Have you ever wanted to show off your longevity, Curly hair just to watch them to shrink up to half its length? When you stand under the shower head, you feel like your hair is down to your back, but as soon as you let the curls dry, you look in the mirror and see that they have shrunk to above your shoulders!
Almost everyone with curly hair has experienced something similar to the above scenarios because of this hair shrinkage. But what is hair shrinkage, and what can be done to reduce it, thereby stretching the curls? Read this article to find out!
What is hair shrinkage?
Let’s demonstrate it together. Take a piece of your curly hair and stretch it as far as possible. Then, let go, and watch it come back. i.e. hair shrinkage.
You may notice the most shrinkage when your hair is drying. This is because when our hair is saturated with water, the water weighs it down, thus stretching the hair out.
As it dries and the water dissipates, the hair becomes lighter and able to shrink or bounce back.
There are different hair textures ranging from 1A to 4C. Each of these textures experiences at least some shrinkage as it dries, but as we move further towards the 4C side of the scale, the hair experiences more and more shrinkage.
Is shrinkage a bad thing?
No. Shrinkage in itself is not a bad thing and is actually very normal. In fact, damp hair that curls into tight ringlets can be a sign that your hair is happy and healthy!
However, hair shrinkage can be troublesome if you want to stretch your curls and show their length. That’s why I’ve included some great shrinkage reduction tips in this article.
How can I reduce frizz and stretch my curls?
Here are the 10 tips to reduce frizz and stretch in your curls:
- Style your hair while wet
- Apply the product with a Denman brush
- Use heavier curl creams
- Use sufficient styling products
- Use anti-humidity products
- Permanently deep mode
- Twist-out method
- Bento-connection method
- Get regular haircuts
- Protect your hair while you sleep
After reading this article, you will have a much better understanding of how to reduce frizz and stretch your curls.
Of course, the exact methods you use will depend on the exact texture of your hair. It is important to experiment with different techniques to see which ones suit you best.
1. Style your hair while wet
By applying products when your hair is soaked, you seal more moisture into the hair and thus prevent it from shrinking as much as it would if you were to apply your products to damp or semi-wet hair. Wet hair is the perfect canvas to start with if you want to achieve longer curls with less frizz.
If your hair isn’t dripping with water as you apply your products, it’s probably not wet enough to achieve tight curls.
2. Apply the product with a Danman brush
The Denman brush is a favorite among those with curly hair. Its bristles, all arranged in neat rows, are great for breaking up curls and shaping them.
Before applying your product, section your wet hair. As you apply your leave-in conditioner and styling products, be sure to use a Denman brush to thoroughly comb the product through each section of your hair. It is important that these parts are small so that you can saturate each strand of hair with the product.
Also, by brushing your hair in a downward motion, you will stretch the curls and create more length.
3. Use heavier curl creams
The type of product you use is just as important as the way you apply it. If you want to reduce frizz and stretch your curls, heavier conditioners and curl creams are usually best.
Those that have oils in them, like avocado oil or shea butter, are also great for adding some weight and moisture to your curls.
Also, it is worth remembering that there are products specifically designed for straightening curly hair.
Be sure to review the ingredients and reviews of each product to see if it will work for you.
4. Use enough styling product
One of the keys to stretching your curls is using enough product. As mentioned above, you want to saturate each strand of hair with the product.
So, instead of just throwing some product into your curls, it’s best to section your hair and apply the product to each section using a Denman brush.
Of course, you want to find a leave-in curl cream conditioner that works for your hair. You don’t want your hair to look flat and greasy, so it’s best to start with a little less product, and apply more next time if needed.
5. Use anti-humidity products
Every curly girl knows that humidity can cause her hair to shrink and shrink. Personally, I love it because I have fine curls that detangle easily, so my hair pops with moisture.
However, if you want to stretch your curls and avoid frizz, humidity can be your worst enemy.
Anti-humidity products are usually labeled as such and can come in the form of sprays, creams or gels. You may need to experiment a bit to see which one suits you best.
6. Deep mode regularly
Honestly, everyone should treat their hair regularly with a deep conditioner, but it’s especially important if you have curly hair, and even more important if you want to avoid excess frizz.
By keeping your hair moisturized, you help minimize frizz and maximize curl definition. Dry, brittle curls are very difficult to straighten, so by keeping them moisturized, you’re providing a great starting template for your style. Deep condition your curls weekly for best results!
7. Twist-out method
Styling your hair with the Twist-Out method can be a very effective way to stretch tight curls (Type 4A-4C).
Here is a step-by-step guide to using Twist-Out method:
- Make sure your hair is wet. Use a spray bottle to wet your hair if necessary.
- Divide the hair into three or four sections.
- Start with one of your larger sections. Using a comb, create a smaller section.
- Apply your leave-in conditioner and stayers to the small section and brush them with your Denman brush.
- Divide your small portion in half.
- Turn each half in the opposite direction and then put one half on top of the other.
- Repeat step 6 until you have created a twist to the ends of your hair.
- Continue creating twists throughout your head, moving from section to section.
- When your hair is completely dry, release each section. Apply hair oil to your hands to prevent frizz.
- Separate the twists and use your fingers to help form them into rings or the desired style.
8. Bento-Knut method
The Bantu Knot method is similar to the Twist-Out method, but it usually creates larger curls. It is also an effective way to stretch tight curls (type 4A-4C). Here is a step-by-step guide to using the Bantu Knot method:
- Make sure your hair is wet. Use a spray bottle to wet your hair if necessary.
- Divide the hair into six to twelve sections, depending on the thickness of the hair and the desired style.
- Apply your leave-in conditioner and stayers to the first section and brush them out with your Denman brush.
- Twist the section of hair so it looks like a large tube or coil.
- Once the section is coiled, twist it around itself, starting at the base, to create a bento knot. (This will look like a small hair bun.)
- You can secure your bento knot in place by using a hair pin or a soft/satin hair band. Avoid using rubber bands, as they can cause hair breakage.
- Continue making Bantu Knots all over your head, moving from section to section.
- When your hair is completely dry, release each section. Apply hair oil to your hands to prevent frizz.
- Separate the bento knots and use your fingers to help form them into rings or the desired style.
9. Get regular cuts
you must be thinking”I’m trying to grow my hair! Why would I want to cut it!”
Okay, before you throw your phone, tablet or laptop out the window, hear me out.
If your ends are dry, brittle and split, you’re not doing yourself a favor, and you won’t be able to achieve the style you want.
As we discussed earlier, one of the keys to reducing frizz and stretching in your curls is making sure your hair has plenty of moisture.
Those damaged ends can’t really absorb the moisture you give them. In addition, they only add frizz. If you’re trying to get gorgeous, defined curls, this dead end has to go.
10. Protect your hair while you sleep
Protecting your hair while you sleep is an important part of caring for your curls, especially if you want them to be smooth, defined, without frizz.
If you want to make sure your curls don’t shrink while you sleep, you can put them in a loose, protective style like a bun, braids, or some bento knots. using silk/Satin pillowcase and/or a silk/satin cover reduces friction and prevents moisture loss.
Remember, spraying water on your hair in the morning will make it grow and shrink a bit. So if you want to avoid this, try refreshing your curls with a light cream or spray styler that doesn’t contain a lot of water.
In conclusion
If you want to reduce the shrinkage of your hair and stretch your curls, you are just a few steps away! Most of all, remember that all hair textures are beautiful, so embrace your curls and show them some loving care.
Main things you should know:
- Keep your hair moisturized by doing weekly moisturizing treatments.
- Always start styling with soaked wet hair.
- Use heavier products that contain oils, and apply enough product to completely saturate the hair.
- Style your hair in a Twist-Out or Bantu Knot to lengthen your curls.
- Get regular trims and protect your hair while you sleep to minimize frizz and damage.
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