Alopecia
A general term describing a variety of abnormal hair loss conditions

Alopecia Areata
A reference to the sudden or unrecognized falling out of hair in patches or spots; usually triggered by trauma to the nervous system and circulatory system in the lymphatic system

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
A clarifying rinse that helps to detangle and neutralize or lower the pH level of the hair

Beeswax
The yellow to grayish-brown wax secreted by the honeybee for constructing honeycombs. Beeswax is commonly used in beauty products.

Big Chop
Cutting off all chemically processed hair

Braid
To interweave three or more strands, strips, or lengths of in a diagonally overlapping pattern.

Combination Hair
Various textures or curl patterns in different sections of hair.

Comb Twists/Starter Locks
Small cylindrical shaped curls formed using a barber comb in a diagonal or bricklayer pattern.

Cornrows
Cornrows are a traditional style of braiding where the hair is tightly braided very close to the scalp, using an underhand, upward motion to produce a continuous, raised row.

Conditioner
An after-shampoo treatment product that promotes moisture, smoothes cuticle cells and enhances shine and manageability.

Curl Definition
Enhancement of the curl pattern in hair using styling methods and hair products.

Cuticle
The outermost layer of the hair shaft, composed of dead protein called keratin that protects and seals the hair.

Dandruff
Medically known as pityriasis, is characterized by large scales or flakes from the scalp.

Deep Conditioner
Provide moisture, nourishment and strength to hair. Deep conditioners help minimize damage to hair while styled and aid in the appearance of manageable, healthy hair.

Diva Braids
Undetectable braiding technique that offers the styling flexibility of a weave. Strands of extension hair are left out of a cornrow base to create this look.

Fine Hair
Not necessarily thin or thinning hair, but fine hair has a smaller than average circumference of hair strands, giving an overall thinner appearance.

Fingercomb
An alternative to using a comb or pick to style hair

Follicle
A tubular infolding of the epidermis containing the root of a hair.

Goddess Braid
Large extension cornrows, French braided and sculpted into a regal crown shape on top of head.

Grooming
Finishing natural hair to enhance the overall beauty of the style; to comb, brush or style hair in its natural textured state.

Kinky Twists
Two sections of hair combined to form a rope like pattern using Afro Kinky hair. Also commonly known as two strand twists and double strand twists.

Loc Extensions
Braided or twisted base that is attached to hair and cylindrically wrapped using yarn fiber or human hair.

Natural Hair
Virgin, unprocessed hair that has not been chemically altered in texture, color or volume. Any process that destroys the natural coil patter of the hair strand denatures the hair. If hair has been altered chemically, it generally requires six months to a year to grow into its natural state.

Texturizer
A relaxer that is placed on the hair for a shorter amount of time that alters the natural curl pattern of hair. Although milder than most relaxers, a texturizer is still a chemical process. Commonly referred to by such names as "softener", "silkener, mild perm etc., but they are all chemicals. Once you place this on your hair (even for a few seconds) your hair is not natural, despite that way your hair may look. You should use the same caution in choosing a texturizer that you would in using any perm or relaxer. Also, the growing out process from texturizer to natural is the same as from relaxer to natural.

Transitioning
The period of time where a person decides to stop relaxing their hair and actually does the big chop.

Two Strand Twists
Two sections of hair combined to form a rope like pattern using Afro Kinky, Afro Curly or synthetic hair.