Welcome to our comprehensive glossary of natural hair terms. Whether you're just beginning your natural hair journey or have been embracing natural hair for years, this glossary is here to help you learn the language of natural hair care and styling. We are happy to share resources that empowers everyone on their hair journey.
A
Afro
A natural hairstyle where the hair is allowed to grow out in its natural curl pattern, forming a rounded, voluminous shape.
Alopecia
A condition characterized by hair loss, which can be caused by stress, genetics, or improper hair care practices.
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse
A mixture of apple cider vinegar and water used to cleanse the scalp, remove product buildup, and restore the hair’s pH balance.
B
Big Chop
The process of cutting off all chemically relaxed or damaged hair to start fresh with natural hair.
Breakage
The snapping or splitting of hair strands due to damage or lack of moisture.
Bantu Knots
A protective style where sections of hair are twisted and wrapped into small buns or knots.
Banding
A method of stretching natural hair by sectioning it and wrapping bands down the length of each section.
Bonnet
A protective head covering usually made with satin or silk, worn to protect hair from friction breakage, knots, and moisture loss as you sleep.
Box Braids
Individual plaits created by sectioning the hair into small or medium sized squares and braiding each section from the root to the ends, often with synthetic or human hair.
Braid Out
A hairstyle created by braiding the hair and then unraveling the braids to reveal a wavy pattern.
C
Clarifying Shampoo
A strong cleansing shampoo that removes buildup, residue, and impurities from the hair and scalp.
Coils
A term used to describe the tight, springy curl pattern of Type 4 hair.
Cornrows
A a style of three-strand braids where the hair is braided close to the scalp in straight or intricate patterns.
Co-Wash
Washing the hair with conditioner instead of shampoo to cleanse without stripping natural oils.
Curl Definition
The process of enhancing and making individual curls or coils more visible and pronounced.
D
Dreadlocks (Locs)
A hairstyle where hair is intentionally matted and twisted into rope-like strands.
Dry Shampoo
A powder or spray used to absorb excess oil and refresh the scalp between washes.
Deep Conditioner
A intensive conditioning treatment used to restore moisture and strength to natural hair.
Detangling
The process of removing knots and tangles from the hair, often done with a wide-tooth comb or fingers.
Dusting
A minimal trim to remove split ends without sacrificing length.
E
Edges
The hairline around the face, often styled with gel or edge control for a sleek look.
Elasticity
The ability of hair to stretch and return to its original shape without breaking.
Edge Control
A styling product used to smooth and lay down edges for a sleek look.
Elastic Band Method
A technique for installing wigs or weaves using elastic bands for a secure fit.
F
Frizz
Unruly, fluffy strands of hair that stick out, often caused by dryness or humidity.
Finger Detangling
The process of removing tangles and knots using fingers instead of combs or brushes.
G
Growth Retention
The practice of maintaining healthy hair to retain length and minimize breakage.
Goddess Locs
A protective style that mimics the look of dreadlocks but is softer and more versatile.
H
Hair Porosity
The hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, categorized as low, normal, or high.
Hair Steamer
A device used to open the hair cuticles and allow deep conditioners to penetrate better.
J
Jumbo Twists - A protective style where large sections of hair are twisted.
K
Kink
A term used to describe the tight, coily texture of Type 4 hair.
Knotless Braids
A braiding technique that starts with the natural hair and gradually incorporates extensions, reducing tension on the scalp.
L
LOC Method
A moisturizing technique involving Liquid (water), Oil, and Cream to seal in moisture.
LCO Method
A moisturizing technique involving Liquid (water), Cream and Oil in that order to seal in moisture.
Locs
A hairstyle where hair is intentionally matted and twisted into rope-like strands.
Leave-In Conditioner
A conditioner that is applied to the hair and not rinsed out, providing moisture and detangling benefits.
M
Moisturizer
A product used to add moisture to the hair, often containing water, oils, or butters.
Microfibre towel
A towel made from ultra-fine synthetic fibers, designed to be highly absorbent, lightweight, and gentle on hair.
N
Natural Hair
Hair that has not been chemically altered with relaxers, perms, or texturizers.
No Poo
No poo means no shampoo, it requires using natural ingredients like oils, clay, baking soda, vinegar to wash the hair.
P
Protective Style
A hairstyle that protects the ends of the hair and minimizes manipulation, such as braids, twists, or wigs.
Pineapple
A method of preserving curls overnight by gathering hair into a loose, high ponytail.
Plopping
A drying technique where hair is wrapped in a microfiber towel or T-shirt to enhance curl definition.
Pre-Poo
A treatment applied to the hair before shampooing to protect it from drying out.
R
Relaxer
A chemical treatment used to permanently alter the natural curl pattern of the hair, making it straighter.
S
Sealing
A technique used to lock moisture into the hair by applying an oil, butter, or cream after hydrating the hair with water or a water-based product.
Shrinkage
The reduction in length when Type 4 hair transitions from stretched to its natural coiled state.
Scalp Massage
A technique of rubbing the scalp to stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth.
Shea Butter
A fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, used to moisturize, protect, and condition hair and skin.
Shingling
A method of applying product to small sections of hair to define each curl or coil.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sulphates
Ingredients commonly found in shampoos, which help create lather, however they can be harsh and strip hair of its natural oils.
T
Transitioning
The process of growing natural hair from the root while retaining relaxed hair ends.
TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro)
A short, cropped afro often worn after a big chop.
Twist Out
A hairstyle created by twisting the hair and then unraveling it to reveal a wavy pattern.
Type 4 Hair
A category of hair known to have a tightly coiled or zigzag curl pattern, it is divided into three subcategories; 4A, 4B, and 4C.
V
Vegan
Cruelty-free products often made with plant based organic ingredients.
Virgin Hair
Hair that has never been permed, dyed, bleached or had any chemical processes
W
Wash and Go
A styling method where hair is washed, conditioned, and left to air dry in its natural curl pattern.
Wig Grip
A band worn under wigs to keep them secure without damaging the natural hair.