Curls Language: Curly Hair Jargon Simplified | Glowrious Ed.
Curly Hair Jargon: Speak the Language
Curly hair comes with its own unique set of terms and phrases. It can be so confusing if you’re new to the curly community. Let us discover the most common curly hair vocabulary! Curly Hair Jargon Simplified!
TL;DR: Our Curls Cheat Sheet
New to the curly community? You’re not alone. This glossary breaks down the secret language of spirals so you can stop guessing and start glowing.
We’ve decoded everything from wash-day basics (Co-washing, LOC Method) to styling hacks (Plopping, Root Clipping, and the Praying Hands method). The Curly Hair Jargon simplified!
⦿ Part 1: Pre-Wash & Washdays
The foundation of healthy hair starts here.
∘ Curly Girl Method (CGM): A routine that skips silicones, sulfates, and heat. It is based on using only gentle, moisturizing products
In other words: A breakup letter to every chemical that ever broke your heart.
Personal Note: Avoiding harsh ingredients isn’t just for curls;
It is a way to respect your hair, skin, and body. It’s a natural approach for everyone!
Read more: Curly Girl Method (CGM) - Curly Girl, what?
∘ Deep Oiling: Leaving the scalp oil overnight. For a common routine, it is left for a couple of minutes before the washing routine.
In other words: Giving your scalp the VIP spa treatment because it’s been through enough.
∘ Co-Washing: Short for “conditioner washing.” You cleanse with conditioner instead of shampoo. It’s gentle, keeps moisture in, and prevents frizz.
In other words: Washing your hair with the stuff that makes it soft? Groundbreaking.
Personal Note: With Glowrious organic products,
you are already getting this level of gentle, hydrating care.
∘ Reverse Conditioning: Applying conditioner before shampooing to hydrate first, then cleanse. It protects curls from shampoo’s drying effects.
In other words: Putting the cart before the horse, but for your hair.
Personal Note: Our shampoo is light and doesn't dry the hair!
∘ LOC/LCO Method: A moisture-locking technique.
LOC: Liquid (Leave-in), Oil, Cream. LCO: Liquid, Cream, Oil.
∘ Squish to Condish (New!):
Adding water to your conditioner while in the shower and "squishing" it into your hair until it makes a squelching sound. This forces hydration into the hair shaft.
In other words: Making wet noises in the shower: it is not elegant, but your hair loves it.
⦿ Part 2: Applying Products & Styling Techniques
How to handle your hair for maximum definition.
∘ Sectioning: Dividing the hair into smaller parts before applying products.
By that, every single curl gets the required coating.
In other words: Treating your hair like a highly organized filing system.
∘ Praying Hands: Using flat palms in a "praying" motion to gently press products into your curls. Reduces frizz without over-manipulating.
In other words: Pleading with the universe (and your hair) to please just clump together for once.
∘ Raking: Running fingers through damp hair to spread product from root to tip while gently detangling.
∘ Scooping: Cupping your hands to "scoop" product into your curls by gently scrunching upward. Encourages curls' formation and reduces frizz.
In other words: Hugging your curls until they behave. It is gentle parenting for curls.
∘ Scrunching: Gently squeezing curls upward toward the scalp after applying the product.
It adds bounce and definition.
∘ Finger Coiling: Wrapping small sections of damp hair around your finger to manually shape each curl.
∘ Root Clipping/Lifting: Using small clips at the roots of wet hair to lift the curls while drying. It adds volume to the scalp.
In other words: Giving your hair a mini lift without the surgery.
∘ Bowling: Placing damp hair between your palms to shape curls. Reduces frizz and creates bouncy, polished coils.
⦿ Part 3: Drying & Preserving
The techniques that keep your work of art looking fresh.
∘ Plopping: Wrapping wet, product-coated hair in a cotton T-shirt or microfiber towel to dry. It absorbs water gently without the rough texture of standard towels.
∘ Micro-Plopping: The same as plopping, but done section-by-section for more precision.
∘ Diffusing: Using a diffuser to gently dry curls without disrupting their shape.
In other words: Creating a gentle breeze instead of a hurricane.
∘ Pixie Diffuse: A technique where you use a diffuser while gently scrunching your curls to boost pattern and volume.
∘ Pineapple Method: Gathering hair at the very top of your head at night, secured with a Pineapple Scarf. Keeps curls from getting squished while you sleep.
In other words: Turning your head into a fruit bowl so you don't wake up with bedhead chaos.
∘ Lock Curls: A technique often used once hair is dry, applying a light oil to "lock" the style in place.
⦿ Part 4: The Essentials
In other words: When your curls finally decide to mingle.
∘ Curl Definition: The clarity and shape of each curl.
∘ Curl Pattern: The specific shape of your hair, ranging from loose waves to tight coils.
In other words: Your DNA’s way of saying, "I am who I am."
∘ Frizz: Stray or flyaway hairs. Often occurs when hair lacks moisture or is exposed to humidity.
∘ Gel Cast: The firm, "crunchy" coating that forms around curls when gel dries. (Scrunch it out to reveal soft, bouncy hair!)
Personal Note: After breaking our Organic Gel's cast,
It doesn't leave ANY residue!
∘ Humidity: Moisture in the air that causes frizz or alters curl patterns.
∘ Porosity: A measure of how easily your hair absorbs and retains moisture (High vs. Low).
∘ Seal in Moisture: Applying oils, creams, or butters to trap hydration in the hair shaft and prevent breakage.
In other words: Locking the door before the hydration runs away.
∘ Silicone-Free | Sulfate-Free: Products without silicones or sulfates! These are the main ingredients to swap!
∘ Wash and Go: A styling method where you wash, apply product, and air dry without extra styling tools.
∘ Slip: The "smoothness" of a product that helps detangle curls without breakage.
∘ Protein vs. Moisture Balance (New!)
Curly hair needs both.
Too much moisture = mushy, weak hair.
Too much protein = brittle, stiff hair.
Finding the balance is the secret to strong, bouncy curls!
∘ Glowrious
A term indicating you are treating your mane to a blend of love, luxury, and holistic ingredients. It means celebrating your unique texture, honoring your ethics, and letting your natural beauty sparkle with joy!
In other words: The feeling of your hair finally having its own "main character" moment.
⦿ Curls Talk, Let's do More of That!
Learn how to identify your unique curl type to choose the perfect products for your texture:
Curl Pattern Guide: Identify Your Type & Match Your Routine.
A walkthrough of our core collection and how we formulate for maximum efficacy:
Meet Our 8 Curly Hair Organic Products | Molecular Deep Dive.
The Psychology & Identity
The Science of Self: Explore the psychological impact of natural hair and how it shapes our confidence and personality. Psychology Facts About Curly Hair | 21 Tested Facts (I resonate with 41 of Them)