Curl Class 101: Curly Girl Dictionary

Curl Class 101: Curly Girl Dictionary

Big Chop 

    Sometimes, it’s just better to start with a clean slate. Often girls who suffer from damaged hair due to heat overuse or chemical treatments will cut off all the damaged hair and start afresh. 


    Breakage 

     

    As the name suggests, it’s when your hair breaks due to damage or dryness. To tell the difference between breakage and shedding, you need to examine the top of the hair. If there’s a bulb (your hair follicle), it’s shedding and if there’s no bulb it means your hair broke past the roots. 


    Brush Coiling 

    When you’re too tired to finger coil each strand, brush coiling is a great styling technique alternative. You take sections of hair and twist it on the brush handle to create the perfect curl. 



    Co-Wash

      If your hair doesn’t need to be washed with shampoo yet, or if you’re just too lazy for a full on wash day, co-washing is a great option. It’s basically only using conditioner in the shower instead of using both shampoo and conditioner. 


      Clumping 

        When styling curly hair, sometimes your hair strands “clump” together to form a big curl. That is known as clumping. 


        Curly Girl Method 

         

          The CG method was invented by Lorraine Massey to make transitioning to a natural and nourishing hair regimen easier, with simple rules to follow for healthier waves and curls.


          Curl Training 

            Transitioning from damaged hair to luscious curls can be tough, but if you practice curl training it can speed the process. This can be done with twist outs, flexi rods or even finger coiling constantly to get your hair used to curling in a certain pattern. 


            Definition Brush 

              In definition brushes, bristles are spaced out in a certain way to allow your hair to curl and clump without tugging or pulling. There are many ways to use a definition brush but the most popular one is to brush your hair inwards or outwards in a curve and allow the hair to clump on its own after. 


              Deep Conditioning 

                The curly girl holy grail! Because curly hair tends to be drier, deep conditioning once a week is super important. Use the Curl Wonder Deep Conditioner in the shower and see the difference for yourself. 


                Diffuser 

                  If you let your hair air-dry, you know it can take 3-5 business days. By using a diffuser attachment with your blow dryer you can dry your hair without creating frizz or blowing your hair everywhere. Pro Tip: Use cold air to reduce heat damage. 


                  Edges

                    Baby hairs are finally back in style, and we’re here for it. You can slick down your edges with a styling gel and do the swoosh for a more polished look. 


                    Finger Coiling 

                      The infamous styling technique gives BEAUTIFUL results if you have some time on your hands or are going to an event. To finger coil, you take small sections of hair and coil them between your two index fingers. 


                      Fluffing with Hair Pick 

                        Hello, big hair! Hair picks are a great tool to fluff out your curls at the root and give you volume, but this step should only be done after your hair has completely dried. 


                        Frizz 

                          Dryness = frizz. That’s why deep conditioning and using moisturizing products is super important. We’ve infused our Curl Wonder line with Aloe Vera & Avocado Oil to combat dryness, eliminate frizz, add shine and definition to your curls. 


                          Gel Cast

                            If you top off your hair styling with gel to keep it all in place, you’re familiar with the crunchy feeling your hair may have. If you simply scrunch your hair with the gel on it, you’ll slowly feel the cast soften and you’ll feel soft bouncy curls instead. 


                            Microfiber Towel 

                              Regular towels are harsh on your hair, but microfiber towels are much much gentler for you. They don’t cause friction which in turn reduces frizz and breakage. 10/10 recommend. 


                              Pineapple 

                                If you have curly hair, you probably go to bed with your hair dangling from your forehead. That super high ponytail that almost looks like a unicorn's horn is called a pineapple. When styled with scarves like our satin scarves in the Curl Wonder Moisture Bae-cation & Glow On The Go Kit, the pineapple hairstyle can look very cute. 


                                Protective Style 

                                  Curly hair can be very easily impacted by external factors, especially the heat in the summer. That’s why every once in a while, you should put your hair in a protective hairstyle like braids, bantu knots or buns. 

                                   

                                  Scrunching

                                    Scrunch till you can’t feel your arms anymore! Scrunching is holding your hair from the tips and squeezing it upwards. This encourages curl formation by eliminating gravity from weighing down your hair. Thank you, physics! 


                                    Shrinkage 

                                      Your curly hair length and your straight hair length are two completely different lengths. If you have super curly hair (especially types 4a, 4b and 4c hair), you’ll see a crazy difference between your hair stretched and your hair curled. 


                                      Slip - for detangling 

                                        Conditioners and styling creams give you hair slip which make it softer and easier to detangle. Adding slip before detangling your hair helps you stay as gentle as possible to your locks. 


                                        Transitioning 

                                          The dreadful months or years after you decide to go natural where your hair is confused and so are you. But it’s okay, if you trust the process, it’ll all be worth it in the end!


                                          Twist Outs 

                                            A protective and curl-training hair style that works great for types 3a to 4c hair. 


                                            Wet Plopping 

                                              We’re sure you’ve seen the videos of girls flipping their hair on a cotton t-shirt. Essentially, it’s putting your hair in a t-shirt or microfiber towel in the same way your hair would be if you could scrunch all of it at once - and hold it in place. This adds definition and also removes excess water faster. 




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