Hair geek dictionary

1a: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes hair that is stick straight.
1b: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes hair that is straight but with a slight body wave, not enough to look wavy but enough to add volume.
1c: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes hair that is straight with body wave and one or two visible S-waves.
2a: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes wavy hair that has loose, stretched out S-waves throughout the hair.
2b: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes wavy hair that has shorter, more distinct S-waves.
2c: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes hair that has distinct S-waves and the odd spiral curl forming here and there.
3a: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes curly hair that has big, loose spiral curls.
3b: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes curly hair that has bouncy ringlets.
3c: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes curly hair that has tight corkscrews.
4a: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes hair that is tightly coiled S-curls.
4b: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes hair that is tightly coiled hair bending in sharp angles.
60th street productions: A popular maker of quality hair toys and tools in wood.


Accent braid: A smaller braid to accent and decorate the “main” updo.
ACV: Apple cider vinegar. The acidity of this makes it good for a final rinse to restore hair and scalp to a more natural PH which can prevent scalp issues and increase shine by removing calcium buildup. “Doses” normally used are around one tablespoon to a bowl of water.
Adenine: Vitamin B4.
Aloe barbadensis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Aloe vera.
Amla: A citrus fruit used in Indian herb treatments. Used in powder form, mixed with water to a paste before use. Amla is acidic, conditions, gives shine and is said to darken hair.
Aneurine hydrochloride: Vitamin B1.
Annabandanna: Good source for scarves and bandannas. Big selection of materials and patterns.
Anthemis nobelis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Roman chamomile.
AO: Aubrey Organics line of hair products where the conditioner is often praised as good for CO washes.
APL: Arm pit length hair. The longest length of hair is long enough to get caught in the armpit “crack”.
Argan oil: The hottest new thing in hair and oil at the moment. Oil pressed from the seeds of the argan tree that is endemic to Morocco. The argan tree is endangered and under protection from UNESCO so the prices for argan oil are high.
AVG: Aloe vera gel. Good for skin and hair as moisturizer. Used in the much praised Snowy's Moisture Treatment or as a gel. 


Baby hairs: The shorter and finer hairs usually growing along the hairline. They can be new growth or breakage.
Baerreis: A popular maker of quality hair toys and tools in wood.
Bangs: Short pieces at the front hairline. Depending on your geographical region this can also be called fringe.
BarefootMaiden: A popular maker of quality hair toys and tools.
BBB: Boars bristle brush. A brush with natural bristles used for cleaning the scalp, adding shine and distributing sebum.
BCL: Butt crack length. Ehm yes, that does in fact mean that the longest length of hair is reaching the top of the “vertical smile”.
Biotin: Vitamin B7, also known as vitamin H.
Blowfryer: A more accurate description of what a hairdryer actually does to your hair and scalp.
Blunt hemline: The bottom edge of your hair cut bluntly across.
Bronzejewellers: A source for handmade hair tools and jewelry.
BS: Bra strap length hair. The longest length of hair is long enough to reach the bra strap. Also referred to as the gender neutral (or not bra wearing) mid back length.
BSL: Bra strap length hair. The longest length of hair is long enough to reach the bra strap. Also referred to as the gender neutral (or not bra wearing) mid back length.
Buff: Brand name multipurpose headband and scarf manufacturer.
Bunjii: A form of hair ties using a military grade elastic in different colours and a closing mechanism. They are not made any more but can be found used, although rarely. 


C.: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes individual hair strands that are coarse in texture. They are easy to spot individually, also by touch and may make a distinctive “crunchy” noise when rolled between your fingers (Do not confuse this with damaged hair!)
Cereus grandiflorus: Latin name for the (ingredient) Cactus.
CG: The Curly Girl method and handbook, a book by Lorraine Massey, who outlines a hair care routine featuring no or low shampoo originally intended for curlies but suitable for a lot of hair types. Also see: CO.
Cinnamonum zeylancium: Latin name for the (ingredient) Cinnamon.
Citrus (medica) limonum: Latin name for the (ingredient) Lemon.
Citrus Aurantifolia: Latin name for the (ingredient) Lime.
Citrus aurantium bergamia: Latin name for the (ingredient) Bergamot.
Citrus aurantium dulcis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Orange.
Citrus Grandis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Grapefruit.
Citrus paradise: Latin name for the (ingredient) Grapefruit.
Classic Length: The length where the buttocks meet the thighs. Called classic because it’s considered the most aesthetic length due to following the golden ratio compared to body length and is often seen in classic paintings.
Clear henna: Another term for cassia, probably used because of the henna-like but non-permanent properties and henna being more well-known than cassia.
CO: Conditioner Only wash. A washing method using only conditioner and water to clean the hair and scalp.
Coarse: A head of hair consisting of individual hair strands that are coarse in texture. They are easy to spot individually, also by touch and may make a distinctive “crunchy” noise when rolled between your fingers (Do not confuse this with damaged hair!) Coarsie: Term for having coarse hair.
Commiphora myrrha: Latin name for the (ingredient) Myrrh.
Cones: Term for the large and diverse group of silicone products that can be identified from the ending –cone, -coconol or –xane. The discussion on whether these are good or bad for your hair never seems to end, but it seems like either they work for you or they don’t.
Corylus avellana: Latin name for the (ingredient) Hazel nut.
Coryocar brasiliense: Latin name for the (ingredient) Pequi seed.
Coveryourhair.com: An online source for lots of different hair coverings.
Cucumis Sativus: Latin name for the (ingredient) Cucumber.
Curly Girl method: A hair care routine outlined in a book by Lorraine Massey, featuring no or low shampoo that is suitable not only for curlies.
Curly: Term covering the 3 to 4-range on Fia’s hair typing system.
CWC: Condition, wash, condition. A washing method coating the ends in conditioner to protect them from shampoo, before conditioning the entire length. Some people use oil to protect the ends instead.
Cyano cobalamin: Vitamin B12.


Damp bunning: Putting your hair up, usually in a bun, while its still damp or wet to promote waves and keep the hair from drying too quickly.
Deep split: A type of split end where the damage appears higher up and not connected to the end of the hair strand.
Denman: A popular maker of various combs and brushes.
Denosine monophosphate: Vitamin B8.
Dreadwrap: A form of scarf originally meant for containing dreadlocks but popular among longhairs to contain hair and updos.
Dusting: Term for trimming the very tippy ends of the hair. It got its name from the trimmed hairs on the floor afterwards resembling dust more than trimmings. 


Emblica officinalis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Amla.
EO: Essential oils. These different oils can be used for cosmetic purposes or for helping with scalp and hair issues.
EPO: Evening primrose oil. A plant oil taken as supplement for skin and hair.
Eugenia caryophyllata: Latin name for the (ingredient) Clove.
Eugenia caryophyllus: Latin name for the (ingredient) Clove.
Evening primrose oil: A plant oil taken as supplement for skin and hair.
Evita Peroni: A line of very expensive hair toys.
EVOO: Extra virgin olive oil. Used for moisturizing hair and skin.
Eye: A strange form of damage to the hair strand where the end appears undamaged but higher up an incomplete split is formed, giving the appearance of an ”eye” like in a needle.


F: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes individual hair strands that are fine in texture. They can be hard to see even against a contrasting background, can appear almost translucent and are difficult to feel.
Fairytale ends: The term for hair approaching its natural hemline from having the hair in various stages of growing out and approaching terminal length. S&D doesn’t change the shape of the ends. Also called natural ends.
Fakarre: A hair clip with the shape and size of a Ficcare but made at another company. Usually lower quality and shorter “life” than a Ficcare.
Feather: Type of split end that looks vaguely like a feather with multiple splits at the end.
Fedium: Cute description/term for the mixture of fine and medium hair or for those who can’t determine if they have mostly fine or medium hair.
Feye’s self trimming method: A method invented by LHC member Feye on how to trim your own hair with no assistance.
Fia’s hair typing system: A simple system using numbers and letters to describe your hairtype.
Ficcare: The brand name of a diverse group of high quality metal hair clips. There are three major clip types: beak, Maximas, and Ficcarissimo. The main website is quickly sold out of clips.
Fine hair: A head of hair consisting of individual hair strands that are fine in texture. They can be hard to see even against a contrasting background, can appear almost translucent and are difficult to feel.
Flexi 8: Manufacturer of 8-shaped hair clips in different sizes and designs.
Flip length: Hair that comes to the neck or shoulder area. The name seems to have come from the frequent “flipping” of hair that is too short to stay behind the shoulders.
Folate: Vitamin B9, also known as vitamin M.
Folic acid: Vitamin B9, also known as vitamin M.
Fragaria vesca: Latin name for the (ingredient) Stawberry.
FranceLuxe: A manufacturer of hair tools and toys.
Fringe: Short pieces at the front hairline. Depending on your geographic region this can also be called bangs.
Fucus vesiculosus: Latin name for the (ingredient) Seaweed.


GM: Dr. George Michael. Often referred to as a long hair guru. There are specialized salons, stylists and products to be found by his name. He advocates some “out there” theories about uniform hair length, beneficial lengths, where to part the hair and lots of brushing.
Grahtoe Studios: A popular maker of quality hair toys and tools in wood and natural antler. 


H4H: Hennaforhair.com. A site with information on henna and natural herbs for hair dye. 

Hairboutique: A huge hair care store with a discussion board.
Hair fork: A comb-like device of different materials where the prongs grip into the hair to hold up an updo
Hair friendly: A term often plastered on accessories or tools that really aren’t hair friendly to promote sales. Since using the term isn’t restricted in advertising, you should never trust the packing.
Hair sword: Literally a small, blunt sword used for holding up updos. Depending on material and maker, it can be more or less like a hair stick.
Hair toys: Term that pretty much covers anything you would put in your hair: scrunchies, headbands, bobby pins, various slides, Hairagami’s, Hairdini’s, hair sticks, hair forks, clips, barrettes, ponytail ties, hair gloves ,elastics , hair slides, bobby pins, Bunjii hair ties.
Hairboutique: A huge online hair care store and discussion board.
Halo: Term for when baby hairs are unruly and/or irritating, creating a “halo” around the head.
Headgamesonline: A place to find “old” Ficcare models. Unfortunately they have very, very mixed reviews and some buyers have been completely ripped off.
Heat protection serum: A ridiculous “snake oil” type product that promises to protect hair from high, high temperatures of blow-drying and straight ironing. Instead they only gloss over the damage. If they actually worked, we would douse firemen in them! Heating cap: A cap, either electric or containing a chemical solution to heat up. It’s used to help various treatments penetrate the hair strands.
Hemline: The bottom edge of your hair describing the very ends of your hair.
Henna: The leaves from the henna bush. The henna molecule binds to the inner parts of the hair strands and strengthens them. It has strong dyeing properties and is absolutely permanent. It will dye furniture, floors, spouses and pets if you aren’t careful! Henna is always red, so anything sold as “henna” that isn’t red, is a blend of other dye agents.
Hipbone length: Hair reaching a length that equals the “bend” at your hipbones in the front. For many, hipbone, tailbone and waist length are very close to each other.
Hybrid wash: Shampooing the scalp and conditioner only-washing the length. 


i.: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes thin hair. The tightly compressed ponytail measures less than 5 cm or 2 inches around (If you have bangs or layers, you will have to estimate)
ii.: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes medium hair. The tightly compressed ponytail measures between 5 and 10 cm or between 2 and 4inches around (If you have bangs or layers, you will have to estimate)
iii.: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes thick hair. The tightly compressed ponytail measures more than 10 cm or 4 inches around (If you have bangs or layers, you will have to estimate)
Inositol: Vitamin B8.
iv.: “Unofficial” addition to Fia’s hairtyping system describing ultra thick hair. The tightly compressed ponytail measures more than 15 cm or 6 inches around.


Jasminum officianale: Latin name for the (ingredient) Jasmin flower.
Juglans nigra: Latin name for the (ingredient) Walnut.
Juglans regia: Latin name for the (ingredient) Walnut.


Ketylo: A distinctly “corkscrew” shaped hair stick found in different colours and materials such as wood, acrylics and corian. They also make hair forks, but the Ketylo name has become synonymous with the sticks. 


L-ascorbate: Vitamin C.
Lavendula angustifolia: Latin name for the (ingredient) Lavender.
Lawsonia inermis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Henna.
LHC. The Long Hair Community forum. Also referred to as TLHC.
LHCF: Long hair care forum. A hair forum specialising in long hair care “for women of color”.
LHL: Longhairloom.com. An informative website with lots of articles, recourses and a forum.
LHL: Longhairlovers.com. Source for hollistic hair care products.
Low-poo: Different washing methods all characterized by using very little shampoo. 


M: According to Fia’s hair typing method this describes individual hair strands that are medium in texture. They can be seen and felt fairly easily but don’t feel rough or are easy to make out individually.
Mason Pearson brush: Often called the Cadillac of boar bristle brushes. A premier brush and comb manufacturer that makes a variety of brushes.
Medicago Sativa: Latin name for the (ingredient) Alfafa.
Medium: A head of hair consisting of individual hair strands that are medium in texture. They can be seen and felt fairly easily but don’t feel rough or are easy to make out individually.
Mei Fa: A popular maker of quality hair toys and tools in wood.
Mentha piperita: Latin name for the (ingredient) Peppermint.
Mentha Viridis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Spearmint.
Mermaid soak: Laying in the bathtub to loosen up the bulk of a treatment before rinsing and manipulating the hair.
Messy scrunchie drying method: A method to dry wavy/ curly hair that brings out the wavy/curly pattern.
Microtrim: Term for making a very small trim.
Mid back length: Also referred to as bra strap length.
Milestone: The term for reaching a new length or a new hair related experience such as getting your hair caught in your armpits or your first “Your hair is long!!”-reaction from a friend.
Mitpachat: The headcarf worn by married Jewish women according to Tzinut code of modesty. Since this method of tying a scarf over the head and bun is very hair friendly and doesn’t look “overly religious” it’s commonly used among longhairs. Also called a Tichel.
MM: Morrocco Method hair care system. They have different products but are commonly referred to when it comes to the trimming according to moon phases.
MonkTheMonk: A popular maker of quality hair toys and tools in wood.
Monoi: A traditional fractionated coconut oil from Tahiti that is good for moisturizing hair and has a very nice scent.
MSM: Methyl-sulfonyl-methane. A sulphur rich supplement claiming to lengthen the terminal time 


Natural: A term often plastered on hair products to promote sales even if they have little or no natural ingredients. Since using the term isn’t restricted in advertising, you should never trust the packing.
Natural hemline: The term for hair approaching its natural hemline from having the hair in various stages of growing out and approaching terminal length. S&D doesn’t change the shape of the ends. Also called fairytale ends.
Naturally curly: A site with hair care advice for the curly-haired with a forum and articles.
Nature's Gate: An Organic line of shampoos, conditioners and products.
Niacin: Vitamin B3.
Nicotinic acid: Vitamin B3.
Nightblooming: A popular maker of quality hair toys and tools in wood as well as oils, herbs, tea blends and the renowned Panacea salve.
No-poo: Different washing methods all characterized by not using shampoo. These include various WO, CO and baking soda methods. 


OCM: Oil Cleansing Method. A method of cleaning the face or scalp using oil.
Oenothera biennis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Evening primrose.
Olea europaea: Latin name for the (ingredient) Olive.


Panax ginseng: Latin name for the (ingredient) Ginseng.
Pantothenic acid: Vitamin B5.
Passiflora quandrangularis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Passion flower.
Pelargonium graveolens: Latin name for the (ingredient) Geranium.
Persea gratissima: Latin name for the (ingredient) Avocado.
Phyllanthus emblica: Latin name for the (ingredient) Amla.
Plopping: A method to dry wavy/ curly hair that brings out the wavy/curly pattern.
Plunking: A method to dry wavy/ curly hair that brings out the wavy/curly pattern.
Pogostemon cablin: Latin name for the (ingredient) Patchouli.
Pony stub: The first, short pony tail you can gather your hair into after reaching around chin to flip length.
Poo: Slag/synonymous for shampoo. Naturally this makes “no poo” or “low poo” routines pretty funny.
Prunus armeniaca: Latin name for the (ingredient) Apricot.
Prunus cerasus: Latin name for the (ingredient) Bitter cherry extract.
Prunus dulcis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Almond.
Pyridoxamin: Vitamin B6.
Pyridoxine pyridoxal: Vitamin B6. 


Retinyl palmitate: Latin name for the (ingredient) Vitamin A.
Riboflavin: Vitamin B2.
Ron Quattro: A popular maker of quality hair toys and tools in metal and wood.
Rosmarinus Officinalis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Rosemary.


S&D: Search & Destroy Mission. An in-depth split end snipping session where you look through your ends to individually cut off all ends that show damage.
S/C: shampoo and conditioner.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Latin name for the (ingredient) Yeast
SAO: Sweet Almond Oil.
Scritching: Most common term used for mechanically cleaning the scalp. Using fingertips, brush, comb or massage devices to “scratch” sebum and dead skin cells out of the scalp.
Scrunchie bun shampooing method: A way to shampoo just the scalp without getting the length wet using a scrunchie to hold the length out of the way. Also known as a scalp only wash.
Scrunchie: Cloth covered pony tail holder. Millions of women worried they were awfully unstylish after a certain Sex and the City episode!
Seamless: A term often plastered on accessories or tools that really aren’t seamless to promote sales. Since using the term isn’t restricted in advertising, you should never trust the packing.
Shampoo bar: A hard bar requiring additional water to function for hair cleansing. Often followed by an acidic rinse, see also ACV.
Shikakai: A fruit of an acaia family tree. This Indian cleaning herb is used in powder form and mixed with water to a paste before use. It cleanses and gives shine but some find it too drying. Often used in mix with amla.
Simmondsia chinensis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Jojoba oil.
Sleep cap: A cap or hat of different designs used for sleeping to protect your hair from friction damage while sleeping.
SLES: Sodium lauryl ether sulfate. A strong detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products. It is a very effective foaming agent that can cause drying in hair and dry scalp.
SLS: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. A strong detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products. It is a very effective foaming agent that can cause drying in hair and dry scalp.
SMT: Mixing conditioner, aloe vera and honey too for a deep moisture treatment. The original recipe was 4 parts conditioner, 1 part honey and 1 part pure aloe gel.
Snood: A cloth covering for the entire hair or just the bun. Is usually held up by an elastic and is often knitted with the hair showing through. Is often found in different variations in classic art.
Snowy's Moisture Treatment: Mixing conditioner, aloe vera and honey too for a deep moisture treatment. The original recipe was 4 parts conditioner, 1 part honey and 1 part pure aloe gel.
Syzygium aromaticum: Latin name for the (ingredient) Clove.


Tailbone length: Hair reaching a length to where the tailbone starts. For many, hipbone, tailbone and waist length are very close to each other.
Tangle Teezer: A popular maker of ergonomically shaped brush-like combs.
TBB: The Beauty Bottle. LHC's parent site.
TBL: Tailbone length. Hair reaching a length to where the tailbone starts. For many, hipbone, tailbone and waist length are very close to each other.
Terminal length: The length where hair stops growing longer. A more correct term would be terminal time. Hair that has reached true terminal length will be in a strong fairytale hemline.
Thiamin: Vitamin B1.
Thiamine: Vitamin B1.
Thigh length: The length between classic and knee length characterized by the lack of “landmarks”. Due to the lack of bone structures or joints, it can be difficult to tell exactly what length your hair is: One quarter of the way? Halfway? Over half?
Tichel: The headcarf worn by married Jewish women according to Tzinut code of modesty. Since this method of tying a scarf over the head and bun is very hair friendly and doesn’t look “religious” it’s commonly used among longhairs. Also called a mitpatchat.
Timberstone Turnings: A popular maker of quality hair toys and tools in wood.
TLHC. The Long Hair Community forum. Commonly just called LHC.
Topocopheryl acetate: Latin name for the (ingredient) Vitamin E.
Tree: Type of split end that looks vaguely like a feather with multiple “branching” splits forming along the strand.
Triethanolamine: Latin name for the (ingredient) Yeast.
Turbie Twist: A special towel designed to be wrapped up in a turban shape to dry your hair quickly and effectively. 


U shaped hemline: The bottom edge of your hair cut in the shape of a U.
UTT: UnTamed Tresses. Supportive, fun and educational hair forum! <3 


V shaped hemline: The bottom edge of your hair cut in the shape of a V.
Vaccinium augustifolium: Latin name for the (ingredient) Blueberry.
Vaguely creepy endearing weirdos: A “humorous” description of the members of LHC by a “funny” blogger who after insulting the members for being weird, ripped off the classic hair care advice found there for her article and pushed products she got paid for promoting. The description stuck around though.
Vanilla planifolia: Latin name for the (ingredient) Vanilla.
Virgin hair: Term commonly used to describe hair that hasn’t been chemically altered or exposed to heat styling.
Vitellaria paradoxa: Latin name for the (ingredient) Shea butter.
VO5: Line of hair products where the conditioner is often praised as good for CO washes.


Waist length: Hair reaching a length that falls to the slimmest part of your body. This will depend a lot on shape and body type. For many, hipbone, tailbone and waist length are very close to each other.
Wavy: Term covering the 2-range on Fia’s hair typing system.
White dot: The (end of a) hair strand giving off a white, plump appearance. It is in reality a split in the beginning stage where the light reflects differently on the strand and the damage isn’t yet visible.
White rain: Line of hair products where the conditioner is often praised as good for CO washes.
WO: Water only cleansing method. A method using no products for the actual cleaning but often using lots of brushing and massaging/”scritching” the scalp to free it from sebum.
Wurly: Term for having hair that is somewhere between wavy and curly, usually defined as between 2C and 3A according to Fia’s hairtyping system.


Zingiber officinalis: Latin name for the (ingredient) Ginger root.  
Zizyphus spina christi: A shrub in the buckthorn family. It is used as a cleansing "herb" powder.