While cruising the net in search of useful content, I ran across a glossary over at Naturally You! Magazine, which contains the most frequently used terms when it comes to the natural journey. And like always, I thought I’d share this resource for those of you who may not be in the know. So here they go…
ACV - Apple Cider Vinegar rinse, used quite often by loc wearers in the baby loc stage to clean the scalp. Also used by freeform naturals to remove build up from the hair.
Baby Locs - Locs that have just been started and have not yet begun to mat.
Bantu Knots - Hair is parted into sections, and twisted until it folds upon itself, creating a “knot” of hair.
Big Chop - Often used to describe a person cutting off all of their permed hair, down to fairly short natural hair.
BradeLocz - Locs formed by braiding the hair in small sections. Locs formed with this method are often tightened with a tool used to weave the new growth in near the root. This type of locing technique avoids unraveling when swimming, shampooing, or working out.
Braid Out - A style created by braiding the hair, usually wet and/or with products, and removing them to create a crinkly/curly effect. Can be done on freeform naturals or locs.
Comb Coils - Single strand twists formed using a comb to twist the hair.
Co-Wash - Washing the hair with conditioner only, instead of shampoo. Also known as the “no-poo” method.
“Creamy Crack” - A term used by many naturals to describe chemical relaxers.
Double Strand Twists - Created on naturally coily hair, this style involves wrapping two strands of hair together like a rope. The hair can be parted in small, medium, or large sections.
EO - Essential oils are potent, concentrated plant extracts used in various applications in cosmetic, medicinal, and some household products.
EVOO - Extra virgin olive oil. Often used as a hair moisturizer by Black women with natural hair.
Flat Twist - The hair is rolled so that it lays flat against the head, similar to a cornrow.
Freeform Natural - Natural hair worn “loose” and un-loced.
Latchin’ - A method of retightening locs requiring the use of a latch hook. Latch hooks are also used to make rugs and attach weaves. They are available at most beauty supply stores, and many craft stores.
Palm Rolling - A technique used to smooth out the shaft of a loc by rolling it, with or without product, between the palms of the hands.
Product Junkie - A person who continually purchases more and more products to try on her hair!
No-Poo - Washing the hair with conditioner only, instead of shampoo. Also known as the “co-washing”.
Root Bed - The new growth at the root of a loc is described as the root bed.
Shake-n-Go - A hairstyle acheived by washing the hair, applying products, and shaking it vigorously. This process adds volume and helps separate curls.
Shea Butter - Made from shea nuts, a creamy butter used to smooth skin and soften hair.
Sisterlocks ™ - A method of locing the hair using a patented method of intertwining the hair with a tool. Sisterlocks can be started on permed or natural hair.
Transitioning - Allowing the natural hair to grow, while maintaining the permed/chemically processed ends. Permed ends can be cut off little by little, or all at once when the natural hair has reached the desired length.
TWA - Teeny weeny afro, most often worn right after shaving off the remnants of a perm. This is the no holds barred way of going natural. Recommended as the best way among many natural heads, this is the way to start over completely fresh and get to know the natural you.
Twist-n-Clip - A method of retightening locs involving twisting the new growth while damp, and using hair clips to clip the loc in place until dry.
Twist Out - A style created by double strand twisting the hair, usually wet and/or with products, and removing the twists to create a curly/wavy/crinkly pattern. Can be done on freeform naturals or locs.
Source: www.naturallyyoumagazine.com/content.php?id=4
Blessed Be…
Idadi
This glossary will definitely come in handy! I’ve been natural for over 8 years and I know when I first started out, I would hear some of these terms and I’d be like “SAy, huh?”. The terms can be kinda confusing to a natural hair newby.