Have you ever left the salon with a hair colour that didn’t turn out the way you expected?
In many cases, it comes down to one simple thing: communication.
At Rush Salon in Calgary, we believe that the more you understand about hair colour, the easier it is to get results you truly love. Whether you’re coming in for balayage, highlights, or a full colour transformation, knowing the right terminology can make all the difference.
Below, we’re breaking down some of the most common hair colour terms so you can walk into your next appointment feeling confident and informed.
What is Base Colour?
Base colour refers to the colour applied at the root area or across the entire head before adding dimension with techniques like highlights or balayage. It sets the foundation for your overall look and plays a major role in how your final colour turns out.
What Does “Dimension” Mean in Hair Colour?
Dimension describes the variation of tones in your hair. Hair with little dimension can appear flat, while hair with multiple tones looks more natural and dynamic.
Dimension is typically created by combining lighter and darker pieces using techniques like highlights and lowlights. This is especially important for clients looking for natural-looking blondes or rich brunettes.
Highlights vs. Lowlights: What’s the Difference?
Highlights
Highlights are created by lightening sections of hair using foils, a cap, or hand-painted techniques. They add brightness and contrast to your natural colour.
Lowlights
Lowlights are the opposite of highlights. Instead of lightening the hair, darker colour is added to create depth and richness. This is often used to balance overly light or flat-looking hair.
What is Balayage?
Balayage is one of the most requested colour services today. It’s a freehand technique where colour is painted onto the hair to create a soft, natural gradient from darker roots to lighter ends.
The result is a low-maintenance, lived-in look that grows out seamlessly.
If you’re considering this look, you can learn more about our balayage services in Calgary.
Cool Tones vs Warm Tones
Cool Tones
Cool tones include shades with blue, violet, or ash undertones. Examples include platinum blonde, ash brown, and cooler red tones like plum.
Warm Tones
Warm tones include golden, copper, and red undertones. These shades tend to feel brighter and more vibrant, such as golden blonde, auburn, or copper.
Why Does Hair Turn “Brassy”?
“Brassy” hair refers to unwanted warm tones that appear after lightening your hair. This often shows up as yellow, orange, or red undertones over time.
Brassiness happens naturally as toner fades, but it can be managed with the right products and maintenance routine.
Our team can recommend professional treatments and products during your visit to help keep your colour looking fresh.
What Is Toner and Why Is It Important?
Toner is a crucial step in achieving your desired hair colour, especially for blondes.
After lightening the hair, toner is used to adjust the tone. For example, if hair lifts to a yellow shade, a violet toner can neutralize that warmth and create a cooler, more polished blonde.
This is why two people asking for the same blonde can end up with very different results. Toner makes all the difference.
Get the Hair Colour You Actually Want
Understanding these terms helps you clearly communicate your goals, but having the right stylist matters just as much.
At Rush Salon, our team specializes in custom colour, including blonding, balayage, and corrective colour services tailored to each client.
If you’re ready to refresh your look or try something new, explore our hair colour services in Calgary or book your appointment today.
Have questions before your visit? Reach out to our team anytime. We’re always happy to help you feel confident about your hair.
Still have questions about hair colour? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from clients in Calgary.
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Balayage is a freehand painting technique that creates a soft, natural gradient from darker roots to lighter ends. Highlights are typically applied using foils and create a more uniform, structured brightness throughout the hair.
Both techniques can achieve beautiful results, but balayage is often chosen for a more low-maintenance, lived-in look.
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Toner is used after lightening the hair to adjust the tone. It helps neutralize unwanted shades like yellow or orange and refines the final colour result.
For example, a violet toner can cancel out yellow tones to create a cooler blonde.
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Brassy tones appear when warm pigments are revealed after lightening or as toner fades over time. Environmental factors like sun exposure, hard water, and heat styling can also contribute.
Using professional products and regular toning treatments can help maintain your desired shade.
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The best tone for you depends on your skin tone, eye colour, and personal style. Cool tones tend to suit those with pink or neutral undertones, while warm tones complement golden or olive complexions.
Your stylist can help guide you toward the most flattering option during your consultation.
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This depends on your hair type and colour, but most clients benefit from toning every 4 to 8 weeks to maintain their desired shade and prevent brassiness.