Afro
A hairstyle of tight curls in a full evenly rounded shape.
Box Braids
When bulk hair is sectioned out and forms a “box” or square-shaped parting for each braid at the root. These are often achieved with synthetic hair additions.
Bantu Knot/Zulu Knots
Hair is sectioned off in diamond, triangle or square shapes and twisted into knots.
Bantu Knot Out
Sectioning the hair into Bantu Knots on damp wet hair, let it dry, knots are taken out to achieve defined curly hair.
Braid n’ Curl
Plaiting or braiding damp or moist hair and curling the ends with rollers or flexi rods. Air dry overnight or use a hair dryer. Take out braids to reveal deep wavy and curly hair.
Bradelocz/Braidlocs/Braidlocks
Method of locking the hair with small braids and maintained by either latching or palm-rolling (twisting).
Braid Out
Braiding damp or moist hair in cornrows or single braids, allow to dry, unravel to reveal a more defined curly hair.
Cornrows/Fulani Braids
Braids, typically done in rows, that lay flat to the scalp. Usually, this is the foundation for a weave.
Coils
Taking small sections of wet or very damp hair and twirl the sections around the finger one by one until they are tightly spiraled from root to tip. Tiny styling combs can be used for coils. Typically, a gel is applied prior to coiling.
Conk
Man’s style 1920s-1960s. Named for congolene, a gel-like substance made from potatoes, eggs, and lye. Style worn by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Nat King Cole.
Frohawk
Sides of an afro are flattened to the scalp, either by smoothing & pinning or by shaving. The center hair is left high and free, in the shape of the distinctive Mohawk.
Flat Twist
A two-strand twist braiding technique similar to cornrows, by twisting the hair flat to the head.
Jheri Curl
Hairstyle popular with both men and women in the 1980s that used a process to create shiny loose wet curls, This has become a term for all curly perms.
Locks/Locs/Dreadlocks
Small sections of hair are twisted and over time form ropelike strands.
Pony Puff
Hair is pulled back at the crown, sides and nape, using headbands, hair pins, scarves,
etc. The remaining hair extends freely.
Pixies/Pixie Braids
For naturals, these braids are small individual braids all over the head without weave. They are also braid with hair extensions (weave) that are small box braids, cut in layers and sealed with heat. These braids are usually curled or bent at the ends slightly to give them a shape towards the face.
Two-Strand Twists
Sections of hair are divided into two smaller sections wound around each other. The last half-inch or so of each twist is left loose and twirled around the index finger into a coil. They can be worn as a hairstyle or twists can be carefully released when dry (Twist-Out) for a look that’s fuller, yet with a well-defined coily/wavy texture.
Twist n Curl
Hairstyle achieved by two strand twisting damp or moist hair and curling the ends with rollers or flexi rods. Air dry overnight or use a hair dryer. Then take out the rods and twist to reveal deep wavy and curly hair.
Twist Out
A hairstyle achieved by two strand twisting the hair (usually while damp or wet then air drying or use a hair dryer) and then unraveling the twist to reveal a crinkly wavy hair texture.
Two Strand Twist
Also known as double strand twists, twists, or twisties. This hairstyle technique can be performed on dry or wet hair. Take a section of hair and divide into two even pieces and twist each section of hair around the other. You continue until all of your hair is twisted like single braids.
