Are you new to wearing your wavy hair (or curly hair) naturally, and confused about different phrases you see online? Like what is KCCC, GVPCB, DT, and more? What does that even mean? It’s almost like learning a second language (but not really, it’s not too hard, promise!) This is a list of the most common acrynyms. This is not an exhaustive list; if you have another you want to know, please comment and ask! I may create several of these lists if people find them helpful!
Below the list, I’ll have mini-reviews!
Note: This post includes affiliate links, which cost you nothing but keep this website running. I sincerely appreciate each click! You can read the full website disclaimer here. Thanks again wavy friend! -Rachel
Okay, onto the wavy hair acronyms!
Wavy hair acronyms: the MOST commonly used
AIF-Aussie Instant Freeze (usually specific to the Aussie Instant Freeze Hard Hold Gel)
CR or CRN – Camille Rose Naturals (brand)
HE – Herbal Essences (brand)
HETT – Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Mousse OR Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Gel…usually refers to the mousse.
KCCC – Kinky Curly Curling Custard
^yes, this is confusing that they are the same, but the context is usually easy to tell. Kinky Curly Curling Custard is a styler, and Kinky Curly Come Clean is a Clarifying Wash…want to know more about clarifying? Check out this #wavyhair101 post all about clarifying wavy hair!
Wavy hair acronyms: Bite Sized Product Reviews
What is it? A co-wash, or “cleansing conditioner.” I have not used this cowash
AIF-Aussie Instant Freeze (usually specific to the Aussie Instant Freeze Hard Hold Gel)
One of the few gels I liked, but haven’t used much in the past year. Is very sticky, but does give me a good cast and has good hold.
CR or CRN – Camille Rose Naturals (brand): I really, really, REALLY want to try the Camille Rose Curl Maker. It’s been very highly rated by some of my IRL wavy friends! I still have a lot of my favorite curl enhancer left. But once I run out I may need to pick this up.
This is truly one of the BEST conditioners I’ve ever used. I use GVPCB as a deep conditioner in the summer/hot months, and as a “regular” conditioner in the drier months of winter. The only complaint I have is that the scent is strong. GVPCB is exclusive to Sally Beauty (you can buy it online here). If you don’t have access to Sally Beauty, the GVPCB is a generic version of the Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm
HE – Herbal Essences (brand)
HETT – Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Mousse OR Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Gel…usually refers to the mousse.
The Totally Twisted Mousse is one of my favorite mousses ever. I’ve been using it for over 10 years, well before learning about sulfate/silicone free hair care! I used the gel back then too, but haven’t repurchased since college. The totally twisted Gel was recently recommended to me though so I may need to pick it up!
KCCC – Kinky Curly Curling Custard
It pains me to say this, but this is a product that I did not like AT ALL. KCCC seems to have a very strong “love it or hate it” reaction, and mine was the latter. I found it extremely sticky and it didn’t seem to give me any defnition or hold. I experimented with it several times, in various amounts, with many variations and it even inspired me to write the post, “It’s Okay If a Product Everyone Loves Doesn’t Work for You.”
KCCC – Kinky Curly Come Clean
This KCCC is a great clarifying wash! The only reason I don’t repurchase is because I have more affordable options that I like a bit better (and currently have to use up several shampoos)
This is a HUGE black from the past because I think this was the first gel I ever bought to try to scrunch my hair with. I’m talking like 15+ years ago. It’s extremely affordable which is great. When I think back this gave me “super crunchy” hair that I would then tousle. Basically, I was scrunching out the crunch waaaay before I knew that was a thing.
a quick encouragement
if you’ve gotten this far to reading, thanks! If you’re learning all of these different phrases and feeling overwhelmed, just take a quick breath. This is all hair. It doesn’t *really* matter too much. Keep doing the sulfate free/silicone free thing for awhile, use products consistently and see how they perform for you. As much fun as it can be to try out allllll the products, the easiest thing is to pick out a routine (this 2020 wavy hair routine is a GREAT place to start!) and keep consistent. Learn as you go, and I hope this site can help you along the way. Good luck! -Rachel
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