If you are a “seasoned” natural then you are familiar with that ugly “s” word —shrinkage!!! Some women’s hair shrinks a little, while others’ shrinks a lot. I have a friend whose hair shrinks up to SEVEN inches and she HATES it! I see it all the time — you spend time styling your wet hair and it eventually shrinks to a much shorter length. If you are struggling with shrinkage, keep in mind that it is normal and not always bad; it is a sign that your hair is healthy and full of elasticity. If you pull a curl and it springs back (or shrinks) back, congratulations—you have healthy hair!
However, I know it can be an annoying problem, so here are a few tips to help minimize shrinkage.
#1. Try Banding
Banding works by using ponytail holders to stretch out freshly washed, damp/wet hair. Divide the hair into sections and gently wind the ponytail holders around the section from root to tip. Leave the holders in to allow the hair to stretch as it dries. Allow your hair to air dry, and don’t forget to wrap it with a satin scarf or bonnet. Be sure to use the tangle free (ouch-less pony tail holders to minimize snagging and damage). Do not to use this method too often as it can lead to breakage.
#2. Blow Dry Your Roots
After washing your hair, allow it to dry about 85%. Lightly tug on your hair and blow dry the roots on medium heat. Don’t blow dry them straight, just enough to stretch your hair a little and give it a tad bit of lengthy. This method is quick, easy and it works wonders!
#3. Complete Blow Out
If you don’t mind using heat (in moderation), and want to show off your length, you may want to consider a blow out. This method may give you maximum length in that it straightens your natural curl pattern temporarily. Make sure that when doing a blow out, you deep condition and use a heat protectant.
A good detangler brush is perfect for helping your blow out come out more fabulous.
#4. Put Your Hair in a High Bun
Another way to stretch your hair is by putting it in a high bun when it is slightly damp. Secure the bun in places with a pony tail holder. This will stretch the curls and give your hair a little more length. Try wearing the bun for an hour to an hour and a half and take it down. Make sure the bun is tight enough to pull your hair and loose enough as to avoid creases.
#5 Bantu Knots
Take a section of hair and twist it in one direction. Then take that section and wrap it around and continue to do so until it forms a knot. Tuck the end of the hair under the knot so that it is secured in place. Repeat this process until your whole head is knotted. Bantu knots act in much the same way as banding.
#7. Sets
My Curl Squad rollers featured above.
Rollers, flexi rods, and straw sets are all methods you can use to stretch your kinks. You can air dry or sit under a hooded dryer for straighter results. Obviously this method will only work if your hair is long enough to wrap around the rods. After washing and detangling you simply apply them and let air dry. If you are feeling impatient and want to expedite the process your hooded dryer can be used but this is completely optional.
Shrinkage comes along with the natural hair journey.
It is inevitable and just about every natural diva will experience it at some point during their journey. It’s also part of the versatility and beauty of natural hair—TWA(teeny weeny afro) one day and huge fro the next. Afro textured hair can shrink up to 80% of its actual length and that may be bothersome for individuals who want to wear their hair in styles that require more length.
African threading, i but them in two braids and leave them for a day( or two)
Which thread do you use? I tried this method for the first time few days ago and it really works, I was able to stretch my short hair into a ponytail but the thread sucked all the moisture from my hair and made it dry. Please help. Thank you so much.
Ain’t nothing I can do. My hair shrinks up no matter what method I use. That is why I put my hair in coils and call it a day. Twistout take too much time just to have it turn into a mini fro. Lol
Discovered accidentally that pulling my hair back with big Goody clips will actually “stretch” my hair if left on for about 30 minutes!! I was going for a “schoolgirl look” by pulling my hair back on each side then decided I didn’t like it. When I removed the clips, my hair had loosened up. Hmmm…may try on wash n’ go day.
What DOES work is the banding method, using those pony tail stretch bands. After washing and doing my LCO regime, I band my (short) hair into 7 sections and let it air dry for several hours. Nice effect! But it doesn’t last. Have to twist before I go to bed…
I have been natural for almost 6 years (I went natural because of alopecia issues) but I never wore it in the natural state I still wore it straight. It hasn’t reached my original length and it is very very thin. I am interested in Healthy natural thick hair starting with my edges. My edges stay really dry. First how can I keep all of my hair moisturized even my edges while promoting thickness and growth?
Blessed New Year All embracing our beauty…….. While the rest catch up.
hmave hair shrinkag and when i blowdry my hair alot come out .also when my hair is wet. neeed to fine what prouduct works.my hair is thin at the timple.
My hair very curly but I don’t have a shape to it need a shape to MN y hair.
I’m transitioning, no relaxer for 5 months, please suggest a good detangler & moisturizer.
I tried Conditioner mixed be/water, it’s still dry.
Thank you
Try shea moisture and bella curl. They have a huge line of natural products for coily/curly hair. I have been natural for 14 years and i just found this product 6 months ago. The best product you will fine. You can find this product at dollar General, walmart and at cvs pharmacy just to name a few places. Oh i really like the flaxseed gel from shea moisture. These products are very affordable too! Cheers!
You may not want to hear this, but just CUT IT! A lot of women would rather not have super short hair, including me, but I loved my journey and in two years went from being able to see my scalp to chest length. Having the two textures are hard to manage. And they will respond differently to conditioners.
This only works for so long for me. My hair is extremely coily and the minute any type of moisture hits it, it will coil back up. The only way for my hair to stay straight even if humidity or moisture hits it is to put a relaxer in it. Until they come out with a way to put a natural relaxer without the chemicals then straight hair for this 4D-5B gal’s not going to work.
What can a person do if their is someone putting something in their hair products they use on their hair? Please send a answer.
There’s actually a natural solution to shrinkage, it’s called the Hair Weight, best kept secret. A chemical free alternative to dealing with shrinkage, we just posted it on our instagram @amtuhairtools
My grand daughter is five and her hair is frustrating. The back is curly and shrinks and tangles the drier it gets. It will look like both sides are longer than the hair in the middle. Suggestions?
My hair shrinks up half its size but when my hair is very long it has more hang time. Other than embracing where you are, on days I want some length I put my hair in two knots with a little hair grease and let air dry completely or grab all of my hair at the nap, twist, and instead of going round and round for a knot, I pin my hair to the top of my head and let it air dry for an hour or longer. It will still be damp when I take it down but it allows my hair to dry some while stretched making the curl not as tight.