Did you know that there is a specific vocabulary regarding our hair? Here is the translation of the words that are usually in English.

• 2nd Day Hair: Second day hair, naturally curly hair that stays curly and looks good the next day and doesn't get frizzy.
• 2a|2b|2c: Classification numbers for naturally full-bodied wavy and thick hair. This hair system was created by Andre Inalker.
• 3a|3b|3c: Classification numbers for naturally loose curly hair. This hair system was created by Andre Walker.
• 4a | 4b | 4c: Classification numbers for naturally tight kinky curly hair. This hair system was created by Andre Walker.

A 

• Accordion Technique: Accordion Technique, a method, from Lorainne Massey's [Curly Girl] book, to help define curls by curling hair into an accordion.
• ACIN: Apple cider vinegar. The acidity is close to that of natural hair, which is why it is used as a final rinse after shampooing and before conditioner, to promote hair health by tightening and sealing the cuticle.
• Afro: Rounded hairstyle and naturally curly spiral hair
• APL: Arm Pit Length: A guide to the length of hair growth in reference to when the hair reaches the level of the armpit.
•   Argan Oil: Oil rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids produced from the kernels of the Argan tree organically grown in Morocco. It can be used as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer or to heal and condition cuticles and split ends. Also known as Moroccan oil.

B

• BAA: Big Ass Afro A very large afro that is achieved with natural long curly and / or kinky hair.
• Baggy: a method to reduce breakage, split ends and dryness. After moisturizing your hair and sealing it overnight, put on a plastic cap or shower cap overnight to help your hair retain the moisture it needs for maximum growth retention.
• Bantu Knot: hairstyle created when the hair is sectioned into rhombuses, triangles or squares and twisted into knots. Also known as Zulu knots.
• Bantu Knot Out: hairstyle created by sectioning the hair in Bantu Knots on wet and damp hair and then, after they dry, the knots are removed to obtain defined curly hair.
• BC: Big Chop Completely trim relaxed or chemically treated hair to leave only natural textured hair.
• BKT:Brazilian Keratin Treatment A temporary hair straightening treatment that does not use harsh chemicals but is known to be harmful to the hair
• BNC:Braid'n'Curl Hairstyle obtained by braiding damp or hydrated hair and curling the ends with curlers or flexible rods. Air dry overnight or use a hair dryer. Then pull out the wands and undo the braids to reveal wavy and deep curly hair.
• Bradelocz1: also known as Braidlocs or Braidlocks. A method of locking hair with small braids and sealing by closing or rotating the palm (twisting). This technique does not require a Big Chop (BC). Bradelocz's e-book was written by Cherie King.
• Braid Out: hairstyle obtained by weaving damp or hydrated hair into braids or single braids and after they dry, dissolve them to reveal a more defined curly hair.
• BSL: Bra Strap Length A guide to hair growth length in reference to when the hair reaches the point where the bra strap is positioned on the back.
• Buds:Budding First stage of dreadlocks and hair closure, when a knot is formed as the core of each strand.

C

• CBL: Collar Bone Length: A guide to hair growth length in reference to when hair reaches the collarbone.
• CG: Curly Girl. One method, [Say no to shampoo, unplug the hair dryer and find your inner curl!], designed to get your best natural curls based on the book [Curly Girl] written by Lorraine Massey.
• Co-wash: Cowashing is the gentlest way to wash your hair, eliminating all dirt residues. This type of washing avoids the harsh results of frequent washing with shampoos that contain detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate and helps keep natural black hair soft and manageable.
• Comb coils: a styling technique obtained by placing the handle of a comb at the root of small sections of hair and turning it clockwise to create a ring. A great style for shorter hair.
• Cones (silicones). Ingredients in some hair care products that are and are not water soluble. Water-insoluble silicones should be washed well using a stronger shampoo or clarifying shampoo or a natural lightening cleansing method or they will cause a heavy buildup on the hair.
• Cornrow: type of braid where the hair is braided very close to the scalp, using a downwind, upward motion to produce a continuous, raised row. Cornrows are often formed, as the name implies, in simple, straight lines, but they can also be formed in complicated geometric or curvilinear designs. 
• Creamy crack: a term created by women who found it difficult to stop relaxing their hair during the transition, used to describe permanent relaxers.

D

• Denman: a company that makes a brush to define curls used by many women with natural hair.
• Detangler (Districante): type of hair conditioner that softens the hair, so that the hair is strengthened and smoothes the scales on the outer surface of the hair or on the cuticle to prevent tangling.
• Untangle: Process in which a detangler is used to soften the hair to better manage it.
• DIY: do-it-yourself
• DT: Deep Treatment. Also known as DC (Deep Conditioning). A treatment to help restore moisture to the hair by letting a moisturizing mask with a heat source (shower cap or thermal caps) penetrate the hair for an extended period of time.
• Dusting: ANDvenly cut 1/4 inch or less, the name comes from the little hairs that look like dust on the floor.

E

• ANDO: ANDssential oils. Natural oils (Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Peppermint, Lemon, Lavender, etc.) that promote hair health.
• ANDVCO: ANDxtra Virgin Coconut Oil. A natural conditioner that promotes hair growth, strong and healthy hair, prevents dandruff and makes hair shiny and soft.
• ANDVOO: extra virgin olive oil. A natural sealer used to seal and lock moisture from the moisturizer, smoothing the hair cuticle and adding shine. Some use this oil for a pre-shampoo (Pre-Poo) treatment.

F

• Flat Twist: a two-strand braiding technique similar to pigtails, twisting the hair starting from the head.
• Fluff: Comb your hair with your fingers to get maximum fullness and volume for your curly hair.
• FSG: Flaxseed gel. Homemade recipe for a flaxseed-based styling gel that doesn't weigh down your hair, dry it or create flaking.

H

• Henna: a natural dye or hair dye and strengthener, considered Ayurvedic (use of all natural Indian herbs)
• HG Holy Graal: Holy grail. A used statement for the products you have tried and it works perfectly for your hair.
• HHJ: Healthy Hair Journey. Expression used to describe the journey a person takes to get healthy hair.

J

• JBCO: Jamaican black castor oil. Castor oil produced in Jamaica used to strengthen, thicken and increase hair growth.

K

• KCCC: Kinky Curly Custard. A styling product made with natural ingredients used to lengthen and define naturally curly hair.

L

• Latch Hooking: a method used to maintain dreadlocks by incorporating new growth to locks to keep them tidy.

M

• MBL: Mid Back Length A guide to the length of your hair growth in reference to when your hair reaches the center of your back.

N

• Nappyversary: Also known as Nattyversary. This is the anniversary date on which your hair COILY they have become completely natural.
• Natty Butter: Short name for Natural Butter which uses 100% all natural ingredients to hydrate and seal moisture in hair and skin. 
• No-poo: a hair regimen of which you do not use shampoo to cleanse your hair. Some use conditioners in place of the shampoo also known as Co-washiing.

P

• Palm Rolling: a method used to maintain dreadlocks. This is done by grabbing a single dreadlock between the base of the palms and vigorously rubbing it back and forth.
• Pineappleing: Legatura to ducka way to prep your hair and sleep to preserve your curls for second day hair. This is accomplished by putting your hair in a high, loose ponytail on the crown of your head and sleeping on a satin pillowcase. In the morning the curls are intact by simply dropping the ponytail and gently shaking the hair.
• Pixies: also known as Pixie Braids. For the naturals, these braids are small individual braids all over the head without extensions. Pixie Braids are also braids with hair extensions that are small box braids, cut in layers and sealed with heat. These braids are usually curled or twisted slightly at the ends to give them an upward curved shape.
• PJ: Product Junky.This is an expression used for a person who buys all the hair care products he can find to try the best thing on the market.
• Plopping: a way to quickly dry your hair and enhance waves and curls by wrapping your hair in a t-shirt or cotton cloth.
• Pre-Poo: coat the hair, for about 30 minutes or more, with a blend of natural oils or mask before shampooing.
•  Poo Bars: Shampoo or conditioner bars that use 100% natural and often Ayurvedic ingredients that cleanse or moisturize without depriving the hair of its natural moisture. They can also be used many times for general body cleansing.
• Protective Style: Protective style, a hairstyle that protects the ends of the hair from exposure to harmful agents such as sun, heat and constant handling. The purpose and benefits of this hairstyle are to grow healthier and longer hair and reduce split ends and damage. Some examples are buns, braids, extensions, wigs and ponytails.

R

• Routine: your daily or weekly guide to hair care and styling.

S

• S&D Search and Destroy: Process where you occasionally search your hair for any split ends, crooked ends or single strand knots and trim them with a sharp hair styling scissor.
• Sigillatura: (Seal the Ends) apply the product on the ends of the hair to keep them hydrated and limit breakage. The choice of method is to use a water-based moisturizer (conditioner or cream that has water as the first ingredient), and finally seal with butter or oil.
• Shingling: a styling method, created in Miss Jessie's salon, used to manually define curls by applying a leave in or gel with a comb, distributing the product from roots to ends going downwards while smoothing and lengthening the hair. 
• SL:Sisterlocks small uniform deadlocks. These strands are created using a specific tool that automatically forms a lock when placed on the hair and does not require waxes or gels. These locks are very versatile and can be made on any type of hair.
• Slip: describes how slippery a product is and how effective it is at coating hair to detangle it. Usually in reference to a conditioner or detangling product.
• SLS: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate A high-volume, synthetic, hair-drying chemical used in many shampoos.
• TNC: Twist n Curl Hairstyle obtained by intertwining two strands of wet or damp hair and curling the ends with curlers or flexible rods. Air dry overnight or use a hair dryer. Pull out the temples and twist them to reveal wavy hair and deep curls.

T

• Transition: process in which you decide to stop relaxing your hair in order to grow your own natural hair structure.
• TInA: Teeny Ineeny Afro. A small Afro about 1/2 - 1 inch in length, typically referring to the first stage after the Big Chop (BC).
• Twist Out: a hairstyle obtained by twisting the hair with two strands (usually while it is damp or wet, allow it to air dry or using a hair dryer). Once dissolved, well-defined ringlets will have formed.
• Two Strand Twist: Also known as a double-stranded twist. This hairstyle technique can be done on dry or wet hair. Take a strand of hair and divide it into two equal parts and twist each strand around the other. You continue until all of your hair is twisted like single braids.

V

• INirgin Hair: hair that is natural from the roots and has not been chemically treated or altered.

W

• InNG: Inash and Go also abbreviated as InnG or In&G. Hair co-washing method, adding a styling gel or cream and then starting the day. The hair is air-dried or you can dry it with a diffuser.
• Inet and Go: a styling technique similar to Inash and Go (InNG), but they don't wash their hair. Dampen or spray your hair with a leave-in and water to define the curls and comb them as you wish for a quick hairstyle.