The Ultimate Curly Girl Method GlossaryYour go-to guide for understanding the most essential terms in curly hair care!Curly hair care comes with its own language, and if you’re new to embracing your natural curls, the terminology can be overwhelming. This Curly Girl Method (CGM) glossary breaks down the most common terms so you can confidently navigate your curly hair journey.A-Z Curly Hair Terms You Need to KnowA
ACV Rinse (Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse): A treatment used to clarify the scalp and restore the hair’s natural pH balance. Great for removing product buildup.fro: A natural curly hair style where the hair is left voluminous and free.Aloe Vera: A popular ingredient in curly hair products known for its hydrating and soothing properties.Big Chop: Cutting off chemically processed hair to fully embrace natural curls.Bantu Knots: A protective style where hair is twisted into small knots to create heatless curls. Breakage: Hair that snaps off due to dryness, excessive heat, or improper care.
• Castor Oil: A thick oil that promotes hair growth and moisture retention.
• Clumping: When curls group together, forming defined and bouncy ringlets.
• Co-Wash: Short for “conditioner washing,” a method of cleansing the hair using conditioner instead of shampoo.
• Curl Pattern: The natural shape of curls, ranging from loose waves to tight coils (2A–4C).
• Curly Girl Method (CGM): A hair care routine designed to avoid sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols, promoting healthier curls.DDeep Conditioning: A moisturizing treatment left on hair for an extended period to improve hydration and strength. Diffuser: A blow dryer attachment used to dry curls while minimizing frizz and maintaining curl definitioElasticity: The hair’s ability to stretch and return to its natural state without breaking, a key indicator of hair health.
• Finger Coiling: A styling technique where curls are individually twirled around the fingers to enhance definition.
• Frizz: When hair strands lift and separate, creating a puffy or unruly look. Often caused by dryness or humidity.
• Gel Cast: The hardened layer formed by curl-enhancing gel before being scrunched out for soft curls.
• Greenhouse Effect (GHE): A method of deep hydration where hair is covered overnight to trap moisture
• High Porosity Hair: Hair that absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast, often needing heavier creams and protein treatments.
• Humectants: Ingredients like glycerin that attract moisture to the hair.
• LOC Method: A layering technique using Liquid (Leave-in), Oil, and Cream to lock in moisture.
• Low Porosity Hair: Hair that repels moisture due to tightly closed cuticles, requiring lightweight, water-based products.M
• Max Hydration Method (MHM): A regimen designed to maximize moisture in low porosity, type 4 hair.
• Microplopping: A gentler version of plopping using a microfiber towel or T-shirt to remove excess water.P
• Pineapple Method: A technique for preserving curls overnight by tying hair loosely into a high ponytail.
• Plopping: A drying method using a microfiber towel or T-shirt to reduce frizz and enhance curl definition.
• Pre-Poo: Applying oil or conditioner before shampooing to prevent moisture loss.R
• Rake and Shake: A styling technique where product is raked through the hair and then gently shaken to encourage curl formation. Refresh: Reviving curls between wash days using water, leave-in conditioner, or styling products.S• Scrunching: A technique where curls are squeezed upwards to encourage curl formation.Silicones: A type of ingredient in many hair products that coats the hair, providing shine but potentially leading to buildup.quish to Condish: A technique of applying conditioner with water to encourage moisture absorption. Slip: How easily a product allows detangling without causing breakage.
T
• TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro): A short afro typically worn after the big chop.
• Transitioning: The process of growing out chemically treated hair to embrace natural curls.
Why This Glossary Matters
Whether you’re just starting your Curly Girl Method journey or you’re looking to refine your routine, understanding these terms will help you make better product choices and styling decisions.
At Curl Cosmetics, we offer high-quality, CGM-approved products to help you embrace your natural curls effortlessly!
Shop Curly Hair Essentials at Curl Cosmetics!
