Commonly Used Terms in Natural Hair Care

Today I thought I'd define some commonly used terms in the natural hair care world.  Often times in my line of work terminology is misunderstood between client and stylist because different regions of the country and the world even, use the same words and mean slightly different things.  That is one reason in person consultations are essential. So, let's define some of these terms and get on the same page, shall we?


Commonly used hair style terminology:

CORNROWS:
A braiding technique that creates designed patterns using hair, attaching the hair to the scalp. Cornrows may be accomplished using one's own natural hair or adding synthetic or human hair for length, or fullness. 

SINGLE STRAND TWIST:
Also called comb twists are achieved by sectioning and coiling the hair in its natural curl pattern.

DOUBLE STRAND TWIST:
Two pieces of hair twisted together. This can be achieved twisting the hair clockwise or counter clockwise.  Double strand or two strand twist can be achieved either with one's own hair or with extensions, using synthetic or human hair. 


DOUBLE STRAND FLAT TWISTS: 

This look is similar to cornrows. Two sections of hair are manipulated in patterns laying against the scalp in rows.  

PALMROLLING: 

A method for maintaining locs. The locs are rolled in the hand and secured.


INTERLOCKING:

A method for maintaining locs, similar to crochet. Master locticians (like myself, (wink!)) use a tool especially designed for this particular service, ensuring the client swift, satisfactory service. The benefit of utilizing the interlock method is that the core of the loc is dense, preventing easy breakage, and the loc is secured to the scalp, giving one immediate versatility and mobility.  One can swim, work out, and style. Interlocking is a term also used for a technique of weaving.


TRANSITIONING:
tran·si·tion (trn-zshn, -ssh-)n.

Passage from one form, state, style, or place to another.


Transitioning is a term used in this industry when an individual is allowing their hair to grow in natural from a chemically altered state.   

HAIR FOLLICLE:

A hair follicle is a skin organ that produces hair. Hair production occurs in phases, including a growth phase (anagen), and cessation phase (catagen), and a rest phase (telogen). Stem cells are principally responsible for the production of hair.

SEBUM:

Sebum is an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in mammalian skin. Its main purpose is to make the skin and hair waterproof and to protect them from drying out.

PARBEN:

Parabens are a class of chemicals widely used as preservatives by cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They can be found in shampoos

ALOPECIA:

(/ˌæləˈpiːʃə/, from Classical Greek ἀλώπηξ, alōpēx) means loss of hair from the head or body. 

Generally, hair loss in patches signifies alopecia areata. Alopecia areata typically presents with sudden hair loss causing patches to appear on the scalp or other areas of the body. If left untreated, or if the disease does not respond to treatment, complete baldness can result in the affected area, which is referred to as alopecia totalis. These are examples of #1. traction alopecia and #2. cicatricial alopecia.

 
DANDRUFF:

Dandruff^[1] (Latin: Pityriasis simplex capillitii^[1]) is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff is sometimes caused by frequent exposure to extreme heat and cold and is not to be confused with a simple dry scalp.

TRICHOLOGY:

Trichology (from Greek θρίξ, gen.: τριχός, "hair") is the branch of medicine that deals with the scientific study of the health of hair and scalp. Trichologists themselves are not normally licensed healthcare workers, although members of the medical profession can undertake courses and/or careers within trichology. 

This is a very short list of terms.  There are many.  As always, if you have any questions, or would like to schedule a COMPLIMENTARY consultation, please give me a call at Mahogany Hair Revolution.  Ask for Ursula.  I can be reached at (323) 782-9909. 

All the pictures of styles are my actual clients.  All styles are done by me!