Whether you’re a first time colour client or a long time QUE regular, understanding the language of hair colour can make your entire salon experience feel clearer, calmer, and way more empowering. The hair world is full of professional terms from “lift” to “levels” to “balayage” and we use them every day during consultations.

This glossary breaks down the industry jargon into simple, friendly explanations so you know exactly what your stylist is talking about and what’s happening to your hair. Use it as your go to reference for all things colour.

Why Understanding Hair Colour Terms Matters

Empowering You During Consultations

Knowledge creates confidence. When you understand the terms your stylist uses, you can ask better questions, express your goals more clearly, and feel fully involved in your colour journey.

Helping You Make Informed Decisions

Knowing the difference between a gloss and a toner or between balayage and ombré helps you choose the right service and manage expectations. At QUE Colour, we value transparency, and that starts with a shared language.

Common Terms and What They Mean

Below is an alphabetised, easy to reference list of the most important colour terms you’ll hear in the salon.

Balayage

A freehand colouring technique where colour or lightener is painted onto the hair without foils. The result is soft, seamless, and naturally blended less “striped,” more sun kissed.

Base

Your starting colour at the root. It may be your natural shade or previously coloured hair, and it guides your entire colour plan.

Demi-Permanent

A long lasting, ammonia free colour that adds tone, depth, and shine without permanently changing the natural pigment. Ideal for glossing, root blending, and refreshing mid lengths.

Developer

The liquid mixed with colour or bleach activates it. Developers come in different strengths (volumes) and determine how much the hair lightens or deposits colour.

Foils

Sections of hair wrapped in foil to isolate lightener or colour. Foils speed up processing and allow for controlled, precise lift. Essential for blondes, babylights, and high impact colour.

Gloss

A gentle, shine enhancing treatment that adds tone and smoothness without lifting the hair. Often used to make colour richer, cooler, warmer, or more reflective. At QUE, Shinefinity is our signature glossing service.

Level

A number (1–10) used to describe how light or dark hair is.

• Level 1 = darkest black
  
  
• Level 10 = lightest blonde
  
  Your level determines what’s achievable and how light your hair can realistically go.
  
  

Lift

The process of lightening the hair removing pigment to reach a higher level. Lift can come from lighteners, high lift tints, or bleach.

Ombre

A gradient colour effect where the hair transitions from darker roots to lighter ends. Unlike balayage, it’s more noticeable, structured, and high contrast.

Permanent Colour

A long lasting colour that changes your natural pigment. Used for grey coverage, full colour changes, or major tonal shifts. Requires regrowth maintenance.

Porosity

How well your hair absorbs and holds moisture (and colour).

• High porosity grabs tone quickly
  
  
• Low porosity may resist colour
  
  
• Medium porosity offers the most even results
  
  

Semi Permanent

A temporary colour that adds tone or vibrancy without altering your natural base. Ideal for gentle refreshes. Fades faster than demi permanent.

Single Process

A one-step colour service applied from roots to ends. Can be permanent or demi permanent, depending on the goal.

Tone

The character of a colour warm (gold, copper), cool (ash, pearl), or neutral. Tone affects the final look of your blonde, brunette, or red shade.

Toner

A colour used after lightening to refine or neutralise unwanted tones. Think cancelling brassiness, adding softness, or creating the perfect blonde. Toners are essential for blonding work.

Similar Terms Explained

Understanding the difference between commonly confused terms makes choosing the right service so much easier.

Toner vs Gloss

• Toner: Applied after bleaching to correct or refine tone.
  
  
• Gloss: Adds shine, richness, and soft toning. More hydrating and gentle.
  
  

At QUE, we often combine both depending on the desired finish.

Balayage vs Ombre

• Balayage: Hand-painted, soft, lived in, seamless.
  
  
• Ombre: A bolder, more noticeable fade from dark to light.
  
  

Balayage blends; ombre transitions.

Semi vs Demi vs Permanent

• Semi: Short term colour that fades quickly.
  
  
• Demi: Longer lasting, more conditioning, no ammonia.
  
  
• Permanent: Alters your natural pigment and offers maximum longevity.
  
  

Level vs Tone

• Level: Lightness or darkness.
  
  
• Tone: The warmth or coolness layered on top.
  
  

Think of the level as “how light” and tone as “what flavour.”

How QUE Colour Simplifies the Colour Journey

At QUE, we believe education is power. During every consultation, we explain the why behind your service not just the what. Our goal is for you to leave the salon with a colour you love and an understanding of how to care for it.

We Translate the Jargon

Your stylist will talk through every term relevant to your service so you always feel informed.

We Tailor Your Plan

Understanding your hair type, porosity, history, and goals means we choose the best techniques, products, and timings without guesswork.

We Prioritise Healthy, Lasting Colour

Clarity builds trust and trust allows us to deliver the glossy, consistent QUE results we’re known for.

Book an Expert Consultation

Ready for a colour experience that actually makes sense?

Book your personalised appointment with QUE Colour for a jargon free, expert guided colour journey.

Shop Gloss & Toner Essentials

Explore the glossing and toning products we use every day in the salon to keep colour fresh, shiny, and beautifully balanced.