Hello Naturalista!

Joining a new community can be confusing, especially with a community as unique as the Naturalista Family!

As if the world of hair isn’t already complicated enough with its technical terms and precise rules, African American hair needs even more tender love and care.

Like any culture, if you know the slang it is easier to follow the code and hop on the road to healthy hair.

For Newbie Naturalistas:

Hair Type - Refers to your how loose or kinky your curl pattern is.

Transitioning - The process of ridding your hair of texture-altering chemicals.

Big Chop(BC) - A method of transitioning, involves cutting all chemicals from your hair

TWA - Teeny Weeny Afro

Styling Slang:

Protective style - A style that will reduce the amount of manipulation for optimal hair health.

Twist-Out - A type of protective style that involves twisting the hair like rope. A twist out can be worn as a style, or a technique to create curls.

Wash and Go - A protective style that involves saturating the hair with water and product and letting the hair dry without much manipulation.

Pineapple - A protective style used to preserve moisture and maintain your curl pattern overnight. Involves piling the hair on top of the head. Used for longer hair.

Check out this pretty pineapple tutorial…

NaturallyCurly

Pre-Poo - The Method of saturating your hair with oil before shampooing to prevent moisture stripping.

Flex-Set -  The method of styling your hair using flexi rods

Sealing -  The method of locking in the moisture from your products

L.O.C. - The method of sealing moisture. Involves adding Liquid, Oil, then Cream; in that order.

Shrinkage - The way the hair draws up as it dries.

Bagging - Using a plastic bag instead of a shower cap to cover hair.

Product Slang

Creamy Crack (CC) - Relaxer

Co wash - A dual purpose product that cleanses and conditions at the same time.

Leave-in - A conditioner that does not require rinsing, can be used as a daily moisturizer

Feeling like you got the lingo?

Now when you search for natural hair tips and tricks they will be much easier to interpret.

Of course new words are constantly being created, but as long as you have the classics, you are well on your way!

Add your favorite terms to the list in the comments below!

For more Health & Beauty Tips from Nina Harwell, see her posts on the: 

• Top 5 Essential Oils for Hair Growth & Detangling 101 – 

• The Best Tips & Tools for 4a/b/c Hair Care & Retention

• & 3 Beautiful Summer Hair Trends

• You can also find her at Beauty Addictz Online.

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