This term describes the amount of days since the fresh completion of a hairstyle. For example, if you did undid your twist out on Monday, starting on Wednesday it would be 2 days old.

ACV is an acronym for Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple Cider Vinegar is used in many hair products and concoctions to kill germs and clean the hair. 

a bantu knot is essentially a really small bun. It is achieved by twisting sections of hair tightly in a spiral fashion and laying them down (in a circular motion) into a small "knot."

a bantu knot out is the style achieved when hair is set in banu knots & unravelled after some time. Usually an overnight process, the best results are achieved when your hair is unraveled while dry.

the big chop refers to the cutting of one’s hair while transitioning from relaxed to natural. By removing the majority of the relaxed hair, it quickens the transition process. 

indicated by the word “out,” a braid out is the style achieved when hair is set in braids and then unraveled when dry. It has a crimpy yet spiral curl pattern. 

conditioner-wash or “co-wash” refers to the washing of natural hair with conditioner only. This is done to ensure that moisture is retained while the hair is being cleaned.

a prolonged conditioning treatment that conditions the hair down to the roots. It adds moisture that is removed by daily activities back into the hair.

to remove the tangles from one’s hair. This can be done with hands, a comb, or any other tool that helps separate the hair.

“Do It Yourself,” is a term most commonly used on social media sites. It usually refers to an alternative way of making/doing something that is usually a purchased product or service. 

natural oils that smell similar to the plants/sources from which they were extracted.

a flat twist is  basically a twist performed "on the sclap." It is similar to a cornrow, but retains the pattern of a twist. 

Used to describe setting a style (doing flat twists, bantu knots, twists, etc.) and then taking it out shortly after (hopefully when it’s dry).

“pre-poo” or “before-shampoo” is a treatment applied to the hair before washing and conditioning it. It is used to help moisturize, detangle, and condition the hair before cleaning with shampoo. 

a hairstyle that seal the ends of the hair protecting them from being damaged the environment (pollution, overexposure to elements). It requires little to no manipulation. (braids/twists - with and without weave).

to apply a substance (coconut oil, conditioner, etc.) to the ends of your hair to create a “wall” protecting them from harsh environments.

to put your hair in a style for a long period of time so to create a certain curl/straight pattern when the style is taken out (see “out”).

Tiny, uniform locks done in a specific pattern.

chemical detergent that strips the hair of moisture and oils. It is generally not beneficial for natural Black hair on a consistent basis (see co-wash).

hair that’s been lengthened after it’s been in a style for a certain period of time. (ex. after a twist out, braid out, etc).