Why Do Hairs Get Shrunk?
The process of water absorption leads to shrinkage because the weight of the absorbed water forces the cuticles of the hair to lengthen and stretch. “Once the water begins to evaporate, shrinkage occurs,” Powell states. If you have natural hair, you will typically notice that as your hair shrinks, instead of when the strands are entirely dry and drawn taut, your kinks, coils, curls, or waves contract or spring back.
“Afro hair in particular can shrink by as much as three quarters or even ninety percent of its stretched-out length,” says celebrity hairstylist, author, and Vernon François Haircare creator Vernon François.
Why Do We Disapprove of Natural Hair Shrinkage So Much?
It makes sense, really, in a society where longer hair is seen as a sign of attractiveness.
“Usually, elongating the pattern of kinks, coils, curls, or waves is about achieving a desired look, and I’d ask yourself why you want to do that,” François explains. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to change up your look, but know that your hair in its most authentic state is beautiful and good enough.”
Why Is Hair Loss a Positive Thing?
Hairstylist and Naturally Drenched creator Jamilla Powell, owner of Maggie Rose Salon, says shrinking is not a cause for worry. “Shrinkage is a sign of healthy hair and means your hair is naturally doing what it’s supposed to do,” she explains. “Your natural curl, which is often a tighter curl, replaces the stretched-out appearance your curls assume when they become wet. Your shrinking will be less if you are dehydrated or damaged in any way.”
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François concurs, saying that it ought to be welcomed as a necessary component of any natural hair journey. “Shrinkage is part of your genetic make-up, part of what makes your own head of hair uniquely yours,” he states. Your surroundings, the last time you cleaned it, the products you use, the hairstyle you’re wearing or have been wearing, and other factors may all have an impact on how much shrinkage your kinks, coils, curls, or waves have on a daily basis. Your personal head of hair is distinctive in part because of how little or much it shrinks.
Do Stretching Techniques Damage Natural Hair?
It varies. As long as the hair is handled with care, reducing shrinkage is neither inherently good nor negative. It’s also important to exercise caution when using procedures that call for a lot of heat or strain, since they may induce permanent elongation and alter the pattern of your curls.
“Be sure that any hairstyling technique that stretches out the strands do not pull too harshly on the hair as this can lead to stress at the roots and can cause breakage,” François advises.
When styling, what should I be concentrating on more than stretching out my hair?
Rather of stretching out your hair, you should concentrate on keeping it moisturized and nourished. According to Powell, the moisture in the air causes natural hair to always shrink. But it’s preferable to concentrate on having strong, healthy hair rather than fretting about what will inevitably happen. She advises adding nourishing gels, creams, and leave-in conditioners to your regimen. “I like Adwoa Beauty Moisturizing Curl Defining Cream for its versatility, and Innersense Organic Beauty’s I Create Hold is a great gel for higher textured hair.” Read more
François also like using chemicals that are hydrating. “Shea butter is an ingredient that keeps the hair well moisturized in the styling process,” François explains. “It’s a key ingredient in Vernon François Styling Cream, and it’s excellent for emphasizing the natural curls and kinks of all hair types.”
Furthermore, according to both stylists, maintaining a healthy nighttime regimen is crucial to preventing friction-induced breaking in curls. “I recommend gently detangling your curls with the pads of your fingertips working from the ends of the hair upwards towards the roots and moisturizing with a product like my overnight repair treatment oils,” François adds. “Following this, it’s important to prepare the hair before bedtime, like loosely braiding it, then covering it with a silk cap to sleep in.”
