A Hair Glossary
Relaxer A chemical treatment that makes hair smooth and straight. Among African Americans, it's also referred to as a perm, not to be confused with the treatment that makes Caucasian hair curly.
Extensions Synthetic or human hair pieces that are braided, sewn in, or glued near the roots of hair to extend its length.
Weave Synthetic or human hair that is braided or sewn in close to the scalp to add volume and length.
Tracks The raised area created by attaching an extension on a cornrow. A woman can have several tracks that can make up an entire weave.
Lace-front wigs Synthetic or human hair that is attached to a wig with lace mesh at the wig's hairline. The wearer can pull some of her own hair through the wig, creating a more seamless, natural-looking hairline. Lace-fronts can also be glued on to create the same effect.
- Elizabeth Wellington
