Do you wish to know how to stop natural hair shrinkage? Yes, you can stop hair shrinkage; one of the most effective ways to prevent shrinkage is to use low-manipulation styles.
As a natural hair wearer, I’ve always loved how my curls bounce and spring back when I style them.
Shrinkage is a common issue for my natural hair, which frustrates me. When my hair is wet, it tends to shrink and look much shorter than when it’s dry.
At first, this shrinkage is a bit disheartening, especially when trying to achieve a particular length or style.
I later discover how to stop natural hair shrinkage.
Let me show you how I stopped my natural hair shrinkage by myself.
Know the haircare problems here.
Here we go
Causes Of Natural Hair Shrinkage
The shrinkage factor generally occurs because curly and kinky hair does not grow straight down.
That’s right; these strands make spirals or zigzags to shape the hair.
The fiber is stretched in the case of wet hair or when you pull it.
But when it dries, it returns to its standard shape. Already concerning growth, as the wires grow, they can change direction.
Thus, washing our hair is slightly more open, showing its natural length.
But it becomes more curved after drying as if it had shrunk. And it’s worth saying that the more closed your curls are, the greater your shrinking effect will be.
Hair porosity, or the ability of your hair to absorb and retain moisture, can affect the amount of shrinkage you experience.
If your hair has high porosity, it may absorb more water and therefore experience more shrinkage when wet. On the other hand, if your hair has low porosity, it may be more resistant to absorbing water and experience less shrinkage when wet.
If your hair has low porosity, it may be more prone to shrinkage because the cuticles are more tightly sealed, making it harder for the hair to absorb moisture and stretch out.
On the other hand, if your hair has high porosity, it may be more prone to swelling and less shrinkage because the cuticles are more open and allow the hair to absorb moisture more easily.
How To Prevent Natural Hair Shrinkage
Five tips to reduce the shrinkage factor of curly hair.
Fortunately, it is possible to control the shrinkage factor with some good practices. See what they are below!
1. Invest In Different Hairstyles To Prevent Natural Hair Shrinkage
Choosing hairstyles that work the hair from the root is an excellent way to avoid or disguise shrinkage. For example, you can opt for the twist braid, which is stylish and guarantees you hair as long as you want.
Bantu knots involve dividing your hair into sections and twisting the sections into knots, which can help stretch the curls and reduce shrinkage.
2. Apply Texturing Techniques To Prevent Natural Hair Shrinkage
Texturing techniques are a great way to define curls better, leaving them looser and healthier and avoiding tangles. For example, you can opt for a fit, especially if you are transitioning hair.
3. Use A Curl Activator Or Cream To Prevent Natural Hair Shrinkage
If leaving the curls defined helps to avoid shrinkage, then you can count on the help of a curl activator or styling cream.
In that case, it’s worth testing which one offers the desired effect and inserting it into your routine.
4. Know How To Use The Dryer To Prevent Natural Hair Shrinkage
In warm temperatures, blow-drying close to the neck’s nape helps add volume to the curls, giving the appearance of longer hair.
In addition, for an even better effect, you can use the diffuser.
5. Get The Right Products To Prevent Natural Hair Shrinkage
You must invest in the proper care for the hair fiber to be healthy and free of knots.
Therefore, choosing the right products for your hair is your first action.
In that case, opting for lines for curly hair is a way to guarantee the right ingredients to treat your hair and keep your curls hydrated.
Simple Step By Step To Reduce The Shrinkage Factor
I will give one more common example so that you will be able, like me, to keep more “day after.”
The tip is to use more consistent products when finishing, such as the finishers from the Minha Formula line.
These are Curl Potentializing Cream – with 84% frizz reduction – and the Curl Defining Gel Cream – which leaves the hair 60% more defined.
After using the Potentializing cream, apply the Gel Cream to the ends. Then grab your blow dryer and diffuser and start drying your hair.
Always position it on the side of the hair because if you place it underneath upwards, fitting the ends inside your diffuser, it will be shrunken than usual.
After it’s about 75% dry, you remove the diffuser and start straightening your hair – as much or as little as you like.
Passes the dryer without the nozzle making up and down movements at a fast hand speed. Do this until you find the size you think is ideal for your hair. He will have the curls a little more open.
So depending on your type of curvature, avoid going over the root.
So as not to leave it with a more stretched appearance.
Styling Options For Stretched And Shrunken Natural Hair
Banding
Banding is a well-known technique to reduce the shrinkage factor and finish curly hair.
It consists of using elastic bands trapped in the locks of hair to make them closer to the actual size of the strands through the tension caused by the elastic bands.
And to do so is super simple. Just look.
With hair washed and detangled, apply a combing cream and divide your strands into locks – the more locks, the lower the shrinkage factor.
Secure each lock with an elastic, but without making too many turns. Give it two fingers space and put on another rubber band. Repeat this process for the entire length of your hair.
To ensure the desired effect, sleep with your hair tied up and let go in the morning, with the help of hair oil, to avoid excessive frizz.
Fork comb
The fork comb should become your best friend, especially when avoiding this “shortening” of the hair.
That’s because, in addition to making the hair super voluminous, this accessory stretches them by being used only at the root, reducing the shrinkage factor.
It’s pretty simple: with dry hair, you must pass the fork comb through the strands, pulling them upwards, starting from the root.
Do not comb along the entire length or to the tips. Four fingers from the root is enough to add volume and reduce shrinkage.
Braids and cornrows can also be a fun and stylish way to stretch out your natural hair and show off your curls.
Using products and techniques to enhance and define your curls and experimenting with different styling options, you can confidently and creatively show off your natural hair in all its shrinkage glory.
Does Water Cause Natural Hair Shrinkage
Water can play a role in causing your hair shrinkage, but it is not the sole cause.
When natural hair is wet, the cuticles are more open and allow the hair to stretch.
As the hair dries and the cuticles close, it returns to its natural, coiled state, resulting in shrinkage.
It is a natural process in all hair types, not just natural hair.
Hair that is more curly or coiled tends to have more shrinkage, as the curls are tighter and more prone to shrinking when wet.
Hair with low porosity may also be more prone to shrinkage, as the cuticles are more tightly sealed and may not absorb moisture easily.
Water can contribute to shrinkage in natural hair, but it is not the sole cause. Understanding the other factors that can affect shrinkage.
Hair texture and porosity can help you better manage and style your natural hair to minimize shrinkage or embrace it as a natural and beautiful aspect.
What Causes Shrinkage In 4c hair?
If you have 4c hair, it is common to experience significant shrinkage due to your curl’s tight, coiled nature.
4c hair is known for having a very tight, delicate texture and a high density, making it more prone to shrinkage than other hair types.
It is essential to reduce the shrinkage of frizzy hair
Did you know curly hair can shrink up to 90% depending on hair type and porosity?
Shrinkage decreases hair length and can result in tight curls like “4C” hair knotting together.
Although shrinkage is perfectly natural and indicates healthy hair, you can reduce it to increase its length and make it easier to maintain.
Don’t let them shrink on wash days; shrinkage often happens on wash days. So it would help if you actively fought it to keep your hair “4C” as long as possible.
One of the most excellent methods is to split and twist your hair while washing. Shampoo, condition, rinse, and repeat.
Another popular solution to reduce “4C” type hair shrinkage is coconut milk. Coconut milk is often used as a replacement for hair conditioners because it contains fatty acids and 5 grams of protein per cup.
It also contains molecules small enough to penetrate the hair shaft, delivering all the moisture and nutrients your hair needs.
If you’re already a fan of coconut oil, coconut milk is a similar product and provides everything you need for healthier, more robust, softer, supple, and longer hair.
Other solutions to fight against the shrinkage effect include henna treatment, aloe vera, or even moisturizing creams.
With all its solutions, say goodbye to dull, stringy hair and hello to luscious curls.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned the causes of natural hair shrinkage and how to stop natural hair shrinkage.
Do not forget shrinkage in natural hair is caused by the coiling of the hair when it is wet and can be affected by hair texture and porosity.
Strategies to prevent shrinkage include using low manipulation styles, stretching techniques, and moisturizing and sealing.
Shrinkage is a natural and inevitable part of natural hair. To manage and style it, consider the causes of shrinkage and use prevention techniques.
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