American Board Certified Haircolorist Practice Test 2026 - Free Haircolorist Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term "salt and pepper" is commonly used to describe a mixture of dark hair interspersed with gray or white strands. This phrase effectively conveys the visual contrast created by the darker hair contrasting against the lighter shades, resembling the speckled appearance of salt and pepper.

Understanding the terminology is significant because it helps communicate specific hair color characteristics in various contexts, such as consultations with clients or discussions within the beauty industry. While highlighting refers to a technique that lightens sections of hair for a sun-kissed effect, ombré describes a gradient transition from one color to another. Streaking, often used in specific coloring techniques that create bold, linear pieces of color, does not convey the mixed appearance of dark and gray or white hair as accurately as "salt and pepper." Therefore, "salt and pepper" is the most appropriate description in this context.