Hair Terms For Your Natural Hair

Your Natural Hair Terms

Wash n’ Go Teeny Weeny Afro

The term refers to a relatively quick and easy styling session whereby a defined finished style is achieved without twisting, braiding, knotting, rodding, etc. Hair is first cleansed and conditioned. Coils/curls are then defined with gel or a styling cream and allowed to air dry or dried using a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer set to a low temperature. This may be abbreviated as WnG or W&G.

 

Bantu Knot Out

This is a style, with a highly defined curly or wavy texture, achieved  by releasing Bantu Knots after they are dry after few days or weeks.

Two Strand Twist

This is a hairstyle  technique whereby sections of hair are divided into two smaller sections and then wound around each other after applying a hair butter Eg Shea butter, a curling cream or gel. The last half-inch or so of each twist is left loose and twirled around the index finger into a coil.

A 2-Strand Twists can be worn as a hairstyle in and of itself or the twists can be carefully released after some days or even weeks when dry this is called a twist out and it’s usually for a look that’s fuller, yet with a well-defined /wavy texture.

LOC

LOC is a method of retaining moisture.

L (Liquid) – First apply a liquid of your choice, the most effective and my first choice is water. Using water allows you to start this process immediately after washing your hair. However in some cases braid sprays and water based leave in conditioner sprays can be used depending on your preference and style choice.

O (Oil) – Then apply your favorite oil or butter to seal in the liquid. My personal favorite would have to be coconut oil, the smell is amazing. But there are quite a few others to choose from: extra virgin olive oil, argan oil, and castor oil, just to name a few. Choose which ever works best on your hair.

C (Cream) – Finally apply your favorite leave-in or styling product to seal in the liquid and oil. My preference is typically a product that is thick and creamy; like Shea butter Moisture it Enhance Smoothie hair as u desired. dis lock method is highly recommend In retaining moisture,which is issue for your natural hair.

L.O.C method is super easy; it’s just three simple steps…it keeps the hair moisturize and healthy.
you really can’t go wrong!

TWA: teeny weeny afro ACV: apple cider vinegar

 EVOO: extra virgin olive oil

 EVCO: extra virgin coconut oil

APL: arm pit length hair

CoWash: (conditioner wash) to wash hair with conditioner

EO; essential oil

EL: ear length hair

HOTD: hair of the day

JBCO: jamaican black castor oil

MBL: mid back length hair

NG: new growth

NL: neck length hair

PrePoo(pre shampoo): any treatment you apply to your hair before shampoo

SL: shoulder length hair

WL: waist length hair

BC: big chop means to cut off your hair, starting fresh…

Baggying – Putting on your moisturizer and then applying a plastic bag over the hair to trap the moisture in.

Braid-Out – Braiding your hair in sections for a period of time, usually  overnight, and unbraiding to release waves and curls, great heat-free style.

Breakage - Broken pieces of hair without the white bulb. This can be caused by too much moisture or protein, hair accessories, and poor hair care practices.

Carrier oil - Known as base oil or vegetable oil, is used to dilute essentials. Examples include coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, etc.

(DC)Deep conditioning –Applying a conditioner specifically formulated to penetrate the cuticle of the hair; helps revive dull lifeless hair thus giving it more strength, elasticity, moisture, softness, and shine. It is a good way of replenishing lost moisture in the hair leaving it less prone to breakage and unmanageability.

Dusting - A very light trim. Twist your hair and then trim off ends.

Humectants – Attract and retain moisture from the air i.e. Glycerin, Honey, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol.

Leave-in Conditioner – A quick way of adding moisture back into the hair after shampooing/conditioning. It helps to detangle the hair leaving it soft and manageable.

Line of Demarcation - Where the natural hair and relaxed hair meet as your hair grows; the point where your new growth meets your previously chemically treated hair. This location can be very delicate so be very gentle when stretching.

Low Manipulation – Styles that do not require much manipulation which leads to less shedding and breakage which eventually leads to healthier hair.

Moisturizing – Applying a moisture based product to dry hair without washing it out. You can use a water-based or cream based moisturizer 1-2x per day. This helps to prevent breakage and increase elasticity in the hair.

Protective Styling – Wearing your hair up in a style that doesn’t put strain on your edges/nape and keeps your ends off of your back & protected from outside elements, i.e. Buns, Clips, Pony Tails etc.

Sealing – Using a natural oil to lock in the moisture after you’ve moisturized the hair i.e. Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Safflower Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Using an oil over the moisturizer will allow your hair to stay moisturized longer.

Shedding - Strands of hair with white bulbs on the root.  Hair sheds 150 strands per day on average.  If you notice excessive shedding, examine your diet – lack of protein, anemia, dehydration can all cause shedding.  If it continues, see your physician.

Transitioning - In stead of chopping off all of your chemically treated hair, you let your hair grow without getting more relaxers with the intent of going natural.

 

Cheers!