The base of the hair follicle where growth begins.

A braided style where the hair is wrapped around the head like a crown, worn in various African communities as a symbol of royalty.

A satin or silk cap used to protect hair, especially while sleeping, to prevent friction, dryness, and breakage.

A popular protective hairstyle where the hair is divided into sections (boxes) and braided from the root to the ends.

The act of cutting off relaxed or chemically treated hair to transition to natural hair, embracing one’s natural texture.

A traditional African hairstyle where the hair is sectioned and twisted into small, coiled knots. Once unravelled, they create a curly pattern known as "Bantu Knot-Out."

Brittle hair is basically a combination of frizzy, split-ended, dull, dry, lackluster hair. Just like dry skin, it presents itself differently, from mild dullness to full-blown hair loss and breakage.

Blood Vessels provide essential nutrient, oxygen and removes waste for growth and maintenance of the hair follicle

used as a replacement for shampoo in no poo method of wash. There is no evidence on the benefits of baking soda

The middle layer of hair that gives strength, colour, and texture.

Outer protective layer of the hair shaft.

Transitional phase between growth and rest.

Hair extensions are looped through cornrows using a crochet needle, offering versatility in length and texture.

Refers to the specific shape of hair strands, often categorised by how loose or tight your curl is.

A slang term for chemical hair relaxers, referencing how addictive straightened hair can feel to some individuals.

The practice of washing hair with conditioner instead of shampoo to retain moisture and avoid stripping natural oils.

A traditional African hairstyle where the hair is braided close to the scalp in straight or geometric rows.

refers to the width or size of an individual curl when measured across its loop. It determines how tight or loose a curl pattern is, smaller diameters indicate tighter curls, while larger diameters indicate looser curls or waves.

Nourishes and adds moisture to hair

Coats the hair strand for smoothness, shine and softness

Attachment for blow dryers that spreads airflow to reduce frizz.

Hormone linked to pattern hair loss.

Number of hair strands per square inch of scalp.

Inflammatory scalp condition causing flaking and redness.

Two sections of hair are twisted together to form defined twists, which can be worn long or styled into updos.

A method of trimming just the very ends of the hair to maintain health without losing much length.

A close-fitting headscarf often used to maintain waves, protect braids, or keep hairstyles intact overnight.

The process of carefully removing knots and tangles from the hair, usually with a wide-tooth comb, to prevent breakage.

Dry hair is hair that does not have enough moisture and oil to maintain its normal sheen and texture

Refers to adverse alteration of texture, elasticity, density and porosity due to one or more poor hair practices

Deep conditioning is important to maintain good product absorption.

Product used to smooth hairline.

Sudden hair shedding.

Hair’s ability to stretch and return without breaking.

Hair extensions (either natural or synthetic) are added to Afro-textured hair to create longer or fuller styles, often used with braids, twists, or weaves.

Oils like jojoba, tea tree, or lavender used to nourish the scalp and hair.

Refers to hair’s ability to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. High elasticity is a sign of healthy hair.

A styling product used to smooth and slick down the edges (baby hairs) around the hairline.

It refers to how long a single strand of hair can stretch before it returns to its normal state

A traditional West African style named after the Fulani people, featuring thin-to-medium braids, often decorated with beads, shells, or jewelry.

Similar to cornrows, but instead of braiding, two strands of hair are twisted flat against the scalp.

A styling technique where small sections of hair are twirled around the finger to define curls.

A haircut where the hair is tapered down the sides and back, often seen in short hairstyles for men.

A protective style that mimics the look of natural dreadlocks using synthetic or natural hair extensions.

A shaft or opening on the surface of the skin through which hair grows.

Frizz – signifies dryness and remediated by moisture and application of LCO

Short, springy twists made with synthetic or natural kinky hair extensions for a coiled look.

The back of the neck, where the hairline ends.

A type of relaxer that uses calcium hydroxide instead of sodium hydroxide, is considered less harsh on the scalp.

Hair that has not been chemically altered through relaxers, texturizers, or straighteners, typically embraces its natural curl pattern.

This is a method of washing hair without the use of shampoo.

Braids where the colour gradually transitions from one shade to another, often starting dark at the roots and lightening toward the ends.

A spray product that adds shine to hair, often used in protective styles like braids or locs to give them a glossy finish.

Sealant for retention of moisture. Provides sheen

Strengthening treatment for damaged hair.

A protective style that blends the look of twists and locs, using wavy or curly extensions for a textured finish.

A treatment applied before shampooing to protect the hair from being stripped of its natural oils.

A method of loosely tying up hair at the top of the head to preserve curls overnight, often used by individuals with curly hair.

A hairstyle that tucks the ends of the hair away to reduce manipulation and protect from environmental damage (e.g., braids, twists, wigs, weaves).

A type of deep conditioning treatment that adds protein to the hair cortex, which strengthens hair and adds elasticity.

Organic are preferable over synthetic products for maintaining hair. Avoid highly perfumed products with alcohols that dry the hair.

Ability of hair to absorb and retain moisture.

How easily hair strands glide past each other (important for detangling).

Cleansing agents that can strip natural oils.

Fraying of the hair shaft ends.

Community of microorganisms living on the scalp.

Unique braiding styles from Sudan, often involve exceptionally fine braids that are worn by women of the Nuba tribe.

A Nigerian style where hair is braided upward into a bun or conical shape, historically worn by Yoruba royalty.

A technique used to define curls by applying leave-in conditioner or gel to small sections of wet hair and smoothing it through to enhance the curl pattern.

A variation of rope twists, where smooth synthetic hair is used to create long, sleek twists.

A technique used to stimulate blood circulation to the scalp, often done to promote hair growth.

A weave installation technique where hair extensions are sewn onto braided hair.

A method of straightening natural hair using a flat iron and heat protectant to achieve a sleek, smooth look without chemicals.

The phenomenon where natural hair appears shorter than its actual length due to tight curl patterns. This is common in curly hair types.

When the tip of the hair strand has split due to dryness or damage.

Surface texture is the overall look and feel of the outer cuticle layer of the hair strand

A liquid detergent the removal of dirt on the scalp and hair – dirt includes excess oil, dead skin cells, dandruff, pollutants and other contaminants and pollutants

Sebum is a light yellow, oily substance that is secreted by the sebaceous glands that help keep the skin and hair moisturized.

Create lathering effect in cleaning products. Sulfates free products produce little or no lather. Avoid sulfates in fine or dry hair or color treated hair. Sulfates may also promote frizz.

Temporary hair shedding due to stress, illness, or hormonal change.

Resting phase before hair sheds.

A traditional West African technique, particularly common in Nigeria and Ghana, where hair is wrapped with black thread in sections to create various shapes and textures.

A style where the sides and back are cut shorter, leaving the top of the hair fuller, creating a sharp contrast look.

A noticeably short Afro, often worn after the big chop or during the initial stages of growing out natural hair.

A milder form of relaxer that loosens curl patterns without fully straightening the hair.

A hairstyle achieved by unravelling two-strand twists, creating defined, curly hair.

Tangled hair means a knot or tangle when two or more strands wrap around each other and intertwine.

This is a condition where more hairs than normal prepare to fall out.

Ringworms on the scalp

Hair that has not been chemically treated.

A larger-than-life Afro style that emphasizes the fullness and volume of the hair, often achieved through picking or fluffing out the curls.

Hair that has never been chemically treated or processed.

A flat iron that uses steam to straighten hair while minimizing heat damage, often used on natural hair to avoid dryness.

Density of hair

An ingredient that draws moisture into hair (e.g., glycerin).

Structural damage caused by excessive heat styling.

A style where the sides and back are faded down and the top is left tall and full, often shaped into a box or rounded shape.

A large braid or series of braids wrapped around the head like a crown.

A treatment where warmed oils are applied to the hair to add moisture and strength.

A system used to classify hair texture based on curl pattern, from Type 1 (straight) to Type 4 (tight curl).

Damage caused by excessive use of heat-styling tools (e.g., flat irons, curling irons), leading to dryness, breakage, and loss of curl pattern.

Ingredient in hair products that draws in moisture.

The non-growing part of hair above the skin.

Hair Growth Cycle - The life of a strand of hair goes through three different phases: Anagen (the growing phase), Catagen (the resting phase) and Telogen (the dormant phase). This is why hair grows out unevenly.

Hair hydration implies providing enough water to the roots of your hair through proteins, humectants and natural humidity in the air. Retaining enough water content in your hair prevents it from becoming dry, frizzy and lifeless.

Refers to how many strands of hair grow per square inch of your scalp. Hair density is one factor that determines how to best style your hair.

shaving cutting or chemically removing hair acts superficially without damaging the hair structure from which hair grows.

Hair is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis. Hair is one of the defining characteristics of mammals. The human body, apart from areas of glabrous skin, is covered in follicles which produce.

Loss of pigment in hair.

The three phases: anagen, catagen, telogen.

Traditional Nigerian hairstyles that involve wearing a large, often colourful headwrap (Gele) for formal events and celebrations.

Large, thick cornrows braided closely to the scalp, often styled in intricate or crown-like patterns.

A blend of oils used to stimulate hair growth, often including ingredients like castor oil, peppermint, or rosemary.

A styling product used to hold hair in place, often used to define curls or lay down edges.

Hair that has naturally lost all pigment.

Smoothing treatment that reduces frizz.

Protein that makes up hair structure.

A traditional Ghanaian hairstyle that features intricately woven cornrows and braids, often worn by Akan women.

Two-strand twists done with kinky or textured hair extensions, give a natural, voluminous look.

A chemical process that smooths and straightens hair by infusing it with keratin proteins, commonly used in straightening African American hair.

A variation of box braids where the braid starts with the natural hair before extensions are added, reducing tension on the scalp.

Refers to very tightly coiled or zigzag-patterned hair, often categorized as Type 4 in the hair typing system.

A fibrous protein forming the main substance of hair.

A type of cornrow style made popular by Beyoncé, where braids are done in a side-swept pattern.

A wig where the front of the wig has a lace base that mimics a natural hairline, allowing for more realistic styling.

A hairstyle where hair is intentionally matted and allowed to coil and lock into rope-like strands.

A lightweight conditioner applied to damp hair after washing, helping to detangle, moisturize, and protect hair throughout the day.

Layers are a very important part of hair terminology that everyone should know. Layers are shorter pieces of hair that blend seamlessly into the haircut, adding volume and dimension. Remember, there is no such thing as getting “3 layers put into your hair.” Layers are created by cutting the shortest layer and the longest layer and cutting everything in between.

Hair’s ability to hold water.

Pigment responsible for hair color.

Innermost layer of the hair (sometimes absent in fine hair).

Braided and adorned with beads, the traditional braids of the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania inspire this style.

A hairstyle where the sides are shaved or tightly braided and the middle section is left long, often styled with curls, twists, or locs.

A type of two-strand twist done with Marley hair extensions, which closely resemble the texture of natural kinky hair.

A product used to hydrate and soften hair, often including oils or butter that penetrate the hair shaft to lock in moisture.

The natural pigment of hair

Accumulation of products on the scalp or hair.

Chemical treatment that straightens curly hair.

A traditional style from Rwanda, where hair is intricately braided close to the scalp, often forming beautiful geometric patterns.

Also known as Senegalese twists, these are two-strand twists created with synthetic hair extensions for a smooth, rope-like finish.

A curling method using rods or rollers to define natural curls or create waves, popular for natural or transitioning hair.

A chemical treatment used to permanently straighten curly hair, typically involving the use of lye-based or no-lye products.

The process of re-tightening or re-rolling locs to maintain their shape and prevent frizzing.

This is hair terminology for the recurrent pattern of movement in hair. Tight curls have a fast rhythm while loose waves have a slower rhythm.

Hair snapping due to damage, not from the root.

Rapid hair loss during the growth phase (often from chemotherapy).

Active growth phase of the hair cycle.

Genetic hair loss (male/female pattern baldness).

Autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss.

A traditional Rwandan hairstyle where hair is styled into crescent-shaped patterns, historically worn by men and unmarried women.

Hair is gathered into a puff or puffs, usually on top of the head, creating a fluffy, cloud-like shape.

Apple Cider Vinegar rinse: often used to cleanse the scalp and clarify hair, removing buildup from products.

A condition where hair loss occurs in patches or across the scalp. Traction alopecia is common in individuals who wear tight hairstyles, like braids or weaves.

A natural hairstyle where the hair is grown out and styled into a rounded shape. Popularised during the 1960s and '70s, it represents pride in natural Black hair.

Small braids where extensions are seamlessly blended into the natural hair for a more natural appearance.

A type of hair extension installed by using beads and pliers to attach individual strands.

A method of maintaining locs by pulling the end of the loc through its root to tighten the new growth.

A term used to describe crisp, clean braids with neatly sealed ends, often achieved with hot water or heat.

Large, thick braids that are usually created with extensions for a bold look.

A lightweight oil often used in hair products to moisturize and condition hair, closely mimicking natural scalp oils.

A hairstyle where hair extensions are glued or sewn onto a wig cap, allowing for a quicker and less permanent installation than a sew-in weave.

A braid technique where hair is braided underhand, creating raised braids like cornrows.

A hairstyle where the hair is pulled up and styled off the shoulders, often used for formal occasions or protective purposes.

When relaxer is not left on long enough to fully straighten the hair, resulting in a texture that is still curly or wavy.

A traditional style of the Wodaabe people in Niger, where men braid their hair into intricate patterns adorned with beads.

A close-cropped style, often seen in men’s hair, where the hair is brushed in a circular pattern to create a wave-like effect.

Hair extensions that are sewn, glued, or bonded to natural hair to add length or volume.

A hard-bristled brush used to create and maintain waves, a popular hairstyle where the hair is trained into a ripple pattern.

A method of styling natural hair by washing and applying products (e.g., curl cream or gel) to define the natural curl pattern, then allowing it to air-dry or diffuse.

Intricate braiding patterns traditionally worn by the Xhosa people of South Africa, often adorned with beads or other decorations.

A brand of synthetic hair used for braiding, known for being lightweight and tangle-free, often used in box braids and other braided styles.

Braids created using yarn instead of traditional hair extensions, offering a colourful and lightweight alternative to synthetic hair.

Hair extensions that mimic the texture of relaxed African American hair. It has a slightly coarse texture, often used for sew-ins or wigs.

A parting technique where the hair is sectioned in a zigzag pattern, commonly used in creative braiding styles.