Curly Girl Terms and Definitions

Welcome to the Curly Girl glossary! Understanding the terminology can help you navigate your curly hair journey more effectively. Here’s a handy list of common Curly Girl Method (CGM) terms and their definitions.

1. Co-Wash

Definition: Short for "conditioner wash." This involves washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo to cleanse the scalp without stripping natural oils.

2. No-Poo

Definition: A method of cleansing hair without traditional shampoo. Often involves using a co-wash or cleansing conditioner.

3. Low-Poo

Definition: A mild, sulfate-free shampoo used to gently cleanse the scalp without harsh detergents.

4. Slip

Definition: The ability of a conditioner or product to provide enough lubrication to allow fingers or combs to glide through the hair easily.

5. Cast

Definition: A hard, crunchy layer that forms around curls when styling products dry. This is usually scrunched out to reveal soft, defined curls.

6. Scrunch Out the Crunch (SOTC)

Definition: The process of scrunching the hair to break the cast formed by gel or mousse, resulting in soft, bouncy curls.

7. Pineapple

Definition: A method of protecting curls overnight by piling hair on top of the head in a loose ponytail or bun to preserve curl pattern.

8. Plopping

Definition: A technique where wet hair is piled onto a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt and secured to enhance curl definition and reduce frizz.

9. Pre-Poo

Definition: A treatment applied to hair before shampooing to add moisture, reduce tangling, and protect hair from being stripped of natural oils.

10. Deep Conditioning

Definition: The process of using a rich, moisturizing conditioner to deeply nourish and repair hair. Typically left on for 15-30 minutes or more.

11. LOC Method

Definition: A layering technique involving Liquid (water or leave-in conditioner), Oil, and Cream to lock in moisture.

12. LCO Method

Definition: A variation of the LOC Method where the order is Liquid, Cream, and then Oil.

13. Clarifying

Definition: The process of using a stronger cleanser or clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup from the hair and scalp.

14. Protective Style

Definition: Hairstyles that protect the ends of hair from damage and reduce manipulation, such as braids, twists, and buns.

15. Transitioning

Definition: The period of growing out chemically treated or heat-damaged hair while embracing natural curls.

16. Big Chop

Definition: Cutting off all chemically treated or heat-damaged hair to start fresh with natural curls.

17. Slip

Definition: The ability of a conditioner to provide enough lubrication to allow fingers or a comb to glide through the hair easily.

18. Holy Grail (HG)

Definition: A product that consistently delivers excellent results and is a staple in one's hair care routine.

19. Second-Day Hair

Definition: Hair that is styled on the second day after washing, typically requiring refreshing to restore curl pattern and reduce frizz.

20. Refresh

Definition: The process of reviving curls on non-wash days using water, leave-in conditioner, or styling products to redefine curls and reduce frizz.

Conclusion

Understanding these terms can significantly enhance your Curly Girl journey. Bookmark this page and refer back whenever you come across a new term. Embrace your curls and enjoy the journey!