When it comes to taking care of our hair, the vocabulary can sometimes seem confusing.🤔 Between treatments, products and techniques, it's easy to get lost in the world of hair care. In this article, we will explore and demystify a multitude of key terms from the hair glossary: “Pre poo”, “Leave-In” “Conditioner”, “No poo”, “Co-Wash” or even “Big Chop”. Once you understand these concepts, you will be better equipped to create an effective hair care routine tailored to your needs. 🫶
Oil bath :
A hair oil bath is a treatment where natural oils are generously applied to the hair and scalp, leaving them to sit for a specific period of time. The oils penetrate deep into the strands, hydrating, nourishing and improving the overall health of the hair.
Big chop:
The Big Chop, literally "the big cut", is a process where you radically cut the chemically treated or straightened parts of your hair. This usually means going from considerable length to a much shorter cut, often almost close-cropped. The goal is to remove all treated areas to allow your natural hair to grow from the roots.
Braids out:
Braids Out is a process where individual braids, pigtails or cornrows are undone to create natural curls or waves. This technique takes advantage of the texture created by braids, transforming disciplined strands into a cascade of curls and waves. The result is a hairstyle that is elegant, relaxed and full of volume.
Co-Wash :
“Co Wash” is an abbreviation of “conditioner wash”, which literally means “washing with a conditioner”. This technique involves using a hydrating conditioner to clean the hair in place of a traditional shampoo. Unlike shampoos which often contain powerful cleansing agents, conditioners are formulated to soften, detangle and moisturize hair.
Protective hairstyle:
A protective style is a styling technique that aims to minimize potential damage caused by daily handling, environmental elements and harsh hair products. These hairstyles often involve creating braids, pigtails, weaves, or other styles that keep the hair bundled and protected.
Conditioner :
Conditioner, also known as “conditioner,” is an essential product in any hair routine. It is used after shampoo to nourish , soften and above all detangle the hair. Conditioners often contain nourishing agents such as glycerin, oils and proteins to restore hair health.
Cornrows:
Cornrows are a braiding technique where the hair is divided into sections and braided close to the scalp using three strands. Braids are often done symmetrically or in complex patterns that can vary depending on the creativity of the hairdresser and the preferences of the person being styled, such as hearts, waves, zig-zags and many others. Again...
Finger coils:
Finger Coils is a styling method where you carefully wrap small sections of hair around your finger to create defined curls. This technique is often used on damp or slightly damp hair to maximize curl definition and hold.
Leave-In:
A "Leave-In" is a lightweight hair product, like a cream or spray, designed to be applied after washing .
Unlike traditional treatments, it is a leave-in treatment. It acts as a protective layer that seals in moisture, detangles hair and makes styling easier . Leave-ins are particularly beneficial for people with dry or damaged hair and lacking nutrition. It is also an ideal ally for curly hair.
Oily macerate:
An oily macerate, also called an “oily infusion”, is a preparation in which plants, herbs, flowers or even spices are infused in a base oil, usually a vegetable oil such as olive oil, jojoba or coconut oil. This process transfers the active ingredients of the plants into the oil, creating a product rich in nutrients beneficial to the hair.
Hair mask :
A hair mask is an intensive treatment formulated to deeply nourish, hydrate and repair your hair. It has a richer and thicker texture than a conditioner. Unlike regular conditioners that work on the surface, hair masks penetrate the inner layers of hair to target specific problem areas and restore strand health.
No Poo:
The term "No Poo" is a contraction of "No Shampoo", which means gradually abandoning the regular use of traditional commercial shampoos. This approach is based on the principle of minimizing or even completely eliminating harsh chemicals found in many shampoos. The goal ? Preserve the natural balance of the scalp and restore sebum production to a healthy level.
Pre-poo:
The term “Pre-poo” is an abbreviation of “pre-shampoo” (in English). It is an essential preliminary step in a hair care routine. Pre-poo involves applying a moisturizing or oil treatment to the hair before washing it with shampoo. The objective is to protect the hair, particularly the cuticles, from the drying effects of shampoo by creating a hydration barrier. Natural oils, such as coconut oil or argan oil, are often used for this step. The pre-poo acts like a real protective film on the hair. It helps maintain hydration, reduce frizz and prevent breakage during washing.
Refresh:
The term "Refresh" in the hair context refers to a technique that helps revive and redefine your curls between two full washes. It's a convenient method to extend the life of your hairstyle and reduce excessive handling of your hair. Refresh usually involves using lightweight products such as a hydrating spray or leave-in conditioner to reshape your curls and bring them back to life. This technique is especially useful for curly, wavy, or textured hair, which tends to lose definition over time.
Hair Sealing:
Hair sealing is a method of locking moisture into the hair using products rich in natural oils or butters. After hydrating your hair with water or a moisturizer, you apply a protective layer of oil or butter to seal that moisture inside the hair cuticle. This creates a barrier that prevents moisture evaporation and keeps your hair hydrated for longer.
Shrinking:
Hair shrinkage is due to the internal structure of curly, frizzy and frizzy hair. Unlike straight hair, the spiral shape of curly hair creates angles that prevent the strands from fully stretching. When hair is wet or exposed to humidity, the chemical bonds within the hair are temporarily changed, allowing the hair to take on a more curly, compact shape.
Scruncher / Scrunching:
Scrunching is a styling technique where you gently scrunch your hair from the bottom up with your hands to accentuate the natural curls. You often have to repeat the gesture while being upside down. This technique is often used in conjunction with a styling product, such as a gel, mousse, or texturizing spray, to help maintain the shape of the curls.
Hair transition:
The decision to transition to natural hair can be the start of an exciting journey towards a more authentic, healthier head of hair. Hair transition is the process of changing from chemically treated hair, such as relaxed or colored hair, to its natural textures. This journey is so much more than just a style change - it's about self-exploration and reconnecting with the natural beauty of your hair.
Twist out:
Twist Out is a styling technique that involves dividing hair into sections, twisting each section into twists, then undoing the twists once your hair is completely dry. This method creates defined curls or waves, using the texture created by the twists to give a natural, textured appearance.
By exploring this hair glossary 🧖♀, we immersed ourselves in a world of rich and varied hair care. Each term, from Pre-poo to Cornrows, plays a crucial role in healthy and beautiful hair. Masks, protective hairstyles and techniques like Twist out offer a range of possibilities for pampering our locks. By incorporating these concepts into our routines, we cultivate confidence and beauty in our curls. ➿We hope you enjoyed this article as much as we did.💛
