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A
Accent Color – A sharp, intense color used as a contrast or pick-up for a color scheme. It is used to add excitement to an overall effect. Acid Mantle – The combination of sweat and sebum provides the skin’s protective coating. Acid Perm – An acid perm produces permanent hair waves with curls that are softer than an alkaline perm. It also has a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. Activator – A chemical ingredient specifically added to hair bleach to speed up the action of the bleach without unnecessarily damaging the hair. Aerating – Cutting vertically into the hair, with a technique that mimics backcombing, to remove bulk. Afro Hair – Hair terminology refers to a hairstyle of a mass of very tight curls surrounding the head. A-Line Bob – A type of bob that is longer in the front than in the back, resembling a capital “A.” Alkaline Perm – A chemical-based permanent waving product with a pH from 7.5 to 9.5. Stronger than acid perms, alkaline perms are designed to produce tight, firm, springy curls rather than the looser curls produced by acid perms. Alopecia – Hair loss, especially from the head, which either happens naturally or is caused by disease. Alpha Hydroxy Acid – Known as AHA, these solutions are used as exfoliates and can help reduce ingrown hairs and improve the look of the skin. Amino Acid – A chemical substance found in plants and animals – the building blocks of hair. Ammonia – The main ingredient in hair color that opens the cuticle, allowing color molecules to enter. Ammonium Thioglycolate – aka “Perm Salt.” This chemical compound (C2H7NO2S) works by swelling the hair and breaking down disulfide bonds, rendering the hair “permable.” Anagen Cycle – The active stage in the hair growth cycle. Anagen – The growing phase of the hair growth cycle. Typically, this phase lasts around seven years in a healthy person. Angle – A cut that follows the angle of the jawline when the head is tipped forward. Also known as an A-line cut. Asymmetrical – When the hair is not the same length throughout the haircut. For example, in an asymmetrical bob, hair is longer on one side than the other. The difference can be drastic or subtle.
B
Backcombing / Backbrushing – Also known as “teasing” the hair. Volume is created with a comb or a brush by pushing the hair down toward the scalp. Balance – A design principle in hairstyling that refers to elements' aesthetic placement and arrangement. Balayage – Hair that is a specific color on the bottom (usually a lighter shade) that gradually fades into a different color around the roots. Bangs – The layer of hair present at the top of the face to about eyebrow level. Not everybody has bangs, and they can be styled in many different ways. Barbicide – A brand name of the blue liquid used to disinfect all hair styling tools. Barbicide – A brand name of the sanitizer used to disinfect salon tools. Basic Shade – A natural or neutral color applied to the hair. Beach Waves – Hair that is wavy with a windblown, tousled look, often created by applying a saltwater-based spray and then curled with a curling iron from the mid-lengths down. Beach Waves – Hair that is somewhat wavy, with a “wind-tousled” look. It is usually created by using salt water-based spray. Bi-Lateral Haircut – See Mullet. Bleach – Bleach, for hair, works by raising the hair cuticle, going into the hair, and dispersing color molecules, which lightens the hair. If done correctly, it shouldn’t cause too much damage. Blending – The process of blending one line of the haircut to the other line by usually cutting out the hair between both lines. Blonde Hair – It is not as visible and harder to treat. Lasers have limited effects on blonde hair because of its lack of pigment, and it is difficult to see against the skin. Blowout – A service performed at various salons where the hair is washed, blow-dried and styled with hot tools. It is different from just blow-drying your hair; there is much more attention to detail, and the style should last 3-5 days. Blunt Cut – When the scissors are held horizontally to the comb, cutting all hair the same length. Bob – The Bob was the classic look of the 50s and 60s; the style was short and straight but blow-dried and curled under. Body – The volume or springiness of hair. See Volume. Bonding – The process of attaching hair wefts to hair with adhesive. Botanical – Refers to a product containing plants or ingredients made from plants. Braid – Where strands of hair are weaved together. The scalp braiding is used to form a base or track to sew on a commercial weft – this is the cornrow technique. Off-the-scalp braiding is used for traditional braiding styles. Brassy – This hair terminology refers to unwanted golden or orange tones in the hair. Brazilian Blowout – See Keratin Straightening. Bulb – The root of a hair, so named because it’s wider at the base. Buzz-Cut – A haircut in which the entire head is shaved with clippers.
C
Caesar Cut – A short haircut in which the top hair is styled forward, and there is a little fringe around the face. Canities – The scientific name for grey hair. Capillaries – Tiny hair-like blood vessels, some of which carry nutrients to the hair growth matrix. Catagen – The resting phase of the hair growth cycle. Chelating – Chelating shampoo is similar to clarifying shampoo. It works by binding to minerals and metals and removing them from the hair. This is good for removing hard-water buildup or chlorine. Chemical Haircut – Hair that has been processed so often by bleach, color, or perms that it has broken off. Chignon – This is a popular hairstyle; there are many different ways to wear a chignon, but it is typically a knot or coil of hair worn on the back of the head. It is a popular choice for formal events. Choppy Haircut – This is hair terminology for a very textured haircut, in which all the different pieces are different lengths. It is often created with a razor. Chunking – A method of highlighting the hair in which the highlights are very thick and unblended. Cicatricial Alopecia – This is baldness due to scarring – follicles are absent in scar tissue. Clarifier – A clarifying shampoo is slightly stronger than an everyday shampoo and is designed to remove products, hard water, or chlorine residue that have built up over time. These shampoos usually have a higher pH level and, therefore should not be used regularly as they may dry out the hair and scalp. Clip-In Hair Extensions – Real or synthetic hair with clips sewn to the top of the weft so they can temporarily add length and volume to the hair. Clipper-Over-Comb – This is a hair-cutting technique in which the hair needed to be cut is pulled out with the comb, and then the clipper is run over the comb, cutting the hair. Clippers – Electric machines used to cut hair. Club Hair – A non-living hair in the last phase of the growth cycle that has detached from the hair follicle and is waiting to be shed. Coarse – A classification for stronger, thicker types of hair. Collagen – A protein that holds all connective tissue together under the skin. Collagen is sometimes damaged by plucking or electrolysis, which can lead to dimpling on the skin. Collagen from a plant, is also used to fill in scars and augment lips, often with temporary results. Comb-Over – A trendy haircut made famous by Cristiano Ronaldo, in which the hair is parted to one side and combed completely over. There is usually a line carved into the hair with clippers where the hair is parted. Conditioner – A creamy hair product used after shampooing – moisturises and detangles the hair. Congenital – A hereditary condition. As an example, excess hair often runs in the family. Consultation – Consultation is a very important part of the hair service. At the beginning of a service, the stylist discusses what the client is looking to achieve. A client has the chance to communicate what they like/don’t like, and the stylist has the opportunity to tell them their opinion. It is the key to a successful service. Cornrow – Tight braids that are on the scalp. Cortex – The body of hair, consisting of 90% of the weight. This is where the color molecules are found. Couture Cut – A couture cut is a high-fashion cut that is totally exclusive and specifically tailored to your lifestyle and wardrobe. Cowlick – A cowlick is an area of hair where the hair grows in the opposite direction from the rest of the hair. It is hard to get them to lie down in most cases. Crew Cut – A short, tapered haircut in which the hair is extremely short on the top of the head and graduates to longer hair in the front. Crimping iron set – This technique results in an angular and rhymical wave pattern. Crop – Originally, the word crop was an alternative to haircut, without any specific meaning to the style of the cut. However, it has come to be a description of hair cut very short with the hair hugging the head. Cross-Check – Cross-checking a haircut is the final step to ensure everything is even. If you used vertical subsections in the haircut, cross-check it with horizontal subsections. Crown Braid – A crown braid comprises a single braid wrapped around the head. Crown – The area on top of the head. Curved Follicles – A relatively rare condition that makes certain hair removal methods more complex and can lead to ingrown hairs. Cushing Syndrome – A disease caused by a tumor on the adrenal gland which can cause excess hair growth. Cushion – A “doughnut” or tubular-shaped form that is added to the hairstyle for volume or to support a chignon or bun. Cuticles – The hair cuticles form a protective layer that covers the shaft of the hair. If your hair is colored or bleached it can spread out, split, or become bloated due to over-processing. Cutting-In – The term used to describe getting a ’haircut’ and having your new hairpiece styled for the first time when you first receive it. It involves a simple haircut and blending in the hairpiece with your existing hair.
D
Dandruff – A condition caused by excessive cell production, causing the scalp to flake. Decolorizer – See Bleach. Deep Conditioner – Extra intense conditioner that sits on the hair for at least a few minutes. It will add protein, moisture, and vitamins to help repair dry, damaged hair. Deep Penetrating Treatment – A conditioner of greater intensity usually contains protein, vitamins, and moisture to help dry damaged hair. Depilate – Removal of hair on the surface of the skin. Examples include shaving or the use of depilatory creams. Depilatories – Substances used to dissolve hair above the skin’s surface. Depth – The lightness/darkness of a color. Dermal Papilla – The dermal papilla is situated at the base of the hair follicle. The dermal papilla contains nerves and blood vessels which supply glucose for energy and amino acids to make keratin. A tiny bulge at the root of the hair is believed to be one of the primary targets in permanent hair removal. Dermal Sheath – The lining around the hair. Dermatitis – Atopic Dermatitis is also known as Eczema. Contact Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritating substance. Dermis – The deepest layers of the skin where blood vessels, lymph channels, nerve endings, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, fat cells, hair follicles, and muscles are located. The dermis varies in thickness over different sites of the body. Developer – Peroxide added to any permanent or demi-permanent hair color or bleach. It works by lifting the cuticle and allowing the paint to enter the hair. Diffuser – A Diffuser is an adapter you put on the end of your hairdryer; it’s generally circular with several pins sticking out from it. The diffuser spreads out the airflow from your hairdryer, so you don’t get the full force of the air, meaning a gentler drying process. Diffuser – An attachment for a blow-dryer that disperses the airflow and distributes it over a larger area of hair. These are commonly used with curly hair since the airflow won’t disturb the natural flow of the curls. Dimension – This is hair terminology referring to the illusion of depth and space created by the contrast of different colors. Dimensional color – Color that adds dimension to the hair, such as highlights or balayage. Disconnected – When a seamless line does not connect the main parts of the haircut. There should be a distinct difference between the two sections. Distorted Hair Follicles – A relatively rare condition in which the follicle is not straight. This condition can make waxing and electrolysis more complex and lead to ingrown hairs. It can be successfully treated using pulsed light. Dreadlocks – A hairstyle in which the hair naturally, or through manipulation, is encouraged to become matted and form a cylindrical, rope-like pattern. Dreadlocks may take several months to well over a year to develop and are considered a permanent style. To remove dreadlocks, one must cut them. Dry-Cutting – Dry cutting is usually performed after the hair has already been washed, cut, dried, and styled, but it can also be used as a primary method of hair cutting. Since hair reacts a lot differently wet than dry, it allows you to focus more on detail and how the hair will lay when styled. Dusting – Cutting the bare minimum off the tips of the hair to clean up the haircut, without making it look freshly cut.
E
Edger – See Trimmer. Edgy – Trendy, non-conventional hair. Elasticity – The hair’s ability to stretch without breaking and then return to its original shape. Electrolysis – In hair removal, it is the practice of epilation with electrified needles. Electrolysis was originally the name for hair removal with direct current only (also called galvanic). However, the term is generally applied to all three forms of epilation with an electrified needle. Emphasis – Where the eye is drawn to. It can be created with color, cuts, or styles. Epilation – The removal of hair below the skin’s surface (as opposed to depilation). Epilation methods include plucking, waxing, electrolysis, and laser. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) – EFA preserves the resilience and flexibility of your hair. It’s common for hair products to contain natural or synthetic EFAs like cetyl alcohol. Extensions – Pieces of natural or synthetic hair attached close to the scalp to make the hair appear longer and more voluminous.
F
Face-Framing – Shorter layers around the face that tend to curl under the chin and frame the face. Fade – A very short haircut that is extremely short (sometimes completely bald) on the sides and gradually fades into the longer hair on top. Fashion Shade – A basic hair color with an added tone. Faux Hawk – A Mohawk-type haircut that blends down into a regular men’s haircut. Feathering – Feathering is a technique hairdressers use to take hard lines out of the hair – by cutting into the hair, softer lines are created. Filler – Used to even out hair before a coloring service. Finishing Spray – A hairspray with medium hold used on a finished style to maintain its shape. Fluid Hair Painting – The method of painting hair color on the hair while the client is reclined and their hair is fanned out on a table. Fly-Away Hair – Thin, fine hairs that have been statically charged and will not lay with the rest of the hair. Foiling – A method of highlighting hair in which parts of the hair are sectioned into foils and color is applied. The foil allows you only to color certain pieces of the hair. Foils – A term used to describe highlighting/lowlighting. Foil highlights are the process of using foils to separate strands of hair that will be lightened from strands of hair that will remain their natural or different color. Follicle Sheath – Protects the hair during its growth stage. Follicle – The hair follicle houses the root of the hair. Follicular Hair Transplants – One of the latest techniques for conducting hair transplants, where surgeons harvest hair from another part of the body where it naturally grows. Folliculitis – A common disorder characterized by inflammation of the hair follicle – also known as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) or Tinea Barbae. Freckles – Small clumps of coagulated melanin. Freezing Spray – Heavy-hold hairspray meant to keep hair in place. Fringe – Politically correct hair terminology for “bangs.” Frosting – Highlights performed by pulling small sections of hair through a cap and applying bleach. The result is excellent, blended highlights, usually very light in color. Fusion – The process of attaching small human hair pieces with a unique adhesive and a thermal gun. This is a hair-to-hair process; no tracks are required. This method allows for the free movement of the hair extensions.
G
Glaze – A semi-permanent product that adds shine to the hair. Gloss – Shine overlay on the hair. It can be created temporarily with hair products or clear hair color. Graduation – When hair “graduates” from short to long. Typically this refers to the back of a bob or face-framing. Grey Hair – Hair that has naturally lost all pigment. Guide – The first initial line in the haircut will be followed through the rest. An example is if you dropped the first subsection of hair, cut it to the length you wanted, and then cut every other subsection to that length.
H
Hair Extensions – The process of adding real or synthetic hair to natural hair, either by braiding it in, fusing it, bonding it, or using clip-ins to make the hair appear longer and fuller. Hair Growth Cycle – The life of a strand of hair goes through three different phases: Anagen (the growing phase), Catagen (the resting stage) and Telogen (the dormant phase). This is why hair grows unevenly. Hair Painting – Painting the hair color directly on the hair with a brush. Hair Weaving – A process by which a hairpiece is attached to your existing hair by braiding or weaving. Hair Weft Clips – To attach hair wefts by clips. Clips are placed in the hair and snapped closed to securely hold the weft. Hair Shaft – The non-growing part of the hair above the skin. Heat Clamps – A heat gun used to seal synthetic hair – used for creating warlocks and other styles. Henna Dye – An extremely permanent but natural, plant-based hair color. It is reddish-brown in color. It does not use developer and will not damage your hair, but it will be very hard to remove later if you change your mind. Henna – Derived from the henna plant, a vegetable dye made from its leaves and stemmed into a powder. Traditionally, it imparts a reddish cast to the hair by coating it. Clear henna enhances shine. Henna cannot be dyed over since it coats the outer hair shaft affecting the penetration of the chemical colorant. High and Tight– A short, faded haircut blended high on the head. This is very popular in the military. Highlights – Hair highlighting/lowlighting refers to changing a person’s hair color using a lightener or hair color. There are four basic types of highlights: foil highlights – the process of using foils to separate strands of hair which will be lightened from strands of hair that will remain its natural or different color. Hair painting – a more permanent method that employs a simple hair-painting brush tool; Balayage is the most common form of hair painting. Frosting – refers to the process of free-hand lightening of the tips of the hair and is generally performed on men. Chunking is a style of highlights that is larger and thicker than traditional highlights. Humectants – An ingredient in skin or hair products that draws moisture from the air to moisturize.
I
Ingrown Hair – Hair that does not break the skin's surface and grows inward. It can be severe and cause inflammation, soreness, and infection. Interlocking – A method in which hair is maintained or tightened using a tool. Ionic – Ionic hot tools emit negative ions, which disperse water quickly, drying your hair faster and causing less damage.
J
Jojoba Oil – Oil extracted from the seeds of an American Shrub, commonly found in hair products. It closely resembles sebum and adds a lot of moisture to the hair.
K
Keratin – A fibrous protein found in hair, nails, and skin. Keratin Hair Straightening – Aka “Brazilian Blowout.” A method of temporarily straightening the hair is sealing a liquid keratin and a preservative solution into the hair with a straightening iron. These treatments aim to straighten curls and waves and reduce frizz. The treatments do not guarantee straight hair, although if performed correctly, they can reduce between 50 and 80 percent of the curl depending on the original hair texture. Treatments last around 10–12 weeks, and repeating the treatment every few months will allow for the treatment of new growth.
L
Layers – Layers are an essential part of hair terminology that everyone should know. Layers are shorter pieces of hair that blend seamlessly into the haircut, adding volume and dimension. Remember, there is no such thing as getting “3 layers put into your hair.” Layers are created by cutting the shortest layer and the most extended layer and cutting everything in between. Layering – Layering is a technique used by hairdressers to change the thickness of the hair, creating either a thinning or thicker appearance. This way, the hair can be given a fuller appearance, more texture, and movement. Lightener – See Bleach. Line-Up – Creating hard lines around the perimeter of a short haircut with trimmers. Lipid Layer – Lipids are part of the structure of the hair and also form a protective barrier. They are composed of EFA’s, amongst other complicated scientific things. Lob – A lob is a long version of a bob. The weight line should fall around your collarbones. Long Layers – Layers that tend to stay towards the bottom of the hair. Lowlights – The process of darkening some pieces of hair, but not all of it.
M
Medulla – The innermost part of the hair structure. It may be absent in some people, and its purpose is unknown. Melanin – Natural substance that gives color (pigment) to hair and skin. Mohawk – When all of the head is shaved except for a strip of hair down the middle of the head. It can be either really short or really long. Movement – The path that your eye will follow through the hairstyle. Wavy hair has a lot of movement. Straight hair does not have as much movement. Mullet – A haircut that is short and clean-cut around the top of the head and in the front but long in the back.
N
Nape – The lower part of the back of the head, below the occipital bone. Natural – Ingredients extracted directly from plants, earth minerals, or animal products instead of being produced synthetically. Neutralize – To cancel or reduce an effect. Neutralizer – Neutralizer is applied to the hair after the perming solution has broken it down. The purpose of the neutralizer is to rebuild the hair back into the newly formed curls. Notching – The act of cutting some hair but not all of it, to create texture. It can be done with thinning shears or point-cutting techniques.
O
Organic – About carbon-based compounds produced by living plants, animals, or synthetic processes. Outer Root Sheath – A soft, thin layer surrounding the hair's lower two-thirds. Overdirecting – This is hair terminology for when the hair is combed to the opposite side of where it should lay before cutting or blow-drying it. This is meant to create volume. Oxidation – The chemical reaction caused by mixing hair color and developer. Oxidation lifts the cuticle, allowing the hair color to work inside the hair shaft.
P
Palming the Shears – This is the common practice of closing the shears in your palm while using the comb to take sections. Leaving the shears open could result in unwanted cuts to the hair. Papilla – The small area at the base of the hair root which provides nutrients needed for growth. Patch Test – A test performed, usually with a hair dye or other potential allergens, on the skin 24 hours before its use to see if the skin suffers an allergic reaction. Perm – The process of adding permanent curls to someone’s hair. It can either reshape existing curls or add curls to straight hair. The head is wrapped in cylinder-shaped perm rods, and then the hair bonds are broken down and rebuilt in the shape of the perm rod. Permanent Hair Reduction – Treatments, especially IPL, where the follicle is disabled by the light energy making it unable to support any more hair growth. Permanent – Lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely. Piecey is when the ends of the hair are separated into smaller sections with gel or wax with the fingers. It is generally a term used for shorter haircuts. It can also be used synonymously with the time, choppy. Pigment – Color. Pixie Cut – Super short haircut very close to the scalp. It usually is still wispy around the edges, making it look feminine. Point Cutting – When the Scissors are held at an angle, creating a “saw-tooth” effect on the hair. This is great for adding texture to the hair. Pompadour – This style was made famous by Elvis Presley. It is a hairstyle in which the hair is combed straight up from the forehead, without a part. Porosity – Ability to absorb moisture. Protein Treatment – A type of deep conditioning treatment that adds protein to the hair cortex, which strengthens hair and adds elasticity
Q
R
Razor Cut – Using a razor blade or comb with razor blades to cut the hair. This type of haircut is not ideally even and is very textured, giving a softer look than scissor cuts. Relaxer– Used to straighten hair permanently. Remi/Remy Hair – Refers to human hair (usually Indian in origin), which has been harvested from root to end, with the entire cuticle going in the same direction. It is different from virgin hair as it may be colored or permed but has not had the cuticle removed. It is generally soft and silky and is used for making higher-quality wigs, extensions, and hair systems. Rhythm – This is hair terminology for the recurrent pattern of movement in the hair. Tight curls have a fast rhythm, while loose waves have a slower rhythm. Rough Blow-Dry – A rough blow-dry is used to remove the moisture from wet hair, i.e., to dry the hair without styling.
S
Scrunch Dry – A technique used for drying your hair that creates a style simultaneously. Sebaceous Gland – Oil-producing gland in the dermis. Sebaceous – Refers to the oil-secreting glands on the scalp. Sebum – The oily secretion of the sebaceous glands on the scalp composed of keratin, fat or cellular debris. Sectioning – Sectioning your hair allows you to only pay attention to a particular area or panel of hair. You or your hairdresser will do this when blow-drying, cutting, or coloring your hair and will section your hair by taking a panel of hair and pinning or ignoring the rest. Semi-permanent – Semi-permanent Hair color will eventually wash out. It does not use a developer and, therefore, cannot make your hair lighter. It works by coating the hair shaft. Serum – A serum is a smoothing product that stops your hair from frizzing, keeping it smooth and straight. Shears – Scissors used to cut hair. Split Ends – Trichoptilosis is the splitting of hairs at the ends, often referred to as split ends. A split end is when the hair shaft splits or frays due to excessive heat and damage. There is no way to repair split ends; when they occur, the hair must be trimmed.
T
Taper – Hair terminology that means to lessen gradually. It is popular to taper short hairstyles so that the perimeter blends without a hard line. Tea Tree Oil – Tea tree oil is an extraction from the Melaleuca tree, valued for its antiseptic properties. Telogen – The resting phase of the hair cycle. Temporary Color – Temporary color is a color that coats the hair until you rewash it. Think of a Halloween hair color you will wash out the following day. Texture – Hair that has texture in it is hair that is not all the same length. It can be created by layers, razor cuts, or thinning shears. Texturizer – A texturizer is a mild relaxing treatment. Instead of causing the hair to be ’bone straight,’ this chemical treatment is left on for a shorter period of time. The idea is to slightly relax the natural curl in African hair so that it’s more manageable, and with proper maintenance, one can mimic curly styles. Texturizing Shears – See Thinning Shears. Thermal Process – Temporarily straightening the hair with a heated iron. Thermal Reconditioning – A method of straightening hair like a reverse perm. Thinning Shears – Shears in which one or both of the blades have notches cut out of them. When using these to cut hair, they only cut some of the hair and leave hair. This creates a textured look. Thinning the Hair – Using thinning shears, razors, layering, or other methods to reduce some bulk in the hair. Tone – Distribution of ashen and warm pigments, the visual effect of gold or ash in the hair. Track – Cornrows that hair extensions are sewn into. Treatment – A treatment is used between shampooing and conditioning to put protein back into the hair. You should leave the treatment in your hair for approximately five minutes before using your conditioner. Trimmer – Small clippers made to clean up the edges and add detail to a short haircut.
V
Vellus – The soft downy hair found covering the body. Vertex – The top of the head towards the posterior position, including the area where the hair grows in a spiral pattern. Virgin Hair – This term refers to hair that is still in its original state and has not been permed, colored, or chemically processed in any way. Volume – Hair that has a lot of volume is hair that is lifted further from the scalp so that it appears bigger. It can also mean thicker, fuller hair.
Y
W
Weave – A hair weave is usually a hairpiece with layered gaps made into it. This is then placed on a person’s head, and their real hair is woven into the hairpiece. Weft – Real or Fiber hair, which is doubled over and machine sewn along the top to create long strands of hair. This is also the type of hair used for hair extensions and weaving. Weight Line – The part of the haircut that holds the most weight. For example, in a non-layered, “straight across” haircut, it will be the bottom of the hair. White Hair – Hair that has no pigment. Some possible causes are genetics, Vitamin B deficiency, drugs for the treatment of arthritis, and some other health factors. White-Walls – This is hair terminology for maximum scalp exposure on a short haircut. Wig – The term used to describe any hairpiece with a full cap which covers the hair on the head or the entire area where hair normally grows as a substitute for your hair.