How to Prevent SHRINKAGE in Natural Hair by Lydia Forson

Posted by Mary Edoro

Natural haired women often try to avoid shrinkage like the plague.  If you’re wearing your hair natural there is almost no way to avoid.  And many have just learned to embrace it. Fighting shrinkage can really damage your hair especially if too much heat is involved or too much tension is placed on the hair and scalp.

But here are some ways to at least minimize shrinkage or stretch your hair.

Lydia’s post was inspired by Kate Henshaw’s Instagram post where she showcased her natural hair.

1: Banding

Source: 2dimplzs.wordpress.com

Banding is the process of using ponytail holders to gently stretch out wet natural hair. The hair is divided into sections then the holders are wound tightly down the section from root to tip so that the hair stays stretched as it dries. If you are going to try this method, be sure to use ouch-less elastics made without the metal piece that can snag your strands.

2: African Threading

Source: www.hairextensionsandbeauty.com

Although the same warning from above applies, I tend to prefer this method because not only does it stretch out your hair, it can also be used as a protective style if done well. In Africa most children especially wear their natural hair in African thread throughout the school year.

3: Blow Out

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A blow out is simply blow drying your hair. The heat from the blow dry stretches the hair usually until you wash it again. I know some ladies are anti-heat. But you don’t have to be afraid of heat if done in moderation. Sadly though too many people get carried away and end up damaging their hair in the process.

4: Twist and Braids

Source: www.mynaturalsistas.com

This has got to be one of my favorite methods since it is unlikely to leave my hair damaged and also easy a quick to do. Shampooing natural hair in braids or twist is the kinky girl’s best defense against shrinkage. Braids create a little more stretch or tension than twist given a little extra length. You can either twist your hair in the shower so when it dries it’s lengthier or you can do a twist or a braid before you go to bed each night. When you take it out in the morning your hair will not only be easier to manage, but will have length. These methods may not stretch out the hair has much as the others, but are gentler on your hair.

4: Sets

Source: blackwomensnaturalhairstyles.com

Recently, Curlformers have been the go to heatless natural hair stretcher. But sets in general stretch natural hair whether its a straw set, roller set, flexirod set etc. This also another method I love because of how less damaging it is to the hair and how it can also be a great style to rock.

5: Bantu Knots

Source: matexwrite.com

Bantu knots are done by taking a section of hair and wind it in one direction. Take the wound section and continuously wrap it around and around, forming the knot. Tuck the very ends of the hair underneath the knot to secure it.

Now remember, shrinkage is just something that comes with having natural hair so instead of fighting it all the time, you should embrace it; and once you do you’ll appreciate just how versatile your hair can be.