Curly Hair Glossary
Understanding curly hair terminology helps you care for your curls more effectively. This glossary defines the key terms that Curltine uses to analyze and describe your hair, so you can understand your Curl Score results and make informed product choices.
Curl analysis terms
Curl type refers to the shape of your natural curl pattern, classified on a scale from 2A (loose wavy) to 4C (tightly coiled). Curltine identifies your curl type from a hair scan photo.
Porosity describes how easily your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Low porosity hair resists moisture absorption. High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it fast.
Density refers to the number of hair strands per square inch of scalp. Low density hair appears thin. High density hair appears thick.
Curl Score is a composite metric Curltine generates from your hair scan results. It reflects your curl type, porosity, density, and frizz level in a single number that you can track over time.
Frizz level is a measure of how much disruption is visible in your curl pattern. Curltine measures frizz level as part of every hair scan.
Routine and technique terms
Wash day is the name given to the day you cleanse, condition, and style your curly hair. A structured wash day routine is the foundation of consistent curl care.
Co-washing means cleansing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. It retains more natural oils and is recommended for high porosity and coily hair types.
Pre-poo means applying oil or conditioner to dry hair before shampooing to reduce moisture loss during the cleanse.
Deep conditioning is an extended conditioning treatment left on the hair for a longer period, often with gentle heat, to restore moisture and elasticity.
Diffusing is a method of drying curly hair using a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer. Diffusing dries curls from below without disrupting the curl pattern, reducing frizz compared to standard drying.
Plopping is a technique where wet curly hair is wrapped in a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to absorb excess water without friction, preserving curl definition.
Shingling means applying a curl cream or gel to each curl individually, section by section, to maximize definition.
Squish to condish is a technique for applying conditioner by squishing water and conditioner into the hair with cupped hands to encourage curl clumping.
Product and ingredient terms
Sulfates are detergent surfactants found in many shampoos. They are effective cleansers but strip the natural oils that curly hair relies on for moisture and definition. Common sulfates include sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate.
Silicones are synthetic ingredients that coat the hair shaft and add shine. Non-water-soluble silicones such as dimethicone build up over time and block moisture. Water-soluble silicones rinse out more easily.
Humectants are ingredients that attract and bind moisture. Common humectants include glycerin, aloe vera, and panthenol. They work best in moderate humidity conditions.
Emollients are ingredients that soften and smooth the hair shaft by filling in gaps in the cuticle. Common emollients include shea butter, argan oil, and coconut oil.
Protein treatments use hydrolyzed proteins such as keratin, wheat protein, and silk amino acids to temporarily repair and strengthen damaged hair.
CGM or Curly Girl Method refers to the hair care approach developed by Lorraine Massey that avoids sulfates, silicones, and heat styling.
Leave-in conditioner is a conditioner that is applied to wet hair and not rinsed out. It provides ongoing moisture and detangling benefits between wash days.
Curl cast is the crunchy coating that forms on curls when styling gel dries. Scrunching out the cast reveals soft, defined curls underneath.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Curl Score?
Curltine generates a Curl Score from your hair scan results. The score is a composite of your curl type, porosity, density, and frizz level. Curltine tracks your Curl Score over time so you can measure the effect of your routine.
What does Curltine mean by porosity?
Curltine uses porosity to describe how easily your hair absorbs and retains moisture. Low porosity hair resists moisture. High porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it fast. Curltine measures your porosity level as part of every hair scan.
What is co-washing and does Curltine recommend it?
Co-washing means cleansing with conditioner instead of shampoo. Curltine recommends co-washing for curl types and porosity levels that benefit from it, and recommends periodic clarifying washes to remove buildup.
How Curltine helps with curly hair glossary
Curltine analyzes your hair from a photo scan and builds a personalized wash-day routine and product recommendations matched to your curl type and porosity.