There was a great post on our Facebook wall by friend of the salon, Chelle Andrews, asking what a specific hair colour term was – and it got us thinking… how many other questions need answering!

Looking around at the number of different terms used at our salon and fellow Northampton Hairdressers, we are sure there are a lot more questions about the terms we all use on our price lists!

So, starting with Colours, here is our definitive guide to what our terms mean and what other names the hair service may be known as:

Short Hair is defined as hair that is jaw length and above
Long Hair flows past the jaw line

Permanent:
This is daddy of all hair colours and for those who are committed to a change as you will be blessed with this colour until it grows out. The colour is applied to your roots and  through to the ends. This is popular if you are looking to completely change your colour or to simply enhance your natural shine. The hidden gem with permanent colour is the ability to vanish grey hairs completely.

If the shade is a deep contrast to your natural colour then you will get  visible regrowth. This is addressed with a regrowth application on your next visit – generally 4 – 6 weeks after the initial permanent application. If the permanent colour is more akin to your natural shade you can expect the regrowth to be less visible.
 
Permanent colour is available in both long and short lengths.
 
Roots:
This is as simple as it sounds! Simply, this is where your roots are touched up to correct visible regrowth (from permanent all over colours detailed above).
Roots may also be called a “retouch”.
 
Semi Permanent:
This is for those of you who prefer a low or no commitment colour. Perfect for when you want to try a new colour without jumping straight in! Usually this colour lasts for 4 – 6 weeks and is a great way to enhance or change or current colour.
This may also be known as a “quasi” (not after American indie rock band formed in Portland, Oregon in 1993). But you know we like to keep it simple to semi-permanent it is for us!
 
At Barbarella Hair we only use the best hair colour when working our magic! We believe Joico colours are as good as they get. The Vero KPAK Color System is a unique professional coloring system. Vero KPAK Color System reconstructs while the color is applied, it is the first and only color system that fuses Quadramine Complex and KPAKs exclusive technology with true tonal series delivering the ultimate in luminous, long-lasting color and shiny, healthy hair.
 
We extend a warm welcome to anyone who wants to visit our salon for free colour advice – even if you don’t intend to get your hair done at our salon. We just love providing impartial and knowledgable hair colour advice
 
Look out for our next post which details Halo, Flashes and Foils!!