Natural Hair Dictionary

Natural Hair Dictionary
Natural Hair – Related Terms

ACV = Apple Cider Vinegar: This is used by some to restore the natural pH to the hair, clean and condition.

APL= Arm Pit Length: refers to hair that reaches the armpitBC= Big Chop: Refers to the cutting off of relaxed hair, with the result of only natural hair being present on the scalp

BSL= Bra Strap Length: refers to hair that reaches the bra strap position on a female’s back

Buds (Budding)= First stage in locking. Small, young sections that will eventually grow out and mature as actual dreadlocks 

Cones = silicons: class of chemical ingredients that is found in many commercial conditioners for the hair; use of a detergent shampoo is usually needed to remove them from the hair


Co-wash = Washing the hair with conditioner, instead of shampoo; Is done most times to replace shampoos that include harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate

Creamy crack = A not so affectionate term used to refer to permanent hair relaxers; nickname was given by those who found it hard to stop getting relaxers before they transitioned to natural hair 

Denman = refers to a the Denman (a company) series of brushes; a brush that is used widely among the natural hair community to help define curls

EO = Essential Oils: refers to a large group of naturally occurring oils (For example: lemon oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil,etc.)

EVOO= extra virgin olive oil 

No-poo = Washing method that does not involve the use of shampoo; co-washing is a type of no-poo method

Pre-Poo = Covering the hair with a deep conditioner or mixture of oils for  30 min. or more BEFORE shampooing the hair. 

Transition = Refers to the transition from relaxed to natural hair 

TWA= Teeny Weeny Afro: Natural hair that is very close to the scalp; most times is the result of a Big Chop after a short transitioning stage