Happy Learning Peeps~ This is a list of terms and definitions that you can refer to when you have no clue what something means! The LAST thing I want is to leave you ill equipped for your journey because I didn’t explain what a WORD means. lol<——Thats silly:-/SO IF you EVER come across a term that I use that is not on this list, then please do not refrain from making mention of it to me in the message box over there on the right hand side of the page————> Or maybe its at the top ^^^^ ….I don’t know for sure where it is but you guys get the point! ok moving on. lol
Love you guys and God bless you…
Now lets get into it:
A
Acidic- A term used to describe a substance on the pH scale that has an ion level of/between 0-6.999.
ACV- Apple Cider Vinegar is a product used as a rinse, or conditioner b/c of its acidic pH level (2.9) that is close to that of the pH level of a hair strand (4.5-5.5) to close the hair cuticle after moisture has been applied. ACV can break up excess build up unblock hair follicles and stimulates scalp circulation. Known as a cleaning agent, dandruff fighter and germ killer.
Alkaline (or basic)- A term used to describe a substance on the pH scale that has ion levels of/ between 7.001-14.
Almond Oil- Rich in vitamin E and D, this is an oil that coats the hair strand and easily penetrates the hair shaft which supports in sealing moisture
Aloe Vera Gel- Conditons the hair, adds shine, and hold
Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate- Used in shampoo and soaps to absorb oils, dirt, and residue. Known for being very drying to the hair if moisture is not added after sulfate products are used.
APL- Arm Pit Length is a growth goal that many set for their hair
Apricot Oil- Obtained by pressing the apricot stone, or kernel, used to moisturize and condition hair and skin. Penetrates hair shaft easily and is rich in vitamins A and E.
B
BC- BIG CHOP! Usually naturals that would rather not experience the transition process do this to become all natural (without relaxed hair).
BSL- Bra Strap Length is a growth goal that many set for their hair.
C
Carrier Oils- known as base oils and often used to dilute essential oils (EO). Examples of carrier oils include, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, castor oil, grape seed oil, sesame oil, and shea butter.
Castor Oil- An emollient and humectant for skin and hair. Treats hair thinning and hair loss, Prevents the dry and itchy scalp and has anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Clarifying- A type of shampoo that uses acetic acid to cleanse the hair shaft from left over residue from previous shampoo applications, oil, dirt, and many other styling products. If overused it will dry out hair
Coconut Oil- Extracted from the kernal of coconuts, this oil binds to essential proteins in the hair shaft that are required for nourishing damaged hair and greatly supports moisturization of the hair fiber.
Conditioner- A product used to moisturize hair by penetrating the hair cuticle and nourishing the cortex. Usually the MAIN ingredients should include WATER, oils, butters, and protein.
Cones- Silicones are used in many products to prevent frizz, however this ingredient can leave a build up on the hair strand because it is not water soluble. Must use shampoo to properly remove cones from your tresses.
Co-Wash- Using only conditioner to wash hair. This maintains moisture throughout the hair cleansing process by preventing hair from being stripped of its natural oils.
Cuticle- The outermost layer of the hair shaft formed by tightly packed scales in an overlapping structure similar to roof shingles. Most hair products attempt to condition and lift the cuticle so penetration to the hair cortex to properly moisturize can be obtained
D
Detangle- The act of combing, brushing or finger combing to loosen knots and prevent coils and curls from further knoting
Dusting- Singly cutting off split, tangled, knotted, feathered, or weathered ends with the intention of preserving other ends that have not been damaged and retaining length.
E
Emollient- an ingredient that makes hair soft and supple, less intense and less harsh. (ie. Shea Butter is an emollient)
F
Fairy Knots- Single strand knots that are formed when the coil or curl of your hair shaft tangles and wraps around itself.
Flaxseed Gel- Flaxseed extract used as a bonding and setting agent for hair strands. Done by boiling flaxseeds in water until the consistency of the water forms the extract. Add essential oils of choice for scent and keep refrigerated.
Follicle- A skin organ that produces hair
H
Hair shaft- the actual fiberous protein that makes up your hair strand. It is comprised of a dead, hard protein called keratin in three layers. The medulla (which is not always present), the cortex (which makes up the majority of the shaft) and the outer layer is the cuticle.
Heat Damage- Stress that is caused on the hair shaft from excessive heat usage and can permanently straighten the natural curl pattern of hair.
Humectant- A hydroscopic substance that helps a product retain water/ or moisture. A key ingredient in moisturizers and cleansers.
J
Jojoba oil- Quickly penetrates the hair shaft to moisturize and is most like the natural sebum that the scalp produces.
L
Length Retention- Using products and/or styling to protect hair from breaking, preserving it as it grows to great lengths
N
No Poo- The exclusion of shampoo in the haircare regimen
O
Oil- Commonly used for fragrance, healing properties, and cosmetic benefit. It is extracted from plants, flowers, nuts, seeds, bushes, and fruits. Natural hair oils can add shine to hair, supply the scalp with nourishing nutrients, promote hair growth, prevent hair loss/ &dandruff, and seal in moisture.
Olive Oil- Extracted from the olive and used to seal in moisture added to the hair strand because of its high levels of acidity. Usually mixed with water for sealing. Rich in protein, omega-3 fat, vitamin E and K
Organic- items that are produced using methods that do not involve modern synthetic inputs and chemicals
P
pH scale- measures how acidic or basic (alkaline) a substance is and ranges from 0 to 14. Pure water is neutral. But when chemicals are mixed with water, the mixture becomes either acidic or basic. Lye, milk of magnesia, and ammonia are examples of basic substances.
Pre-Poo- Adding oil or conditioners and letting them set at least 30 minutes with plastic cap before washing hair with shampoo
Protective Styling- Hairstyles that leave the ends moisturized and tucked in, and protected from the elements that can cause damage and breakage resulting in undesired growth patterns
R
Regimen- A systematic plan, a reoccurring and regular course of action
S
Sealing- Using an oil, butter, or leave in conditioner to close the hair cuticles after they have been opened and moisture has been added to the hair strand.
Sebum- Natural oil that the scalp produces to coat, moisturize and protect the hair shaft
Shampoo- A product that is used to STRIP hair of natural and added oils, dirt, or residue from previous products used.
Shea Butter- Found in the tropics of West Africa, extracted from the nuts of the Shea-Karite tree. It is used to condition hair, seal in moisture and add luster and shine. This is considered a “heavy” butter and therefore it is commonly used to stretch natural hair.
SLH- “Shoulder length hair” is a hair growth goal that many set to obtain
Slip- A term used to describe the addition of oil or conditioner to the hair while detangling to make the process easier by easily removing knots and preventing ends from breaking
Stretching- The act of braiding or twisting hair in order to prevent shrinkage, express length, minimize tangles, and prevent knots
T
Team Natural- A group of individuals that make up the natural hair community, together promoting, educating, and purposing to wear their hair in its non- chemically treated state.
Transition- To go from natural textured hair to chemically altered hair (relaxed, permed, or even colored).
Trimming- Cutting off damaged ends
TWA- Teenie Weenie Afro- describes a natural hairstyle that is usually 0-4 inches in length.
Twist- Similar to a braid, but done with two grouped strands of hair at a time.
Twist Out- A hair style that is frequently worn in the natural hair community. The hair is twisted and after it has set, the twists are taken down and worn out and curly. The twist forms a curl that is waavy
W
WLH- “Waist length hair” is a hair growth goal that many set out to reach in their haircare journey
Wash and Go- Cleansing the hair and not styling after the process is finished. Little to no product is used for a wash and go style.
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