Terminology, Techniques and Tricks

The natural hair community is filled with lots of terms, techniques and tricks that need defining for our new and learning #naturalistas.

The complicated and intricate textures that adorn our heads require lots of attention. But, navigating these terms can guide you through just about any tutorial online for your natural curls!

Here, we have highlighted 4 of the most commonly used terms and techniques. For more terms, techniques and tricks, check out Naturally Curly’s Glossary here!

Co-Wash:

To co-wash is to use a conditioner to lightly cleanse and moisturize the hair in between clarifying. The term is short for “conditioner wash.” Co-washes are used by curly-haired women who choose not to use shampoo which can strip the natural oils in your hair.

My current favorite co-wash is by Davines. This brand is all natural & non-toxic. Although it is pricey, it lasts for about 3-4 months and smells AMAZING.

Grab a bottle here.

Curl Pattern

The most recent crowned in kinks post was all about finding your curl pattern.

According to Allure.com, your curl pattern is identified by the shape that the strands of hair make, whether they kink, curve, or wind around themselves into spirals. They can range from 1A to 4c. By understanding your curl pattern, you can tailor routines to your hair’s needs.

LOC Method

The LOC method stands for applying product in the following order: leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream. This helps with long-lasting, moisturized hair in between wash days. This method is regularly highlighted on our blog and keeps your curls fresh for 3+ days if properly wrapped at night!

Check out the easy to follow guide by Naturally Curly below.

Protective Style

A protective style includes any style that preserves your natural hair. This can be a sew-in, box braids, crochet styles and even wigs. Some styles can last from 2-4 weeks and works to maintain the length and strength of your delicate natural hair.

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We hope these terms help you succeed in your pursuit of the natural hair community!

How to define your curl pattern

If you are new to the curly hair community, you may be curious about your personal curl pattern and how to best take care of it.

Your curl pattern is the texture at your roots before a touch-up from your relaxer. There are no naps here, just beautiful God-given tresses! Different curl patterns require different styling and care techniques, so it is important to get to know your hair.

Oh, and it is possible to have more than one curl pattern at a time, but let’s not get too ahead of ourselves.

What is a 4c? What is a 3a? What does any of this mean?

Have no fear sister. You can be a knowledgeable naturalista in no time!

Check out Allure’s guide to finding your curl pattern here.

Curl patterns can be wavy to kinky curly. Determining your pattern is easiest when your hair is clean and wet. While wet, compare your curls to the chart above!

A “4” means a tighter curl pattern while a “1” represents a loose curl pattern. The A-C rankings measure the overall texture of your curls.

Once you have a good idea of the pattern (or patterns) of your curls, start researching different care methods! I am dropping some crash courses and great natural hair tips below:

Do you feel more confident about your personal pattern? We sure hope so!

Next steps: Finding personalized routines

Regi-Me is a personalized hair-care resource for curlfriends and naturalistas alike. Once you know your curl pattern, you can take a quiz on Regi-Me who will then tailor a style and care routine to your current hair needs.

After taking the quiz, you are emailed recommendations and methods to help you live your best curl life. It is truly an amazing service. Best of all, it is free!

Free is always in the budget.

Lastly, always be willing to learn more about your hair! You can switch up your products and routines frequently to see what works and what does not. This whole natural hair thing is a lifestyle. Be willing to grow your knowledge (and to let your curls grow, too), binge YouTube tutorials, read up on our favorite blogs like Naturally Curly and Regi-Me and pay attention to what your hair needs.

By learning more about your hair, you can define those curls regardless of the pattern. Good luck curlfriends!

Protecting your curls at night

After a wash-day or a nice co-wash (conditioner wash), us naturalistas hope to cut our styling time in half by wearing day-two hair. 

But, how do you make your day-two hair day-one wearable? How can you keep your curls from sticking to the side of your head and falling flat?  These two wrapping methods are my go-to’s!

1.  The Pineapple Method 

Named for its resemblance to the tropical treat, this my most-used method. It’s simple and effective when preserving your coils for the next day!

• Place your hair in a loose, high ponytail. Be sure it is not too tight as this can cause breakage and pain in your scalp throughout the night. 
• The higher the ponytail, the better! You want your head to literally look like a pineapple of curls so that they are out of the way when you are sleeping. 
• Wrap your head with a silk scarf or sleep on a silk pillowcase in order to protect your hair.  Do not use cotton wraps as this can dry out your hair! Let your curls spill over the top of the wrapping 

That’s it! You will love how your day two hair looks! 

2. Big French Braids

When I take a night shower and wash my hair, I want my curls to be fresh for the morning.  One method that works for securing moisture is braiding two french-braids in the direction of the part in your hair. When doing this method with wet hair:

• Use an ample amount of leave-in conditioner and a conditioning cream
• Use an oil on your scalp

See braiding example here:  https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curly-hair-care-methods/9-ways-to-sleep-with-curls

• Put hair in a silk bonnet to reduce frizz (Purchase one here!)
• Use hair ties at the end of your braids to keep them in tact

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In the morning after using either of these methods, spray an oil sheen or leave-in-conditioner to revive your curls!

These methods are my tried and trues.  I hope they work for you naturalistas too!

For more methods, check out Naturally Curly’s tips here: https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/how-tos-styles/3-ways-to-wrap-your-hair-while-you-sleep

Protecting Your Natural Hair in Cold Weather

Being natural is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made.  What was once a full head of straight hair is now filled with curls, coils and kinks.  Within the 2010’s, the ideal hair type for African American women has shifted from relaxed to natural.  I was not aware, however, of the work that goes into being a “naturalista”, especially in the colder months of the year – It’s about that time.

 As the days grow colder, the lack of moisture in the air can be very damaging to all types of hair.  This should not stop us from looking our best throughout Iowa’s brutally cold winters! Here are three ways to protect those lovely tresses that you have worked so hard for.

1.Deep Conditioning

Most naturalistas have found that deep conditioning once a week can be very beneficial to the softness and manageability of their hair.  There are many methods with deep conditioning, with some being homemade. Eggs and mayonnaise are very rich in proteins and act as natural root stimulators.  The smell may not be the best, but your curls will thank you.  

There are also store-bought deep conditioners that have set directions on the bottle.  It is important to learn about your hair texture and research what ingredients are best for your hair.  Most deep conditioners are left on the hair between thirty minutes to an hour. When rinsing out the conditioner, it is best to use cold water to lock in the moisture.  Following this process is always a shampoo/co-wash and a condition. It is best to use a co-wash the majority of the time because of how drying shampoo can be to hair. A shampoo is necessary every two weeks, so simply switching between a co-wash and a shampoo bi-weekly works to limit the drying effects of shampoo. 

DIY Protein Hair Mask

By: Savvy Brown 

www.savvybrown.com 

You will need:

• One tsp. honey

• One tbsp. olive oil

• Three tbsp. of mayonnaise

-Mix all ingredients together and apply evenly throughout the hair. It is easier if the hair is sectioned into four parts and detangled.

-Let the mixture sit on the hair for thirty minutes to an hour

-Rinse out mixture, and follow by a traditional shampoo or co-wash

2.The LOC Method

The LOC method is one of the best ways to lock in moisture in the winter months.  LOC stands for “leave- in, oil, and cream”.  

Your hair products should be applied in this order after a co-wash or condition to ensure that moisture is kept.  The leave-in conditioner softens the hair, the oil moisturizes the hair, and the cream locks in all of the moisture.  Find which products work best for your hair type and use this method daily to prevent damage.

3.Protective Styles

Winter is the perfect time to rocking sew-ins, faux dreads, and Senegalese twists.  It is nice to give your hair a break from its normal routine. Textured hair also tends to grow more in protective styles, because the hair is not prone to daily breakage from constant handling. You can see how hair benefits here: https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/transitioning/the-dos-and-donts-of-protective-styling)

Before getting a protective style, however, it is important to deep condition the hair and scalp.  Once the style is in, condition the scalp at least once a day so that the newly growing hair is receiving moisture.  Check out some fun protective styles here: https://www.glamour.com/gallery/cute-protective-styles

As you can see, being natural is not just a hairstyle; it is a lifestyle.  In the end, you are left with beautiful God-given textures and fun Pinterest styles to try.  Just remember that the cold will turn to sunshine soon! Keep your head up naturalista.