Your Curly Hair Dictionary

You need a big fro-cabulary when it comes to discussing curls, and if you’re new to the game, you’re probably like… what… the… fuck… But I’m here to help you with this handy little dictionary! Let me know if I have missed anything out and I’ll get it added right away! Happy curling!

CG/CGM - shorthand for the Curly Girl Method!

Cowash - a wash using only conditioner

Curl type - curl types differ from 2a to 4c, and cover everything from waves and curls to coils! Your curl type should influence the products you use, as each type needs different care

Diffuser - a diffuser is a little add-on for your hairdryer, which makes it look like a gun for killing aliens. It spreads out the air a little, so your hair won't blow about everywhere!

Off to kill some aliens

Drying alcohol - drying alcohols can do exactly what it says on the tin - dry out your curls! You can check if your products have them here

Finger coiling - this is all about wrapping your wet curls around your fingers to get dreamy definition

Leave-in conditioner - exactly what it says on the tin. A conditioner that you can wear all day long to keep those locks properly moisturised

Low-poo - low-poo is a shampoo with no sulphates or silicones, making it totally suitable for the Curly Girl Method

Plop - not as gross as it sounds! Plopping is basically putting up your hair in a t-shirt or towel to let your curls set and dry a little.

sexy

Porosity - porosity is all to do with how well your curls take in moisture. Hair with lower porosity struggles to take in moisture, and hair with higher porosity takes it in easier, but the moisture escapes easily.

Reset Wash - When first starting the Curly Girl Method, you may want to do a reset wash, using your usual shampoo to wash out all the silicones in your old conditioner before using your lovely new conditioner

Silicones - silicones in conditioners help to avoid frizz, but can cause major buildup, which is no good for your locks! The most popular silicone is dimethicone, but you can check if your products are suitable here

SOTC - scrunch out the crunch! Some products can leave a crunchy cast on your hair, just scrunch it out to see your perfect curls underneath!

STC - squish to condish! This is for when you condition your hair. You should apply the conditioner, put your head upside down, and repeatedly squish your curls up towards your head with water in your hands. It helps to form the curls while hydrating your hair with both water and conditioner

Sulphates - sulphates are extremely harsh on your hair and should be avoided if you're doing the Curly Girl Method. They can be found in shampoos and the one you'll see most often is Sodium Laureth Sulphate, but you can check if your products are suitable here