Basic terms for natural hair

Fashion often evolves in a cycle from time to time. Many years ago, African women wore their hair naturally. Gradually, there was a “craze” to straighten the hair as many felt it was boring and painful to maintain. Then came the use of hair drier, straighteners and curlers, relaxers, attachments, weaveons and so on.

The observant women of this generation have brought about decadence in the seeming hair craze. The very observant ones have discovered how the different methods of getting the hair straightened eventually destroy the strength and beau y of a woman’s hair. Also, with the advent of lots of hair products which richly cater for the natural hair, many have turned in the direction of the latest trend know as #teamnatural.

Meanwhile, as one joins this team, one will need to keep abreast of the terminologies used in the natural hair world in order to fully cater for the hair’s needs. In fact, some people have come up with a glossary for it. Whereas, I have gathered the important ones for you.

BC (big chop): cutting of relaxed hair totally.

3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C: classification of hair created by Andre Walker.

ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar): vinegar made from cider or apple used for the hair.

Bantu Knot:  hairstyle which the hair is knotted into sections.

Co-wash: “washing” of the hair with only conditioner (no shampoo).

DIY: do it yourself

JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil): brownish castor oil used for hair growth.

PJ (Product Junky): one who is obsessed with buying many hair products.

Pre-poo: coating the hair with natural oils or deep conditioners for some minutes before washing.

Sealing: to apply cream or butter to the hair after the use of oil.

Transitioning: allowing natural hair grow underneath relaxed hair for a while.

TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro): short hair after the Big-Chop (BC).

WNG (Wash and Go): washing and styling one’s hair for the day.

I hope you have learnt a thing or two from this article. Feel free to comment below. You could suggest a topic you will like to read next.

Thank you for your time.