Do you like your hair shrinking?
I doubt it.
Shrinkage hides the fullness and length of your hair and prevents you from wearing your high bun, low bun, and pineapple hairstyles just as you want.
For every 4C-haired woman, shrinkage is a normal feature of 4c hair. However, if you're bothered by how often your hair shrinks, there are a few ways to prevent it.
What Causes Natural Hair Shrinkage?
Every hair that is curly or wavy tends to shrink. When you wash or add water to your hair, it often gets smaller. If you don't braid or twist your hair and just let it hang free, your natural coils will coil up as the water in your hair dries.
5 Effective Ways To Prevent Natural Hair Shrinkage
Ready to reduce your shrinkage?
Use a leave-in conditioner
A leave-in conditioner is a great way to keep your hair moisturized and reduce shrinkage. Apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner to your hair, paying particular attention to the ends, where shrinkage is most noticeable
Use a satin or silk scarf/pillowcase
Sleeping on a satin or silk pillowcase can help to reduce hair shrinkage. These fabrics are smoother and less likely to cause friction and tangles, which can lead to shrinkage.
Stretching techniques
Stretching your hair can help to reduce shrinkage. This can be achieved through banding, braiding, or twisting techniques. These methods help to elongate your curls and prevent them from coiling up too tightly.
Protective styles
Wearing protective styles such as braids, twists, or bantu knots can help to reduce shrinkage. These styles keep your hair stretched and prevent it from shrinking too much. However, be sure not to keep these styles in for too long, as they can cause breakage and damage your hair.
Use the right products
Using the right hair products can also help to reduce shrinkage. Look for products designed to stretch and elongate your curls, such as leave-in conditioners, curl creams, and styling gels. Be sure to avoid products that contain heavy oils or butter, as these can weigh your hair down and cause it to shrink.
Is Shrinkage a Sign of Healthy Hair?
Is shrinkage a sign of healthy hair is a question often asked. Yes, it is. The fact that your hair shrinks doesn't imply any sort of damage. It, in fact shows that your hair is healthy and it's in its right form.