chapter 8

Acidic Rinse

A hair treatment with a low pH, typically used to close the hair cuticle after shampooing or chemical treatments. It helps to smooth the hair, enhance shine, and remove any alkaline residue left by soaps or other hair products.

Ampholytes (Amphoterics)

Surfactants that can act as both an acid and a base depending on the pH of the surrounding environment. They are often used in shampoos and conditioners because of their mild cleansing and conditioning properties.

Anionic

A type of surfactant that carries a negative electrical charge, providing excellent cleaning and foaming ability. Common in shampoos, but can be drying if not balanced with conditioning agents.

Botanical

Ingredients derived from plants, used in hair care for their natural therapeutic properties. They may include herbs, flowers, roots, or essential oils that offer benefits like soothing the scalp or promoting hair strength.

Braid Sediment

The buildup of product, sweat, dirt, and sebum that accumulates at the base of braids or in other protective styles. Regular cleansing is important to prevent scalp irritation or infection.

Cationics

Surfactants or conditioning agents with a positive charge. They are attracted to the negatively charged hair surface, helping to reduce static, smooth the hair cuticle, and improve manageability.

Co-Washing

Short for “conditioner washing,” it is the practice of using a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo to wash hair. Popular among those with curly or textured hair, it helps retain moisture and reduce frizz.

Cold Water Conditioning

A method of conditioning the hair using cold water to help seal the cuticle after applying conditioner. This technique enhances shine and reduces frizz by smoothing the hair shaft.

Crown

The top part of the head where the hair grows in a circular pattern. It is an important area in hairstyling and scalp care due to its visibility and exposure.

Deionized Water

Water that has had its mineral ions removed, making it purer. It is used in hair and skin products to prevent chemical interactions and improve product stability and effectiveness.

Detangling

The process of removing knots and tangles from hair using fingers, combs, or brushes. Specialized conditioners or detangling sprays are often used to reduce breakage during this process.

Detergent

A cleansing agent in shampoos responsible for removing dirt, oils, and product buildup from the hair and scalp. Common examples include sulfates and other surfactants.

Emollients

Ingredients that soften and smooth the hair or skin by forming a protective barrier. In conditioners, emollients help retain moisture and improve hair texture.

Essential Fatty Acids

Nutrients like omega-3 and omega-6 that are vital for healthy hair and scalp. They help strengthen the hair, reduce dryness, and support the natural barrier of the skin.

Hard Water

Water that contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. It can cause buildup on the hair, leading to dryness, dullness, and difficulty in lathering shampoos.

Humectants

Substances that attract and retain moisture from the environment. In hair care, they help keep hair hydrated by drawing moisture into the hair shaft.

Medicated Shampoo

A shampoo that contains therapeutic ingredients used to treat scalp conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. These shampoos may include ingredients like salicylic acid or coal tar.

Moisturizer

A product or ingredient designed to add and retain moisture in the hair or skin. Moisturizers are essential for maintaining hair elasticity and preventing breakage, especially in dry or curly hair types.

Monionics

Likely a typo for “nonionics” (commonly used term); these are surfactants that do not carry a charge. They are gentle and effective in cleansing without stripping the hair’s natural oils.

Pustules

Small, inflamed, pus-filled bumps that can form on the scalp due to infections, clogged follicles, or reactions to hair products. Proper hygiene and treatment are important to avoid further irritation.

Soft Water

Water that has low mineral content, especially calcium and magnesium. It allows shampoos and soaps to lather more easily and helps keep hair soft and manageable.

Surfactants

Compounds that lower surface tension between ingredients, helping to lift oil and dirt from the scalp and hair. Surfactants