Hair terms sometimes seem like foreign language; here is a glossary to help you understand some of the words:
By: Keletso Modisakeng
1.Amino Acids
Amino acids are usually found in shampoo, conditioners and leave-in products. They provide the building blocks of protein that make up keratin, which allows them to penetrate deep into the hair shaft to strengthen and repair it.
2. Humectant
Humectants are ingredients that absorb and help hair retain water. They are usually found in shampoos, conditioners and other styling products.
3. Thermal protection
Thermal protection, also known as blow-dry cream, is used to protect your hair from heated appliances. It comes in cream, spray or gel form.
4. Detangler
This is a product used to minimise frizz, hair friction and prevent hair from tangling.
5. Beeswax
Usually used on dreadlocks, this product helps protect the hair from losing moisture. Its key ingredients are beeswax, scented oils or ointments mixed with creams.
6. Masque
This is a thick conditioner used to nourish the hair and repair it from the inside.
7. Pomade
Another term for balm, this is a thick styling product that will keep a sculptured look last long. It is generally sold in small jars as a small amount is used.
8. Finishing Spray
Also known as holding spray, this helps keep your hairstyle in place or set for longer and comes as a liquid spray or aerosol.
9. Serum
A serum is frequently used as a finishing tool to give high gloss and frizz control to the hair. Most serums contain vegetable glycerine, which fixes moisture to hair for better retention.
10. Mousse
This is a styling product that adds volume and shine to fine hair. A wrap mousse is foam used to style hair when wet.
11. Jojoba Oil
Extracted from the desert jojoba plant, this oil helps add shine to your hair and soothes scalp problems like dandruff and eczema.
12. Natural
This is used to indicate natural ingredients in products like shea butter, jojoba oil and beeswax. It shouldn’t be confused with referring to natural or Afro hair!
13. Organic
This means products are safe for the environment and lack harsh chemicals. An organic product must include at least 95% naturally produced and processed ingredients.
14. No-lye
A no-lye relaxer is a milder version with a lower pH than the lye one, and is gentler on the scalp. Most no-lye relaxers include activator steps (you mix a liquid into the cream) before applying. This formula has calcium in it. It is safe to use at home or in a salon.
15. Lye
Lye relaxers have higher pH content than a no-lye relaxer, making it stronger. The active ingredient is sodium hydroxide, which makes it stronger on the scalp and hair. A lye relaxer is best used by a professional in a salon to avoid damaging your hair.
16. Argan oil
This is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids produced from the kernels of the argan tree grown organically in Morocco.
17. Brazilian Keratin Treatment
This is a temporary hair straightening treatment used on natural hair. It does not use harsh chemicals and can be reversed by washing the hair.
18. Neutraliser
This is a special shampoo created to stop chemicals breaking down hair bonds and is used mostly after relaxing your hair. If a neutraliser is not used, you will have hair loss and the relaxer chemicals can lead to burns on the scalp.
19. Parabens
These are widely used preservatives in cosmetic and personal care products. They help stop fungi and bacteria that grow in warm and moist environments on products. Studies show that paraben is present in cancer, but no studies have proven that it causes cancer.
