We’ve all been there: You spent hours coaxing your curls into a style that shows off your growth, but by the time your hair dries, it’s shrunk to almost 75% of its styled length. If you have natural, textured hair, you’re no stranger to nature’s most frustrating magic trick: shrinkage.
Celebrating your natural hair texture, finding styles you love, and keeping your gorgeous strands healthy starts with understanding and embracing shrinkage. Here’s what you need to know about this totally normal phenomenon and a few tips for navigating shrinkage.
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What is Shrinkage?
Just like a sponge expands as it absorbs water and shrinks as it dries, our hair “grows” and “shrinks” as it retains and loses water. As your hair becomes saturated with water, the weight of the water causes the hair cuticle to expand and elongate. Once your hair dries and the water evaporates, that water-induced length evaporates, too. Plenty of factors—such as humidity, styling methods, and the ingredients in your hair products—can influence the amount of shrinkage you experience.
While shrinkage can be frustrating, especially if you’re growing out your hair or just spent hours styling your locks, this natural occurrence is actually a good thing. Shrinkage indicates that your hair has the elasticity to bounce back to its original, tighter curl pattern after drying and that your hair cuticle can expand and contract with minimal breakage.
So, how can you embrace and navigate shrinkage? Here are a few tips.
Use Products That Celebrate Textured Hair
Health and beauty go hand in hand, which is why the best hair products for textured hair strengthen your strands while cultivating their natural beauty. Since shrinkage is caused by loss of moisture, a hydrating styling routine comprised of products that lock in moisture can help reduce shrinkage and celebrate your texture.
Here are two ways the right products can help you address shrinkage.
The L.O.C./L.C.O. Method: This styling method—which stands for leave in, oil, and cream—can help lock in moisture and reduce shrinkage. Use products with naturally nourishing ingredients, such as honey and essential oils, to strengthen and support your hair.
Caring for Locs: If you have locs, you know firsthand how confusing shrinkage can be. Shrinkage is a natural part of the hair locing process, although it can be frustrating when you’re watching your hair for signs of growth. Fortunately, nourishing loc maintenance products can help you curate a hair routine that keeps your locs healthy, hydrated, and growing.
Choose Styles that Support Your Strands
While embracing shrinkage is one of the best ways to celebrate your natural beauty, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to show off your length from time to time! Luckily, there are plenty of styling techniques that can help you accentuate your strands.
Banding your hair, exploring twist-outs and Bantu knots, and gentle, infrequent heat styling are all ways to gently “stretch” your strands. These styles allow you to achieve the look you want while still supporting your natural beauty.
1. The Banding Method: Stretch Without Stress
Banding is a heatless stretching method that uses elastic bands to elongate your hair.
How to Band:
Start with damp, detangled hair.
Section your hair into 4-6 parts.
Wrap each section with small elastic bands, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart.
Allow hair to air dry or sit under a hooded dryer.
Once dry, carefully remove the bands and finger-comb your hair.
Pro Tip:
Use satin or silk bands to prevent breakage and frizz.
2. Twist-Out Magic: Definition and Length
Twist-outs are a fantastic way to showcase your length while maintaining definition.
Perfect Twist-Out Process:
Cleanse your hair with Cleanse Me shampoo.
Apply Condition Me for deep hydration.
Section damp hair and apply a leave-in conditioner.
Two-strand twist each section, starting from the roots.
Allow to dry completely (overnight or under a hooded dryer).
Unravel twists and separate gently for volume.
Stat Alert:
87% of natural hair enthusiasts report that twist-outs help them retain moisture and reduce breakage.
3. Bantu Knot Tutorial: Versatile and Stunning
Bantu knots are a protective style and a great way to stretch your hair.
Bantu Knot How-To:
Start with moisturized, detangled hair.
Section hair into desired parts (more sections = tighter curls).
Twist each section from root to tip.
Wrap the twist around itself to form a knot.
Secure with a bobby pin if needed.
Leave overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Unravel and separate for gorgeous, stretched curls.
4. Gentle Heat Styling: Occasional Glamour
While we advocate for heatless styling, occasional heat can help showcase your length.
Safe Heat Styling Tips:
Always use a heat protectant.
Keep heat tools on the lowest effective setting.
Limit heat styling to once a month or less.
Deep condition before and after heat styling.
Remember:
Your hair's health is more important than any style. Be gentle and listen to your strands!
Conclusion
Embrace your hair's natural beauty! Shrinkage, the temporary shortening of textured hair as it dries, is actually a sign of healthy, elastic strands. While it may seem frustrating, it's your hair's way of bouncing back to its gorgeous, natural curl pattern.
To manage shrinkage and keep your crown hydrated, try the L.O.C. method using nourishing products with honey and essential oils. Explore gentle styling techniques like banding or twist-outs to show off your length when desired. Remember, your textured hair is a testament to your unique beauty – celebrate it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hair shrinkage?
Hair shrinkage is the decrease in length that occurs when naturally curly or coily hair dries. It's a normal characteristic of textured hair and can cause your hair to appear much shorter than its actual length.
Why does my natural hair shrink so much?
Natural hair shrinks due to its curl pattern and porosity. Tighter curl patterns and high porosity hair tend to experience more shrinkage. It's a sign of healthy, well-moisturized hair with good elasticity.
How can I reduce shrinkage in my natural hair?
To minimize shrinkage:
Use leave-in conditioners and moisturizing products
Try stretch-styling techniques like banding or twist-outs
Avoid heat styling, which can damage your curl pattern
Does shrinkage mean my hair isn't growing?
No, shrinkage doesn't indicate a lack of growth. In fact, it often means your hair is healthy and retaining moisture. Regular length checks on stretched hair can help you track growth.
How can I combat excessive dryness that leads to shrinkage?
To fight dryness:
Use a sulfate-free shampoo
Deep condition regularly
Seal in moisture with natural oils
Protect your hair at night with a satin bonnet or pillowcase
What styling techniques can help with length retention?
Try protective styles like braids, twists, or buns. These styles can help reduce manipulation and breakage, leading to better length retention.
Is it normal for different parts of my hair to shrink differently?
Yes, it's common for different areas of your head to have varying curl patterns and shrinkage levels. This is part of what makes your natural hair unique and beautiful! Apply products to damp hair for better absorption
