Hair Care Glossary
From co-washing to porosity, learn the essential hair care terms that will help you build a better routine. Click any term for a detailed explanation.
B
C
Clarifying
A deep-cleansing process using a clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup, minerals, and excess oils from hair.
Co-Washing
A hair washing technique that uses conditioner instead of shampoo to cleanse the hair while retaining moisture.
Curl Pattern
The natural shape your hair forms, classified from Type 1 (straight) through Type 4 (coily) with subcategories A, B, and C.
Curly Girl Method (CGM)
A hair care approach that eliminates sulfates, silicones, and heat styling to restore and enhance natural curl patterns.
D
Deep Conditioning
An intensive moisturizing treatment left on hair for an extended period to penetrate and repair the hair shaft.
Detangling
The process of gently removing knots and tangles from hair, ideally done on wet, conditioned hair starting from the ends.
Diffusing
A drying technique using a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to dry curls gently while preserving their natural pattern.
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F
H
Hair Density
The number of individual hair strands per square inch on your scalp, categorized as low, medium, or high density.
Hair Elasticity
The ability of hair to stretch and return to its original length without breaking, indicating its overall health and protein balance.
Hot Oil Treatment
A deep treatment where warmed natural oils are applied to hair and scalp to provide intense moisture and nourishment.
Humectant
An ingredient that attracts and draws moisture from the environment into the hair shaft, helping to maintain hydration.
Hygral Fatigue
Damage caused by repeated swelling and contracting of the hair shaft from excessive water absorption and drying cycles.
L
LCO Method
A variation of the LOC method that applies Liquid, Cream, then Oil, often preferred by low-porosity hair types.
Leave-In Conditioner
A lightweight conditioning product applied to damp hair after washing that remains in the hair to provide ongoing moisture and detangling.
LOC Method
A layering technique that applies Liquid, Oil, then Cream to maximize moisture retention in textured hair.
M
P
Pineappling
A nighttime hair preservation technique where curls are gathered into a loose, high ponytail on top of the head.
Plopping
A drying technique where wet, styled curls are wrapped in a t-shirt or microfiber towel to enhance definition and reduce frizz.
Porosity
A measure of how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture, determined by the condition of the cuticle layer.
Pre-Poo
A pre-shampoo treatment applied before washing to protect hair from the drying effects of cleansing.
Protective Styling
Hairstyles that tuck away the ends of hair to minimize exposure to environmental damage and reduce manipulation.
Protein Overload
A condition where hair becomes stiff, brittle, and prone to breakage due to excessive protein in hair care products.
S
Scrunching
A technique of gently squeezing sections of hair upward toward the scalp to encourage curl formation and remove excess water.
Shingling
A curl-defining technique where product is applied to small sections of hair and smoothed from root to tip to separate and define each curl.
Squish to Condish
A technique where you squish conditioner and water into your hair to maximize moisture absorption and enhance curl definition.
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