Demystifying Curly Hair Jargon!

Welcome to the curly hair dictionary where we break down all the terms that might have you scratching your head (or your curls) in confusion. 🤔

Curly hair care can seem like a whole other language sometimes, but fear not! We're here to demystify all those curly cues and get you speaking curl fluently in no time.

Hair Type Terms

Curl Type (2a, 2b, 2c etc.)

Think of curl type like a curly hair classification system. It ranges from wavy (2a) to curly (3a) to coily (4a), helping you understand the natural pattern of your hair.

Hair Texture

The diameter of individual hair strands, which can range from fine to coarse and impacts how your hair looks and behaves, and which products are the most suitable. For fine hair opt for lightweight products, and for coarse hair opt for heavier, more deeply nourishing products (like our deep conditioner)

Hair Density

The number of hair strands per square inch on your scalp, which can range from low to high density and affects how full your hair appears.

Hair Routine & Technique Terms

🤲 Squish to Condish

A curly hair conditioning technique where you squish water and conditioner into your curls to enhance hydration and definition.

Curl Clumps

When curls naturally group together in sections, creating defined clusters or "clumps" of curls.

The Bowl Method


A technique for getting the juiciest curl clumps that really packs a punch when it comes to hydration. It involves dipping your hair in a bowl full of warm water after conditioning your hair and scrunching and repeating until you see those clumps forming. Try this method if you’ve been struggling to get your hair to clump, or if your hair is very dry. (Check out our video tutorial here.)

🪮Raking

A method of applying products to your hair by running your fingers through it in a raking motion, ensuring even distribution.

🙏 Praying Hands

A technique for applying styling products where you rub them between your hands and then smooth them over your hair, resembling hands in prayer.

‘Plopping’

A gentle method of drying your hair by wrapping it in a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt while it's still wet to encourage curl formation and reduce frizz.

If your hair takes a long time to dry, try leaving it for up to 20 minutes in the ‘plop’ before diffusing or air drying!

Micro Plopping

Microplopping is your hair's BFF when it comes to drying time! Grab a soft microfiber towel or even a trusty cotton tee and give your curls a gentle squeeze and scrunch with it. This helps get rid of any extra water and product, keeping your locks light and airy. Plus, it speeds up drying so you can get on with your day in no time! 🌀💧

➿ Defined Waves/Curls

Refers to curls or waves that are clearly visible, distinct, and well-shaped, often achieved through proper styling techniques and products.

Smasters Technique

Think of this technique as a mix of "Smoothing" and "Casting," it involves applying a small amount of styling product partway through the drying process to smooth frizz and define curls.

Scrunch Out the Crunch

The most satisfying part of your entire curly hair routine! After your hair is dry and styled with your styling product, gently scrunching your curls to break the cast and reveal soft, defined curls.

➰ There you have it, curly friends! With these curly hair terms in your arsenal, you'll be navigating the curly world like a pro.