Hair Colour 101

Hair Colour Terms Explained at west with style
Hairdressers in Westhill, Aberdeen

We know that hair colour terms can be a bit baffling, with plenty of different techniques and changing names, so that's why our expert team have created this simplified guide.  In it we explain what all the latest hair colouring terms mean so that when you come into the salon, you will know what options are available.

If you've never had your hair coloured, or you’re still not sure what to ask for, don’t worry – simply book a consultation and we will be more than happy to answer your questions and help find the right hair colour for you.  Even if you've been having your hair coloured for years, it’s a good idea to find out about new trends and techniques you could try.    

Start your hair colour journey by booking a complimentary consultation at our Westhill hairdressers by calling 01224 741313.  

Remember: You must come in for a quick skin test 48 hours before your hair colour appointment to test for any allergies.

Highlights

Highlights are available with different levels of coverage, depending on  your needs and whether this is the first time you've had your hair highlighted.  Highlights are created by  using bleach or a colour that is lighter than your base hair colour which is painted sections which are wrapped in foil. The highlighted sections are woven through your hair and the foil helps the hair colour to develop. 

Full head of highlights - with this service we will weave foil highlights throughout your hair covering your whole head.

Three-quarter head highlights - will cover the top, sides and crown of your hair.

Half-head of highlights - with this service we will cover the top and sides of your hair with highlights. 

Baby Lights - these are delicate, super-fine blonde highlights which deliver the subtle look and dimensional tones seen on young children’s hair.

Low Lights

Low lights are 2 or 3 shades darker than your natural shade, and work to add dimension and richness to your hair colour.

Balayage & Ombré

Often confused with each other, balayage and ombré are popular hair colouring techniques that have similarities but create very different looks. 

For a natural sun-kissed look, we recommend balayage.  This  involves our experienced colourists hand-painting highlights throughout your hair to accentuate where the sun would’ve naturally lightened your hair in a way which also flatters your features.

If you prefer a more noticeable graduated change throughout your hair, then ask for ombré.  This is an all over hair colour technique which leaves your hair darker at the roots and lighter towards the ends. 

Colour Melt Hair Colour

With colour melting your hair colourist will use multiple colours and overlap them for a blended effect that looks very natural.  The aim is for the colours to blend seamlessly into each other.

Hair Colour Contouring

Hair colour contouring involves choosing colours specifically to compliment your skin tone and face shape.  By the clever placement of colour in your hair we can create an impression of texture with light and shade. 

 Face framing highlights are particularly popular and flattering, sometimes known as the money piece.

Root Smudge / Shadow 

This is a low maintenance technique which evolved from balayage.  It involves a darker shade being applied directly to the roots for a soft seamless contrast.  It's a good way to freshen up your hair colour giving it added depth and dimension.  It also creates a lived-in look to blonde hair colour whilst maintaining the brightness of the blonde.

Bleach

Our professional colour technicians have the knowledge and skills to lighten your hair without damaging it, but please remember that if you want to bleach your hair to several shades lighter than your current tone, you may find that you will require more than one session to reach the colour you are after.  You may also need a toner applied to your hair after bleaching to remove any brassy tones. We will advise you about this at your initial consultation, and rest assured that we can create the beautiful blonde hair you are dreaming of! 

Semi-Permanent Hair Colour

Semi-permanent colour lasts up to eight weeks and fades with each wash. This is ideal if you are new to hair colour as it allows you to try out a colour with less commitment.  Semi-permanent hair colour is also great if you like to change up your hair colour regularly, as when it washes out you can simply try something different!

This type of hair colour is also ideal if you want to try a bold fashion hair colour such as bright and vibrant colour or pastel hair colours. However, it is worth noting that these colours will show up with more intensity on lighter hair than darker hair. Make sure to speak to your west with style colourist and let them know what you’re hoping to achieve with your hair colour, and they will explain the right way to get what you want.

Whole Head Tint

With this service we use a single colour all over your head adding an extra layer of semi-permanent pigment to your hair.  It results in a subtle sheen of colour across your hair which has become increasingly popular.   We can create gorgeous shiny hair with a Shinefinity Hair Glaze, which adds shine or a new tone to your hair  It is great for enhancing darker base shades or neutralising brassiness in blonde hair.

We also offer a full head of permanent hair colour which is a great way to cover white hair.