We curly hair owners go through things that people with straight hair can never understand. However, we also have beautiful curls to show off… when shrinkage allows us to do so.
Although shrinkage may seem like something impossible to avoid, there are some ways to reduce it. Keep reading so you find out about all my tricks!
Know Thy Shrinkage
The first thing we all need to know about hair shrinkage is that it’s a natural process. Your hair slowly shrinks after you wet it because it wants to go back to its usual shape. Therefore, it’s a sign that it’s healthy.
Everyone with curly hair experiences some shrinkage; however, it solely depends on the type of curls you have. For example, for people with 4B and 4C hair, shrinkage takes a huge toll after they come out of their wash.
I was annoyed by shrinkage until I realized that it’s a sign of healthy hair. It means our hair doesn’t suffer from breakage and isn’t damaged by heat or other products. Now, each time my hair shrinks, I feel happy!
Aloe Vera is a Great Choice
Even though shrinkage is equal to healthy hair, I can’t stop feeling annoyed sometimes because it makes me look different. Besides, when your hair shrinks a lot, you might not be able to tell if it’s growing or not.
Likewise, if your hair shrinks like mine, you might be prone to getting knots. That, in turn, can cause breakage. Therefore, to avoid it, one thing you could do is using Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera has lots of hydrating properties for hair. If you get products with that ingredient, your hair can be protected from unwanted shrinkage. You could also make your mixture just by getting the right ingredients. In no time, you can see great changes and have curls that shrink less.
Say No to Frizz
Frizz is one of the top enemies to avoid shrinkage. Thus, getting the right products and having the best routine can save your life.
When you deal with frizz, your curls look softer, longer, shinier, and more beautiful. Besides, they also become smoother.
To say no to frizz, you need to get good products, but also be gentle when you towel dry your hair after a good wash. Likewise, blow-drying is a no-no as well as applying heat. Doing that can also make everything frizzier. Just by following good tips, you can improve!
Keep Coconut Oil at Hand
Coconut oil has incredible properties, and it’s especially good for curly hair. Since it has minuscule particles, these can penetrate even thick curls. As a consequence, all its natural benefits like fats and proteins can enter your hair.
When you use Coconut oil or milk, you probably feel like your curls are softer afterward. It happens for a reason. The molecules enter your scalp and hydrate your curls, so your curls can be filled with amazing nutrients.
However, when you use coconut oil or milk, you should be careful. It can go rancid quite quickly. Therefore, a pro tip is to only pick out the one you want to use, and always check out how to use it. For example, you can use canned milk and rinse it fast after you put it on your hair (never leave it longer than an hour!).
Roll it Out
By now, you probably know your hair starts shrinking only after you wet it. Therefore, one of the best things you can do to avoid it is to catch it before it starts!
If you use different types of rollers with wet hair, you don’t give it any time to shrink. Besides, it can give you lots of power because you have the possibility of styling your curls differently.
Depending on the types of rollers you use, you can either get different curls or even straighten them. Thus, this alternative is great if you want to widen your hairstyling choices.
Braids Are Your Best Friends
When it comes to avoiding shrinkage, braids have a similar effect to rollers. In sum, stretching your hair helps to keep shrinkage at bay. That means that wearing braids is like hair yoga.
The type of braid doesn’t matter, you can choose them however you prefer or ask a professional. For example, some choose to divide their hair into sections while it’s damp and tie bands from the roots.
Do Monthly Pampering
You don’t need to spend lots of money to have beautiful, healthy hair. However, pampering with the pros isn’t bad. It’s one of the best things you can do to avoid shrinkage.
I know going to the hairstylist can be difficult for some. I went through the same some time ago.
Years ago, I decided to go to the salon because I wanted to look different. Besides getting some treatments, I wanted to dye my hair and do various things. Sadly, everything went wrong. My stylist didn’t have much experience dealing with curly hair and ended up damaging mine.
In the end, it took months for me to repair the damage. After getting some hydrating treatments and trimming it from time to time, I got my beautiful curls back. Therefore, I know the fear that some might feel.
Nonetheless, I always recommend going to the professionals. All you have to do is make sure they are experienced and know what they’re doing. In my case, I went for a cheaper option instead of asking about their background.
When I found a good stylist, I felt a complete difference. Now, I pamper myself each month by going there and enjoying everything they have for my curls. You can feel that way, too!
Ready to Keep Your Shrinkage at Bay?
Now you know all the tips I have to manage shrinkage. However, I still need to remind you, once again, that it’s a completely natural process.
Once you manage to avoid excess shrinkage through different methods, you feel empowered. Try out everything I recommended, and find your strategies to look amazing!
