How to Stop Shrinkage Hair-7 Effective Methods
Do you ever experience your shoulder-length curly hair shrinking into a bob below your ears right after you blow dry your hair? Do your perfectly groomed curls end up looking like a frizzy ball of chaos in the morning? The hair shrinkage that drives 90% of naturally curly girls crazy is actually a natural protective mechanism for keeping hair healthy. Today, we’re diving into the science of hair care to bring you 7 tried-and-true tips to fight shrinkage and enhance the beauty of your curls!
What is Hair Shrinkage?
Hair shrinkage is the phenomenon of hair losing noticeable length when wet or dry and is common in naturally curly, kinky hair, especially in African Americans with 3C to 4C hair. 3C to 4C hair is known for its beautiful curls and spirals, full of unique bounce and dimension, and 4C hair in particular has tight curls and a fluffy texture that shows a natural beauty and strength. While this hair texture is more susceptible to shrinkage, making hair appear shorter than it actually is, this is part of its charm—each curl is full of life and personality. Some celebrities choose to wear human hair wigs to try out this glamorous look. With proper care, such as deep moisturizing, the use of hair products, and protective styling, shrinkage can be reduced while keeping 3C to 4C hair healthy, smooth, and radiant.
How to Stop Shrinkage Hair？
1. Totally Combing Before Shampooing
Before washing your hair, first use a wide-tooth comb to dip in hair oil (coconut oil + rosemary essential oil 2:1), and comb from the ends of the hair upwards while stretching them. This step can reduce breakage and shrinkage caused by knots when washing hair.
2. Ice-cold Hair Mask Therapy
Put the hair mask in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes at a time. Low temperature can help the hair cuticles absorb nutrients quickly. Hair mask containing kiwi seed oil is especially recommended, which has been proven to increase ductility by 18%.
3. Reverse Hair Blowing Skills
Put a diffuser attachment on the hair dryer and adjust it to medium temperature. Grab the hair roots with your fingers and pull them upwards. Stretch them while it’s wet so it dries in that stretched state. Blow the hair at a 45-degree angle from bottom to top. This anti-gravity blowing method can make the curls looser.
4. Pillow Revolution
Change to a silk pillowcase + space cotton pillow, and roll your hair into a loose doughnut when you sleep. The next day, the curls will not only be less frizzy, but the length can be kept 2-3 cm longer. This method also applies to the maintenance of lace front wig.
5. Morning Wake-up Spray
Homemade emergency spray: 30 ml rose water + 5 drops of argan oil + 1 spoon of aloe vera gel. After getting up, spray the surface of the hair, and use a negative ion comb to lightly sweep from top to bottom, and the curls will immediately stretch and revive.
6. Use Length-n-Locks
Wet hair with water spray and apply styling cream in sections. Then brush downwards and use your hands to scrunch the hair. Next, put a length-n-lock on damp hair to prevent shrinkage. Attach the hooks to any of the holes in the mesh for a snug grip. Air dry overnight or blow dry hair and remove it when fully dry.
7. Tie Threads
Section your hair into several parts. Simply just tie a thread around these hair parts and leave them overnight. Then comb it out, and your hair is very, very stretched. If your home does not have any threads, you can braid your hair into braids. It is better to do them in big sections instead of small sections. If you do them smaller, you are going to end up having a braid out instead of stretched hair.
Product Selection Tips
Three musketeers of water lock: hyaluronic acid, trehalose, panthenol
Elastic guardian: silk protein, quinoa peptide, marula oil
Shrinkage accelerator: high-concentration alcohol (the first five ingredients in the ingredient list), sodium lauryl sulfate
Conclusion
Instead of fighting the natural properties of hair, it is better to learn to live in harmony with the curls. Remember: moderate shrinkage is proof of hair vitality. Our goal is not to eliminate but to scientifically manage. Are you ready for more stretched curls?
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