A well-informed hair journey starts with understanding the language of protective hair care and scalp health. At OUTTASIGHT Hair, we believe in empowering our community with knowledge that nurtures natural beauty from root to tip. Here's your comprehensive A-to-Z glossary for key terms and concept in protective styling.

A

Aloe Vera: A soothing, nutrient-rich ingredient known for its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps calm the scalp, reduce itching, and seal in moisture.

Afro Puff: A style where hair is gathered into one or more puff-like sections, giving a playful yet protective look.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: A clarifying treatment that balances scalp pH, removes buildup, and promotes shine.

Ayurvedic Herbs: Ingredients like amla, fenugreek, and brahmi that strengthen hair, promote growth, and prevent shedding.

B

Box Braids: A protective style where hair is sectioned into squares and braided from root to tip.

Bantu Knots: Twisted sections of hair coiled into mini buns, serving as a protective style and curl-defining method.

Beard Oil: A nourishing blend of oils designed to soften and moisturize facial hair and underlying skin.

Butter Blend: Rich combinations of butters like shea, cocoa, or mango butter used for deep moisture and sealing.

C

Castor Oil: A thick, nutrient-dense oil known for promoting hair growth and sealing moisture.

Co-Washing: Washing hair with conditioner to cleanse while preserving natural oils.

Cornrows: Braids that lie flat against the scalp, perfect for protective styling and wearing under wigs or hats.

Clarifying Shampoo: A deep-cleansing shampoo used to remove buildup and restore scalp freshness.

D

Detangling Brush: A tool designed to gently remove knots and tangles without causing breakage.

Deep Conditioning: An intensive treatment applied after washing to hydrate, strengthen, and restore moisture.

Dry Scalp: A condition where the scalp lacks moisture, leading to itchiness and flaking.

Double-Strand Twists: A versatile protective style where hair is divided into two sections and twisted together.

E

Edge Control: A gel or pomade used to lay and smooth down baby hairs.

Essential Oils: Plant-based oils like lavender and tea tree that help soothe the scalp and encourage hair growth.

Elastic Bands: Accessories used to secure hair sections, although it's best to use snag-free bands to prevent breakage.

Exfoliating Scalp Scrub: A scrub that removes dead skin cells, product buildup, and promotes scalp circulation.

F

Finger Coiling: A styling method where individual curls are defined using fingers.

Flaxseed Gel: A natural gel made from boiled flaxseeds that provides hold and moisture.

Frizz Control Serum: A product used to tame flyaways and lock in smoothness.

Follicle Stimulation: A practice that involves massaging the scalp to increase blood circulation and promote growth.

G

Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into the hair, keeping it hydrated.

Growth Oils: Oils formulated with ingredients like castor and peppermint oil to encourage hair growth.

Gooseberry (Amla): An Ayurvedic ingredient known for strengthening hair and preventing premature graying.

Gel Cast: The hardened layer that forms after applying gel to hold curls or braids in place.

H

Hydration Mist: A spray used to add moisture to hair throughout the day.

Hair Mask: A thick treatment that penetrates deeply to restore moisture and repair damaged strands.

Hot Oil Treatment: A pre-shampoo treatment that uses warmed oils to nourish and protect hair.

Humectant: An ingredient that attracts moisture from the air into the hair, like honey or glycerin.

I

Inversion Method: A technique where the head is inverted during scalp massage to promote blood flow and hair growth.

Itchy Scalp Relief Spray: A product designed to soothe and moisturize an irritated scalp.

Interlocking Braids: A method of braiding where strands are weaved to create intricate, long-lasting patterns.

Ice Water Rinse: A final rinse with cold water to seal the hair cuticle and add shine.

J

Jojoba Oil: A lightweight oil that mimics the scalp's natural sebum, perfect for moisturizing without weighing hair down.

Jumbo Twists: Large two-strand twists often used as a quick protective style.

Juicing: A method of hydrating curls by reapplying water and leave-in conditioner for bounce and definition.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil: A variant of castor oil known for its dark color and extra-strength nourishing properties.

K

Knotless Braids: A braid style that starts with your natural hair before adding extensions, resulting in less tension and more comfort.

Kinky Coily Hair: Hair with a tight curl pattern, often referred to as 4B or 4C textures.

Keratin: A protein found in hair that strengthens strands and smooths the hair cuticle.

Keep It Simple (K.I.S.) Method: A minimalist approach to hair care focused on essential products and gentle styling.

L

Leave-In Conditioner: A no-rinse conditioning product that provides moisture and helps with detangling.

LOC Method: A method for sealing in moisture using a leave-in conditioner, oil, and cream.

Low Manipulation Styles: Styles that require minimal daily styling to reduce breakage and encourage growth.

Length Retention: The practice of maintaining the length of hair by reducing breakage.

M

Moisturizing Spritz: A hydrating spray used to refresh and moisturize protective styles.

Marley Twists: Twists created using Marley hair extensions for a natural, textured look.

Mango Butter: A moisturizing ingredient rich in vitamins A and E, perfect for softening hair.

Micro Braids: Tiny braids that offer versatility and long-lasting protection.

N

Natural Hair: Hair that has not been chemically straightened or altered.

Nourishing Oil: An oil blend that feeds the scalp and hair with essential nutrients.

No-Poo Method: A cleansing method that skips traditional shampoos in favor of co-washing or natural alternatives.

Nape Care: Focused care for the sensitive area at the back of the neck to prevent breakage.

O

Oil Sealing: The practice of applying oil after moisturizing to lock in hydration.

Oat Protein: A gentle protein that strengthens hair without causing stiffness.

Overnight Treatment: A deep-conditioning or oil treatment left on the hair overnight for maximum hydration.

Olive Oil: A versatile oil rich in vitamins and antioxidants, often used for hydration and shine.

P

Protective Style: A hairstyle that tucks away the ends of the hair to protect against environmental damage.

Pre-Poo: A pre-shampoo treatment that protects hair from being stripped of its natural oils during washing.

Pineapple Method: A way to preserve curls overnight by gathering hair at the top of the head.

Porosity: A measure of how easily hair absorbs and retains moisture, classified as low, medium, or high.

Q

Quick Weave: A protective style where hair extensions are bonded to a cap for a quick, non-permanent look.

Quinoa Protein: A plant-based protein that strengthens hair while enhancing elasticity.

Quenching Mask: A deeply hydrating mask that saturates hair with moisture.

Quiet Detangling: A gentle detangling process that minimizes breakage and tension.

R

Rice Water Rinse: A treatment made from fermented rice water, known to strengthen and thicken hair.

Retention: The ability to retain hair length by reducing breakage.

Roller Set: A styling method using rollers to stretch and define curls.

Raw Shea Butter: An unrefined butter rich in moisture and protective nutrients.

S

Scalp Massage: A practice that increases circulation to the scalp and promotes hair growth.

Satin Bonnet: A hair covering made from satin to protect hair from friction while sleeping.

Stretching Hair: Techniques used to elongate natural curls and reduce shrinkage.

Silk Press: A method of temporarily straightening natural hair using heat.

Keep your hair care journey one of love, knowledge, and results. Visit OuttasightHair.com for products and resources that support your crown, every step of the way!