When I first started researching natural hair, I would lurk in a variety of forums. The women in these forums shared a great deal of information that helped me to better understand my hair.

The language in these forums often involves the use of various acronyms. I spent a good amount of time researching these terms. I am providing this glossary of some of the common terms used in an effort to save others time when visiting these boards. I will add onto the list as I happen upon more terms.

ACV	Apple Cider Vinegar Used to clarify and condition the hair.
AO	Aubrey Organics Company that provides natural hair and skin care products.
APL	Arm Pit Length Term used to describe when hair length reaches the arm pit.
BAA	Big Ass Afro Term used on many natural hair care forums to describe a very large Afro.
BKT	Brazilian Keratin Treatment A treatment used to loosen your natural curls (in some cases the hair is straight) for between 4 and 6 months. It contains chemicals and is quite expensive if done in a salon. There are cheaper, at home options to those who are adventurous enough to try.
BC	Big Chop The act of cutting relaxed or chemically treated hair completely off to leave only natural textured hair. Usually results in a short, cropped hair cut (depending on how long a person decides to transition prior to the cut).
BSL	Bra Strap Length Term used to describe when hair length reaches the location of the bra strap.
BSS	Beauty Supply Store Place where I spend a load of time. I admit…I’m addicted!
CBL	Collar Bone Length Term used to describe when hair length reaches the collar bone.
CG	Curly Girl Technique to care for natural hair created by Lorraine Massey and described in her book Curly Girl.
DC	Deep Condition A conditioner for hair meant for occasional use. Of greater intensity than ordinary conditioners.
DT	Deep Treatment Often used interchangeably with Deep Conditioner. A treatment to help add moisture back into the hair, by leaving a moisturizing conditioner with a penetrating heat source on your hair for an extended period of time.
EO	Essential OilsNatural oils that promotes healthy hair.(i.e. Eucalyptus,Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Peppermint, Lemon, Lavender)
EVCO	Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Natural oil used to condition the hair. Useful for repairing dry, damaged hair. Known to give more moisture, shine, and bounce to the hair.
EVCO	Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Natural oil used to condition the hair. Useful for repairing dry, damaged hair. Known to give more moisture, shine, and bounce to the hair.
EVOO	Extra Virgin Olive Oil A natural conditioner that promotes hair growth, strong healthy hair, prevents dandruff, and makes the hair shiny and soft.
FSG	Flax Seed Gel Homemade recipe for a styling gel made with flax seed.
KCCC	Kinky Curly Custard Product made with natural ingredients used to further define and elongate natural curls.
LFW	Lace Front Wig A lace wig or a lace front wig is a special type of hairpiece or wig designed with a sheer lace base. Lace front wigs are made with real human hair which tied, by hand, to a sheer lace base.
LHCF	Long Hair Care Forum Forum where many go to discuss natural hair techniques and issues.
MBL	Mid Back Length Term used to describe when hair length reaches the middle of your back.
NC	Natural Curly Site dedicated to naturally curly hair.
ORS	Organic Root Stimulator Company that provides herbal products that geared towards natural hair care.
PJ	Product Junky Expression used to describe a person that enjoys trying a variety of hair care products.
S&D	Search & Destroy Process in which you occasionally search your hair for any split ends, crooked ends, or single strand knots and snipping it with a sharp hair styling scissors.
SL	Sister Locks Sisterlocks are tiny uniform locks that are formed without the use of waxes or jells. The small size of the lock results in hair that is easily styled.
TWA	Teeny Weeny Afro Small Afro that is usually formed with 1/2-1 inch of hair. Is the first stage after the Big Chop.
WNG or W&G	Wash and Go Simple method of styling natural hair that entails washing the hair, applying product, shaking, and leaving as is. Not much styling required.