Textured Hair Glossary
Discover key terms & what they mean to become a curl expert
Textured Hair
Texture Talk
Click each image to get the rundown on identifying & caring for your waves, curls & coils
TYPE 2 – WAVY
S-shape strands call for lightweight definition, moisture & frizz-control
2A — Slight, fine waves with a soft, tousled texture and lack of volume at the root
2B — Defined, S-shaped waves with subtle dimension starting from the middle, sticking close to the head
2C — Thick, coarse, well-defined S-shaped waves that start at the root and are more susceptible to frizz
TYPE 3 – CURLY
Springy, full-bodied ringlets come alive with frizz-fighting products that create shape & hold
3A — Large, loose, bouncy curls with high shine from root to tip
3B — Coarse, springy ringlets more susceptible to frizz
3C — Tight, dense corkscrew curls with lots of volume
TYPE 4 – COILY
Tight, delicate, zigzag strands crave moisture to stay velvety soft & protect against breakage
4A — Densely packed, springy, S-shaped coils
4B — Thick, compact coils that bend at sharp zigzag angles
4C — Tight, fluffy coils more prone to breakage
PROTECTIVE STYLES
Protect your curls & promote hair growth with styles that guard against damage & breakage
Perm Rod Set
Lasting twists with mega volume & ultra-dimension
Flat Twists
Cornrowed sections of tight, rope-like braids
PuffCuff
A versatile tool to create a seamless Afro puff
Shop By Price
We See You
Spotlight on minority-owned businesses. Brand, products & education for all hair types.
View All Textured Care & Styling Articles
-
Porosity
How well your hair is able to absorb moisture. Low, medium and high porosity all require different types of hair care.
-
Co-Wash
Cleansing the hair and scalp with a non-lathering conditioner. Not using a shampoo allows the hair to retain natural oils.
-
Curl Cream
A styling product with curl-nourishing properties free of alcohol, sulfates and other curl disruptors.
-
Curl Pattern
All curls have a different pattern. These can be categorized by Type A, B and C with varying degrees like 2, 3 and 4. Just like porosity, different curl patterns respond better to certain products.
-
Plopping
Using a T-shirt or microfiber towel to gather all curls and let them sit on top of the head allowing them to naturally gather in their pattern and air dry.
-
Hair Milk
Lightweight cream-based leave-in products used for styling that provide intense moisture and appear milky in consistency.
-
The Big Chop (BC)
Taking the plunge to cut off all the damaged or relaxed hair all at once. This allows the natural texture and curl pattern closer to the root to form once again.
-
Deep Conditioning
Using a conditioning treatment and allowing it to sit on the hair so it can penetrate down to the hair shaft.
-
Hair Oil
A heavier leave-in product for intense moisture that can penetrate down to the innermost layer of the hair. Hair oils can restore moisture and add shine.
Ingredient Glossary
-
![]()
Coconut Oil
A natural, fatty emollient made from pressing fresh coconut, it creates a protective seal around hair, adds shine & locks in moisture. Although great for strengthening all hair types, it’s especially beneficial as a leave-in conditioner for dry & damaged hair.
-
![]()
Olive Oil
A natural emollient that seals in moisture and helps replace the natural oils in your scalp often lost through sulfate-heavy shampooing. Popular in pre-shampoo and conditioning treatments, olive oil helps condition frizzy and/or damaged hair and nourishes the scalp & skin.
-
![]()
Cocoa Butter
A conditioner and emollient, it’s especially beneficial for dry scalps, fine hair and hair that damages easily. It helps maintain natural oil levels on the scalp, reducing dandruff and making hair follicles healthier. It also delivers softness, shine & helps prevents breakage.
-
![]()
Argan Oil
A natural ingredient containing vitamins A, C & E as well as essential Omega-6 fatty acids. Argan oil helps tame frizz, define curls, protect against heat damage & maintain shine and elasticity. It also helps reduce scalp inflammation that can cause itching & dandruff.
-
![]()
Jamacian Black Castor Oil
A nutrient-rich, fatty oil produced by roasting, boiling & then pressing castor beans, it contains both moisturizing & antibacterial/antifungal properties. JBCO strengthens & treats the scalp to promote hair growth & help restore thinning edges.
-
![]()
Avocado Oil
An oil rich in vitamins A, D & E, moisturizing oleic acid and highly penetrative monosaturated fats, it boosts softness, shine & helps reduce breakage. Fast-absorbing & lightweight, it’s a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin.
-
![]()
Tea Tree Oil
An antiseptic, antifungal & antibacterial additive in the form of an essential oil or concentrate, it helps clear the scalp of buildup to promote hair growth. It can also help moisturize and condition hair, adding strength & softness.
More About Textured Hair
Your textured hair is as unique as you are, so we offer a selection of products with ingredients designed to nourish, hydrate, and define your curls and coils. Add shine and bounce or amplify your texture with specialized formulations that are free from silicone, parabens and sulfates, or anything else that will weigh your hair down.
We make it easy to shop by your hair type. Whether you are a 3a or a 4c, we have products to target your textured hair care needs. Explore salon-quality products like natural shampoo, conditioner and treatments. We also stock choices for the conscious consumer that are vegan and cruelty-free. Try hair care with nourishing ingredients such as honey, jojoba and silk protein to help soften and reduce frizz.
Hydrate and moisturize your curls with a leave-in treatment, conditioner or oil. These products can also help you maintain scalp health, which promotes healthy hair from root to tip. Try a repairing serum to help seal cuticles, repair damage and add shine.
Define and hold your texture with a styling cream or curling custard. Enhance your curls with crunch- and flake-free shaping products. Look for our alochol-free styling lotion or curl-defining mousse which helps make hair manageable while offering heat protection. Enjoy styling freedom whether or you like to wash and go or experiment with wraps or roller settings.
But don't take our word for it. Check out reviews by people just like you have tried and loved our textured hair care solutions. Discover highly rated products for all your wavy, curly and coily hair needs.
