If you are new to the curly hair revolution, you may be surprised to know that we speak our own language!
We use acronyms and terms that may be foreign to some, for us, it is a daily part of our vernacular, here are just few…
COMMONLY USED CURLISTA ACRONYMS:
ACV – Apple Cider Vinegar
AO – Aubrey Organics
APL – arm pit length
AVG -aloe Vera gel
BAA – big-ass afro
BC – big chop
BSL – bra strap length
CBL – Collar bone length
CG – Curly Girl routine
CJ – Curl Junkie
CO – Conditioner-only
CO-wash – Washing with conditioner
CQ – Curl Quencher by Ouidad
DT – deep treatment
DC – deep conditioner
EOs – essential oils
EVCO – extra virgin coconut oil
EVOO – extra virgin olive oil
FSG – Flax Seed Gel
GDL – Giovanni Direct Leave-In
GVP – Generic Value Products – At Sally’s
HE – Herbal Essences
HETT – Herbal Essence Totally Twisted
HG – Holy Grail
JBCO – Jamaican black castor oil
KCCC – Kinky Curly Curling Custard
KBB – Karen’s Body Beautiful
KCKT – Kinky Curly Knot Today
L&T – Lock & Twist
LOOB – L’Oreal Out of Bed
LOOC – Lustrasilk Olive Oil Cholesterol
LOTD – Lily of the Desert
MHC – My Honey Child
NG – Nature’s Gate or New growth
ORS – Organic Root Stimulator
PHHB – Pantyhose head band
PJ – Product Junkie
PM – Paul Mitchell
POO – shampoo
PVP – A polymer found in most gels
QCCC – Quite Calm Curling Cream
RR – Rocking Ringlets by Jessicurls
SAO – Sweet almond oil
SIF – Set It Free by Devacurl
SL – shoulder length
SLS – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SO – sebum only method
SOTC – scrunch out the crunch
TE – Terressentials
TIGI MM -TIGI Moisture Maniac
TJ – Trader Joe’s
TLBN – tailbone length
R – thermal reconditioner
TTO – tea tree oil
TWA – Teeny weeny afro
WDT– Weekly Deep Treatment by Jessicurl’s
WO – water only method
TERMS COMMONLY USED:
BAGGY – The method of sealing in moisture to your hair by using a plastic processing cap overnight or for long hours.
BRAID OUT – The process of braiding the hair at night and taking out the braids in the morning.
CANOPY – The top layer of your hair, which is exposed to the elements the most.
CARRIER OIL – Commonly referred to as a base oil, which is used to dilute essential oils. Olive oil, Castor oil and Jojoba oil are examples of a carrier oil.
CLARIFY – The process of removing build up from the hair by using a clarifying product.
CLUMPING – When strands of hair clump together to form bigger, chunkier curls
CONES – Surfactants present in hair products that strip hair of natural oil.
CRUNCH – When your hair has a hard, crunchy feeling once completely dry – generally caused by the use of gels.
DUSTING – The process of trimming just the ends of the hair.
HUMECTANT – Humectants naturally draw moisture from the environment into the hair. Glycerin is one of the most commonly used, agave nectar and honey are also humectants.
PINEAPPLE – The art of gathering your hair on top of your head, to preserve the curls for 2nd or 3rd day hair.
PLOP – The method of wrapping wet hair in a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel.
SEALING – The process of sealing the moisture in the hair using oils & moisturizers.
SHEDDING – Hair strands are said to shed at a rate of 50 – 80 strands a day.
SHRINKAGE –When your hairs length shortens or draws in due to curl tightness.
SLIP – This term is used to describe a product, usually a conditioner or shampoo, that makes your hair feel slippery when wet. When a product has good slip it makes it easier to detangle curly/textured hair.
THREE STRAND TWISTS – The process of twisting the hair by dividing into three parts.
TWO STRAND TWISTS – The process of twisting the hair by dividing into two parts.
WASH & GO – The process of washing the hair, applying a styling product then letting it air dry.
2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b, 4c – Used for curl/hair typing. Said to be created by Andre Walker, stylist of Oprah Winfrey.
2nd Day Hair – The process of adding a little water or minimal product to revive hair style for another day.
Did we miss any? Feel free to send in your suggestions and add to the list.
