Let’s Talk Hair Lingo: Why Buzzwords Don’t Always Equal Better Hair

The internet is full of trending hair terms — wolf cut, glass hair, expensive brunette, butterfly layers, Scandi hairline, glazed donut glossing, freehand balayage... and the list goes on. While these buzzwords can be fun and inspiring, they often create more confusion than clarity — both for clients and stylists.

Here’s the truth: many of these viral terms are simply rebrands of techniques that have existed for years. The wolf cut? That’s a modern shag. Freehand balayage? It’s a way of painting hair — but it’s not the only way, and it’s definitely not right for every hair type. Even the word “balayage” itself has become a catch-all phrase for any kind of lived-in colour, when in reality, it’s just one technique among many.

The danger with hair lingo — especially when it’s coming from TikTok or beauty clickbait — is that it often promises results without context. You might see a photo labeled “expensive brunette” and love the tone, but what you’re actually responding to is the lighting, styling, or gloss effect — not the colour formula itself. Or you might request “face-framing highlights” without realizing they’ll look completely different on someone with level 3 curls versus level 8 straight hair.

As a stylist, my role isn’t to speak in trends — it’s to translate your goals into something that works for your real hair. That includes your texture, natural base, density, lifestyle, and maintenance commitment. I love when clients bring inspo photos, but it’s always more helpful when we use them as a starting point for conversation — not a script to follow word for word.

Here’s a great example: freehand painting sounds artistic and dreamy (and it is!), but it’s not ideal for everyone. If your hair is thick, dark, or previously coloured, a more structured foil or zone-lightening technique might deliver a better result. Or maybe you want a “balayage look,” but we need to use a root shadow or gloss to create that soft blend you’re seeing online. That’s the kind of nuance a clickbait headline won’t tell you.

So next time you’re tempted to book an appointment based on a buzzword, ask yourself: what do I actually love about this look? Is it the tone? The dimension? The softness or contrast? Let’s focus on that — and I’ll guide you through the best way to achieve it, based on your individual hair.

Because great hair doesn’t come from trends. It comes from trust, technique, and a stylist who sees you — not just the algorithm.