Hair Care Glossary

Abrasive shampoo: can be damaging to your hair.

Afro-textured hair: the typical texture of African hair. Each strand of this hair type grows in a tiny, angle-like helix shape.

Alkaline agent: opens the cuticle and allows the hair color to penetrate the cortex of the hair.

Brittleness: dull, split ends and breaks are all signs of brittle hair. Particularly the hair when wet will feel spongy and tangle.

Hair breakage: is caused by damaged hair due to excess heat styling and chemicals.

Melanin: hair’s natural pigment.

Oxidative: to create a chemical reaction in your hair and cause colour change.

Parabens: avoid the following methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben when looking at ingredients. They can cause drying, irritating your scalp, fading colour and hair loss.

Protectogen: an ingredient that helps boost hair regeneration.

Split ends: can happen to anyone, often due to heat exposure, weather conditions or harmful chemicals. Your hair will start to resemble unravelled rope.

Sulfates: avoid these two sulfates: sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate as they may strip away too much moisture.

Thermic protection spray: a product that reduces damage to your hair when used before heat styling.