indian Remy toupee is mostly worn by men. It is a tiny unit of small hair and it is used to cover hair loss and balding. Toupee can be combed, cut and washed with ease

TREATMENT – A treatment is a therapy used in between Shampoo and Conditioner to put protein back into the hair.

TRIMMER – Small clippers made to clean up the edges and add detail to a short haircut.

U

U-TIPPED EXTENSIONS These Indian hair extensions are specially made for fusion hair applications and are also referred as nail tip extensions. These extensions use small keratin ends that are used in the hot fusion application technique.

UPSWEEP – Act of loosely gathering all hair on top of the head.

V

VIRGIN HAIR – The term refers to human hair which is in its original state, as it is collected directly from the donor; it has not been permed, colored, or chemically processed. This hair is carefully cut from the grower, cuticle going in the same direction and they are preserved to maximize its special quality. Collecting the hair in this manner takes more time, which contributes to the high price of this hair. Virgin hair can be of any ethnicity, but the best quality hair is of Indian temple origin. It is the most expensive hair of all because it is not plenty. In spite of the high cost, top-quality Virgin Indian hair wigs are in high demand by those who wish to wear only the finest. 

VIXEN SEW-IN – It is a method in which the hair gets divided into four sections. Within those sections, tracks are sewn in. With a vixen sew-in, tracks are not visible during styling or parting. It’s one of the newest and most versatile styles out.

VOLUME – Hair with volume means that it is lifted further from the scalp so that it appears bigger.  It can also mean thicker, fuller hair.

W

WEAVE – A hair weave is usually a hairpiece with layered gaps into it. This is placed on a person’s head and his/her own real hair is weaved into the hairpiece.

WEAVE HAIR EXTENSIONS See Weave

WEAVING – Act of sewing hair extensions into cornrows on the head. It is mostly used the method.

WEFT – A hair piece that is woven together by a strip on top. This is also the type of hair strand used for hair extensions and weaving. 

WEFTS – Wefts are the temporary hair extensions which are glued to the one’s own hair.

WEIGHT LINE – It is the part of the haircut that holds the most weight. 

WHITE HAIR – When hair has no pigment. The possible causes are genetic, vitamin B deficiency, drugs for the treatment of arthritis or other health factors.

WHITE-WALLS – Maximum scalp exposure on a short haircut.

WIG – A covering for the whole head made from real or synthetic hair. The term used to describe any hairpiece with a full cap which covers the hair on the head, or the entire area where hair normally grows, as a substitute for hair. The purpose of a wig is to create your ideal look. 

Y

YAKI HAIR – Commercial hair that mimics the texture of black hair. It comes in multiple textures. Yaki refers to the processed texture of the hair. It resembles chemically relaxed Afro hair.