Whether you want to ask a professional for the perfect cut or you want to get started in the industry, knowing the professional haircut terms is essential. Here’s the main hairstyle terminology you should know, including what each hair term means, from A to Z.

Hair Cutting and Hair Styling Terms

Below we have included 50 of the most common hair cutting and hair styling terms with pictures so that you can understand the definitions when talking to your hairstylist!

Acid Perm

An acid perm is a form of permanent, wavy-style hair that produces soft curls. It typically involves using chemicals to set a pH level in the hair of 4.5 to 7.0, hence the name. Acid perms usually require heat for activating the chemicals and work well for people with thinner hair.

Activator

An activator is a chemical that helps speed up the process of hair bleach. Notably, activators can enhance effects without causing additional bleaching damage to hair, so they’re a frequent component of treatments using bleach.

Afro

An afro is a hairstyle where kinky, tight curls surround the head, usually in a large, spherical shape. Some people have a natural tendency towards afros, but other people may need to use tools like afro picks to help create this distinctive look.

A-Line Bob

An a-line bob haircut is similar to a regular bob, but it’s somewhat longer in the front than in the back. From behind, it looks somewhat like a capital letter A, hence the common name for this style.

Traditional a-line bobs involve straight hair, but it’s possible to make this cut with wavy or curly hair.

Alkaline Perm

Alkaline perms are the more common type of perm that people get. These are sometimes called “cold perms” and typically use chemicals with a pH balance of 8.2 to 9.6. Alkaline perms are usually better for people with thick and coarse hair, but they’re also a little more damaging.