The world of curly hair has its own vocabulary. Use this guide to decode the most common terms and better understand your hair’s needs.
When you first dive into curly hair care, you might feel like you need a dictionary. From “plopping” to “porosity,” the terminology can be overwhelming. This glossary breaks down the most essential terms in plain language so you can follow tutorials, read product labels, and participate in the community with confidence.
1. Porosity
This refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. High porosity hair has open or damaged cuticles that take in water easily but lose it just as fast, often feeling dry shortly after washing. Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles that resist moisture (water beads up on the surface) but hold onto it once it’s inside. Understanding this helps you choose the right weight of products.
2. Cast (or “Crunch”)
A cast is the hard, protective layer created by styling gel or mousse as it dries. This cast holds your curls in place and prevents frizz while the hair is setting. Once 100% dry, you “scrunch out the crunch” (SOTC) using your hands or a tiny bit of oil to reveal soft, defined curls that are no longer stiff.
3. Co-Wash
Short for “conditioner-only washing.” This is the act of cleaning your hair using a specially formulated conditioning cleanser instead of a traditional sudsy shampoo. It’s a great way to maintain moisture in very dry or curly hair types, though you should still use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to prevent buildup.
4. Clumping
Clumping is when your individual hair strands gather together to form larger, defined curl units. Good clumping is the key to a polished, frizz-free look. You can encourage clumping by applying products to soaking wet hair and using techniques like the “praying hands” method to smooth the strands together.
5. Pineapple
A “pineapple” is a protective hairstyle where you gather your curls loosely at the very top of your head (near your forehead) before sleep. This prevents you from crushing your curls while you toss and turn, keeping your style fresh for the next day. It’s usually secured with a silk or satin scrunchie.
6. Density vs. Thickness
These are often confused! Density refers to how many hairs are on your head (how close together they grow). Thickness (or width) refers to the diameter of an individual hair strand (fine, medium, or coarse). You can have high density hair that is made of very fine strands!
7. Slip
“Slip” describes how slippery a product makes your hair feel. A conditioner with “good slip” allows your fingers or a comb to glide through tangles effortlessly. This is essential for preventing breakage during the detangling process.
“Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your curls.”
Keep this glossary handy as you continue your journey. The more you understand the “why” behind the techniques and the language used by professionals, the easier it will be to achieve the results you want!