barber glossary
A-Z Barber Barber Glossary:
Looking to ramp up your barber lingo? Whether you're a seasoned professional or just stepping into the world of barbering, our comprehensive A-Z guide on barber terms will empower you with the language of the trade.
Haircut Styles and Techniques:
Pompadour: A hairstyle where the hair is swept upwards and backwards from the forehead.
Undercut: A style where the sides and back are cut very short or even shaved, while the top remains longer.
Quiff: A hairstyle that combines the elements of a pompadour and a flat top, with hair brushed forward and up.
High and Tight: A military-inspired haircut with the sides and back very short, and a small patch of slightly longer hair on top.
Crew Cut: Short, evenly graduated hair cut where the sides and back are shorter than the top.
Faux Hawk: A milder version of the Mohawk, where hair in the middle of the head is longer than the sides but not shaved.
Slick Back: Hair is styled to lay flat and backward.
Comb Over: Hair is combed from one side of the head to cover a balding area on the other.
Taper Fade: Gradual transition of hair length from long at the top to shorter or bald toward the neck.
High Fade: A fade that starts high up on the head.
Low Fade: A fade that begins low, near the ear.
Skin Fade: A fade where the hair gradually disappears entirely, down to the skin.
Razor Fade: A sharp fade achieved using a straight razor.
Textured Crop: A short hairstyle with added texture and often paired with a fade.
Side Part: Hair is parted distinctly on one side.
Mohawk: Hair is shaved on the sides and the middle is left long and upright.
French Crop: Short haircut with a cropped fringe and often paired with a fade.
Buzz Cut: A very short, uniform haircut achieved with clippers.
Shaggy Haircut: A layered haircut that gives a messy, unstructured look.
Layered Cut: Hair is cut at different lengths to create layers.
Blunt Cut: Hair is cut straight across without layers.
Bob Cut: A short to medium length haircut where the hair is cut straight around the head, often with a fringe.
Pixie Cut: A very short feminine haircut with layers.
Long Layers: Layers that add volume and movement to long hair.
Short Layers: Layers in short hair to add texture and volume.
Point Cutting: Cutting hair at an angle to create texture.
Scissor Over Comb: Technique where a comb is used to lift hair and scissors cut over it for precision.
Clipper Over Comb: Using a comb to lift hair and a clipper to cut, for a blended effect.
Texturizing: Techniques used to add or reduce volume and to create movement in the hair.
Razor Cutting: Using a straight razor to cut hair for a softer appearance.
Line Up: Creating sharp and clean lines around the forehead, temples, and back.
Hard Part: A shaved line creating a prominent parting in the hair.
Hair Growth Patterns: The direction in which hair naturally grows from the scalp.
Hair Texture: The natural condition of hair, such as straight, wavy, curly, or coily.
Hair Part: The division of hair on the scalp where it separates.
Hairline Design: Custom shaping of the front hairline or temples.
Sideburns: Hair grown on a man's cheeks, often extending from the hairline to below the ears.
Beard Styles, Grooming, and Care
Full Beard: This is a beard style that completely covers the chin, cheeks, and neck. It's the most natural style of beard, requiring little shaping or maintenance.
Goatee: This is a beard style that includes hair on the chin and usually a mustache. The cheeks are typically shaven clean in a goatee style.
Ducktail Beard: In this style, the beard is grown long and pointed at the chin, similar to the tail of a duck. The sides of the beard are kept shorter, creating a tapered effect.
Van Dyke Beard: Named after the 17th-century painter Anthony Van Dyck, this style consists of a detached mustache and a goatee, with the cheeks shaven clean.
Beard Oil: This is a product used to moisturize the skin under the beard and to soften the beard hair itself. It often contains essential oils for fragrance and additional benefits.
Beard Balm: This is a product used to style and shape the beard. It also provides hydration and conditioning for the beard hair.
Beard Wash: This is a specialized shampoo designed for use on the beard. It helps to cleanse the beard and the skin underneath, removing dirt, oil, and other impurities.
Beard Conditioner: Similar to hair conditioner, beard conditioner is used after beard wash to soften and detangle the beard hair. It can also help to moisturize the skin underneath the beard.
Beard Shaping: This is the process of trimming and sculpting the beard to a specific style or shape. It often involves defining lines along the cheeks and neck.
Neckline Maintenance: This refers to the practice of keeping the line where the beard ends and the neck begins neat and well-defined. This can help to enhance the overall appearance of the beard.
Face Shape and Beard Style: The idea here is that certain beard styles look better on certain face shapes. For example, a square or round beard might look good on a person with a square or round face, while a longer, narrower beard might suit someone with a long, narrow face.
Patchy Beards: This refers to beards that have uneven growth, with some areas having less hair than others. There are various techniques and products that can help to improve the appearance of a patchy beard.
Beard Growth Stimulation: This involves using certain methods or products to encourage the growth of facial hair. This might include massage, special serums, or dietary changes.
Beard Tattooing: This is a cosmetic procedure where pigments are tattooed onto the skin to give the appearance of a fuller beard. It's often used by people who have difficulty growing a full beard naturally.
Eco-friendly Beard Products: These are beard care products that are made using environmentally friendly methods and ingredients. They are designed to minimize harm to the environment.
Beard Dyeing: This is the practice of changing the color of the beard using special dyes. Some people dye their beards to cover up grey hairs, while others do it for fashion or to make a statement.
Shaving and Grooming Products:
Pomade: A hairstyling product that provides a shiny and slick appearance, often with a strong hold.
Hair Gel: A thick, clear substance used to hold hair in a specific style.
Hair Wax: Offers a medium hold with a slightly shiny or matte finish, allowing for hair re-styling.
Hair Spray: A liquid product sprayed onto hair to hold it in place.
Hair Cream: Provides light hold and texture, often with moisturizing properties.
Hair Mousse: A foam product that adds volume and shine to the hair.
Shaving Cream: A creamy substance applied before shaving to lubricate and protect the skin.
Shave Gel: Transparent gel used to lubricate and protect the skin during shaving.
Shaving Brush: A brush used to apply shaving cream or soap.
Safety Razor: A razor with a protective device positioned between the edge of the blade and the skin.
Straight Razor: A razor with a blade that can fold into its handle.
Shavette: A type of straight razor with replaceable blades.
Aftershave: A product applied to the skin after shaving to soothe and disinfect.
Pre-Shave Oil: Oil applied before shaving to soften the beard and reduce razor drag.
Aftershave Balm: A soothing balm applied post-shave to hydrate and calm the skin.
Shaving Soap: Hard soap used with a shaving brush to create lather for shaving.
Beard Shampoo: Specifically formulated to clean and condition facial hair.
Beard Conditioner: Softens and detangles beard hair while moisturizing the skin underneath.
Beard Oil: A blend of natural oils applied to nourish the beard and underlying skin.
Beard Balm: A product that conditions, styles, and provides a slight hold for beards.
Beard Butter: Creamier than balm, it deeply conditions and nourishes facial hair.
Beard Wash: A cleanser designed specifically for washing facial hair.
Beard Brush: A brush designed to detangle, shape, and style beards.
Beard Comb: A tool used to untangle and style beard hair.
Mustache Wax: A firm product used to shape and hold mustache styles.
Styptic Pencil: A medicated stick used to stop bleeding from small nicks or cuts.
Talcum Powder: A powdered cosmetic used to absorb moisture and reduce friction.
Cologne: A fragrant liquid typically made from essential oils extracted from flowers and spices.
Hair Dryer: An electric device that blows hot or cold air to dry hair.
Sea Salt Spray: Gives hair a wavy, beachy texture.
Hair Clay: Provides strong hold with a matte finish, enhancing hair fullness.
Heat Protectant: Shields hair from heat damage during styling.
Hair Serum: Liquid treatment for shine and frizz control.
Hair Tonic: Offers light hold and shine; can be used as a foundational product.
Beard Serum: Provides shine and conditioning to beards without a greasy residue.
Charcoal Shampoo: Deeply detoxifies and cleanses hair and scalp.
Micellar Water for Hair: Gently cleanses hair by attracting dirt and impurities.
Facial Hair Dye: Colors beard and mustache hair.
Beard Growth Serums/Oils: Promotes beard growth and thickness.
Derma Roller for Beards: A microneedling tool believed to stimulate beard growth.
Texture Powder: Adds volume and grip to hair with a matte finish.
Hybrid Products: Combines the benefits of two products, e.g., 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.
Barbering Apron/Cape: Protects clients during haircuts or styling sessions.