Natural Hair Dictionary: Abbreviations, Terms and What They Mean

Twist-Out.           Braid-Out.                    TWA.                   ACV.              LOC.

If you are looking into going natural or starting out your transition, you are probably wondering "What the heck do all this stuff mean?" I know. I know. I was in the same position when I first start transitioning back in 2010, but I'm about to save you some trouble from wondering all around Google and YouTube for these terms and abbreviations. This is my little Natural Hair Dictionary.

ACV: Apple Cider Vinegar. Commonly used in the term "ACV rinse," apple cider vinegar diluted with water is used as an alternative to shampoo when it comes to cleansing the scalp.

BC: Big Chop. This is when you have been transitioning and then decide to go ahead and cut the relaxed ends of your hair off and become completely natural.

Braid-Out: Similar to a twist-out process (just braid it, leave in for a while, then unbraid it). It's what we use to call crinkles back in the day.

DC: Deep Conditioning. When dealing with your natural hair, moisture is key. Usually followed by a conditioner, a deep conditioner is used to give your hair that extra "umph".

LOC: Leave-In Conditioner, Oil, Conditioner. LOC is a method used by some naturalistas when it comes to applying products to their hair after they have washed their hair.

Protective Style: It's a style that you keep in your hair for a long period of time to protect your hair or give yourself a break from dealing with your hair. It can be anything like mini-twists, braids, weave, wig... you name it!

Transitioning: The process where one decides to stop relaxing and grow out their natural hair. Transitioning is usually done when you are not comfortable with being bald or having a low-cut ceasar (starting completely over) and the process can take any amount of time you want until you are comfortable with the length of your natural hair (or "new growth") or you just get tired of the two textures.

TWA: Teeny Weeny Afro. A TWA is what most naturalistas have when they do their big chop. Your hair is not cut too low like a guys but it's not long enough to put in a puff.

Twist-Out: It's just a style when you twist your hair then you untwist it.

If you have anymore you would like to add or want to know about, please comment down below.