Definition

Noun: 1. The activity or occupation of washing, cutting, styling, and arranging hair. 2. A substance, such as a gel, mousse, or cream, used on the hair.

Usage and Examples

• As an activity/occupation (Meaning 1):
  • She studied hairdressing at a professional academy.
  • The salon offers a full range of hairdressing services.
• As a product (Meaning 2):
  • This hairdressing will help keep your style in place all day.
  • He applied a small amount of hairdressing to control his frizzy hair.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe things related to the profession.
  • hairdressing salon
  • hairdressing scissors
  • hairdressing appointment

Variants and Related Words

• Hairdresser (n): A person whose occupation is to cut and style hair.
• Haircare / Hair care (n): The maintenance of healthy hair, often involving products and treatments.
• Hair product (n): A general term for any substance applied to the hair.

Synonyms

• For the activity: hair styling, hair care, coiffure (formal).
• For the product: hair product, hair gel, hair cream, hair pomade, hair wax.

Notes on Meaning

• Hairdressing as an activity is a broader term than just cutting. It encompasses the entire process of washing, cutting, drying, and styling hair.
• The product sense of hairdressing is somewhat formal or old-fashioned; more specific terms like "hair gel" or "styling cream" are common in everyday speech.

Noun

1. care for the hair: the activity of washing or cutting or curling or arranging the hair
2. a toiletry for the hair