10 Vocab Words Every Curly-Haired Human Should Know

If you’re new to the wonderful and complex world of curly hair styling, welcome. If you’re a pro in need of a refresher or just looking to volumize your hair care knowledge…also welcome.

We’re defining 10 curly hair glossary terms that’ll have you oil rinsing, plopping, and finger coiling your way to healthy, defined curls. I promise that sentence will make sense in a few seconds.

Big chop: Cutting off all hair (especially hair that’s damaged, relaxed, or chemically processed) to become 100% natural as you start your curly hair journey.

Co-wash: Since curly hair shouldn’t be shampooed everyday, many opt for this conditioner-like cleansing solution. Massaging a co-wash through your scalp and ends, then rinsing out in the shower hydrates hair in between traditional shampoo days.

Finger coiling: Wrapping strands around your fingers to form and/or define your curl pattern when styling. This technique also helps to customize curl patterns. Wrap strands around smaller fingers to create tighter spirals or use 2-3 fingers to create bigger, looser ringlets.

LOC Method: Stands for leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream–application happens in that order. This quick and easy layering method delivers maximum hydration and moisture retention for ringlets without the crunchy aftermath.

Oil Rinsing: The act of applying a hair oil in the shower and rinsing it out for smoother, shinier hair. In between shampooing and conditioning, work a nourishing hair oil throughout your scalp and strands, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, cleanse, and follow up with conditioner. Many notice frizz-free, moisturized curls after using this method.

Pineapple style: A curl-preserving hair style worn to bed. Hair is typically gathered in a loose, high ponytail and secured with a scrunchie to keep ringlets from getting squished, frizzy, and knotted as you sleep.

Plop: A hair drying method that involves wrapping washed and styled hair in a soft cloth (microfiber towel, old t-shirt, etc.) to absorb excess water, cut down on frizz, and define curls as they dry. Lay out your wrap, flip hair in front of your face, gently lay your curls into your cloth of choice, and secure. Let dry for 15-30 minutes, then let air dry or diffuse.

Rake and scrunch method: A styling technique where products are applied by finger combing (raking) and gently cupping and squeezing curls in an upward fashion (scrunching). While hair is wet, rake leave-in products through hair to create separation, smooth, and detangle–it’s a more gentle alternative to combing and brushing. Scrunching happens as a last step with cream, mousse, or gel application to define and shape voluminous curls.

Root clipping: A drying hack that involves clipping up your roots to sidestep flatness and encourage extra body. First, find the right claw clip for your hair type (smaller clamps for fine to medium hair, and larger clamps for medium to thick hair). After styling your wet hair, lift and clip sections of your hair where you’d like more volume and let dry.

Slip: A term that refers to hair’s wetness level when detangling–and this doesn’t just refer to water. Conditioners, oils, creams help create slip, or hair moistness (for lack of a better word) which reduces friction and breakage for seamless finger coiling, brushing, and combing.