How To Stop Hair Shrinkage

Natural 4C hair and shrinkage are two peas in a pod. People now opt for relaxers or chemicals to fight shrinkage and keep their hair stretched, and who can blame them? No one! Not us either!

That's because the struggle of managing natural hair is real. It’s frustrating once the curls shrink and tangle, combing your hair afterward can be a nightmare.

Sure, we know shrinkage is proof that your hair is healthy, but that doesn't make it any less annoying or pleasant for anyone. So, how do we tackle this issue? Or is it even possible to stop hair shrinkage? Honestly, not completely.

But there's hope. With the right products and methods, you can manage it. It takes a little TLC, but trust me, it works.

Note: These methods are safe and won't damage your strands in any way.

When you're ready, see the ways to stop hair shrinkage below.

1. Deep Conditioning

The first method you should incorporate into your routine is deep conditioning. Deep conditioning works like magic when it comes to countering hair shrinkage. And that's because it can help replenish moisture in your hair.

Here's the deal: your natural oils may not find their way to your hair shaft, and that can cause your hair to become dry. So, going in with a remedy changes it. The conditioning will add moisture and give it more weight, which is what you need to fight against shrinkage.

Do this every day and see the positive changes that will occur. Just be back to thank us for this (winks).

2. Blow Your Roots

We know what you're thinking: blow dryers are bad and can cause damage to your strands. That's true, so we don't recommend using a blow dryer too regularly. But hear us out–blowing your roots on minimal heat is a great way to stretch your hair. It can help reduce shrinkage and make it more manageable.

However, whenever you want to use a heat tool, it's a must to apply a heat protectant to your strands, whether a spray or a cream heat protectant. Though cream ones are best for those with thick hair and like its name, it will keep your strands safe.

You'll also want to use a blow dryer with a diffuser to evenly distribute the heat, especially since you'll focus more on your roots.

3. Section Hair Whenever You Wash

Practicing good habits when washing your hair can make it less frustrating once it dries. They'll make it easier for you to style your hair and the shrinkage won't be as much as you imagined.

One of the good habits you must implement is sectioning your hair before or while you wash it. This can make it easier and shrink less. Remember that the fastest way your hair shrinks is when water touches it. By putting it in sections, you're giving it no room to curl once you start to wash.

So, after sectioning, go ahead and wash each part and twist them back after you're done. Do this one at a time, and your hair will retain more length.

4. Braids Work

You might be familiar with this method, but if not, it's time to use it to the fullest. It's one of the best, safest, and most protective ways to prevent your hair from shrinking.

Braids protect your hair, helping it to retain moisture and grow. But they can also help to stretch your tresses and make you not feel overwhelmed by the shrinkage.

All you have to do is braid your hair immediately after washing. You don't even need to blow dry it if you're using this method. Just let it dry, then section it and braid some cornrows. You can also braid when your hair is damp—ensure it dries thoroughly afterward.

Other braiding styles like bantu knots and twists, can also be effective.

5. Do You Detangle

Clumps, knots, and bumps are the enemies of your hair. Regardless of hair type, if you don't detangle it, knots will start to form, since your hair curls up by itself.

All this is to emphasize that detangling your hair is not to be joked with. What it does is smoothen and soften your strands, removing every lump that's not to be there.

We recommend using your conditioner whenever you want to detangle. Suppose you have a good detangler mixture that's quite alright too. But make sure it contains oil or milk, as they are very effective in stretching and elongating the hair.

Here's how you apply and detangle:

• Pour your conditioner or detangler mixture on your hair, moving from the root to the ends.
• Make sure it's saturated well, then use a brush to detangle gently. You'll be combing from the tip until you reach your roots. This way, you can tackle every knot without experiencing much breakage.

6. Roller Set Your Tresses

This is a style of its own but roller setting your hair also helps to fight shrinkage. The best time to use this method is after washing your hair, and while it's still a bit damp.

You simply roll your hair on the tools you decide to use, then sit under a hooded dryer. You can also choose to skip sitting under a dryer. Just let it air dry, then unravel it. The results will be truly amazing—your hair is stretched, and you have a beautiful style.

The roller set method is one of the oldest ways to style natural hair. So, some people might consider it vintage and old-fashioned, but the results don't lie.

7. Using Silicone Hair Products

Will you be shocked if we say your shrinkage might be caused by the products you use? Well, some products make curls tighter, others have the opposite effect—and that's the case with silicone.

Silicone is a non-toxic chemical that can help protect the hair from humidity, which causes it to shrink. It's one of those ingredients that seals in the moisture you need and keeps your hair from becoming frizzy. And the weight it adds to your hair contributes greatly to alleviating shrinkage.

So, go for products that contain this ingredient and watch it help you counter shrinkage.

8. The Pineapple Style

This method does the trick at night. It's the perfect way to keep your strands stretched, knowing it won't be the opposite in the morning.

Simply, put it in a pineapple and wake up to a style that's not out of place. But there's a catch to it, you must be careful not to cause tension to your hair. Make sure it's not tight to the extent that it leads to breakage. Remember, the goal is to stretch your hair, not damage it.

To make it safer, we advise you to twist your hair in sections before pulling it into a high ponytail or braid it instead. However, if you must leave it unbraided, be careful when you style this.

This style will prevent tangling and make it easy to maintain. Stylists also believe it gives your hair volume. So, there's no way you're losing with the pineapple style.

9. If It's Damp, Best Time to Style

Styling your hair while it's dry can make you rethink your decision about keeping natural hair. To avoid thoughts roaming your mind about your choice, style it while it's damp.

Let's give you a few directions: go in with your leave-in conditioner on your wet hair. Then, twist, braid, or achieve whatever style you want. Let it get dry and you'll see it'll be different. While your hair may not reach your waist, the shrinkage will be less.

10. Banding

Here's a method rooted in Africa and it works in fighting shrinkage! It involves using hair bands to stretch your hair, similar to traditional threading.

While it'll have been nice to use threads, they may be hard to come by in regular stores. So, grab some hair ties and get started.

• First, you want to dampen your hair if it's dry, then section to as many parts as you like.
• Use a hair band to hold your hair at the root, then continue to tie it with your hair bands.
• Stop once you reach the tip and move to the next section.

You can go ahead and have a good night's rest. And by morning, you'll see it's perfectly stretched once you remove the bands.

11. High Hold Gels

It's possible that gels are not your best friend right now, maybe because of your past experiences with them. However, they are a product that can stretch your hair and make the most of your length.

Strong hold gels can weigh down the hair, which not only keeps your style in place but also reduces shrinkage. So, utilize this product when styling your hair, but get a quality one to avoid flakes on your scalp.

Hair shrinkage doesn't have to be annoying anymore. With the tips and methods in this post, you can stretch your hair and enjoy wearing a style you love.

Have other questions on hair shrinkage? Drop them in the comment section. We'll do our best to provide answers.