5 Ways To Manage Hair Shrinkage

Does your hair have a good 5 to 10 inches difference between its length wet versus dried and straightened? I feel your pain. I actually find it - shrinkage, that is - quite fascinating. Being a natural hair'd girl I also understand that the tighter your curl pattern, the more shrinkage you are bound to have. Those tightly coiled sistas have to work extra hard for anyone to see their length while wearing their hair in its most natural state. So how can one manage this without having to do damaging practices like flat ironing and blowdrying? Try any of these 5 options:

1. Banding

This method is done by putting your hair in several sections and using ponytail holders to wrap the hair and stretch it out while it is wet.

It's important to band the hair from root to tip in order to get the best elongation results.

It is also important to be cognizant of how tightly you are placing the holders, as you don't want to cause any breakage.

2. Air Dry Then Blow Dry

I've found that letting my hair dry 90 percent and then blow drying is much safer and healthier for it.

I get to have the elongated look without the use of excessive heat.

Be sure to use a good heat protectant and to take your time. Some heat from time to time is okay, just don't overdo it!

3. Bantu Knots

Another one of my favorites is letting my hair air dry and then doing a Bantu knot out.

You take several sections and then wind them in one direction until you can twist them over themselves.

Take the wound section and continuously wrap it around and around, forming the knot.

Again be sure not to do it too tight. I like to add a bobby pin to hold it down while I sleep. Then in the morning I carefully unravel and then fluff out.

4. Twists and Braids

These are all very common techniques to stretch the hair, but try doing this pre-shampoo. On wash day I always put my hair in 4-6 twists prior to washing.

This gives you the ability to get the hair clean without letting it shrink up. Once you've completed the shampoo, do the same thing while you condition.

Then, you can rinse and let the hair air dry in those same twists. It not only makes washing your hair easier, but it also helps keep your hair elongated showing more of your true length!

5. Rod/Perm Roller Set

Many people enjoy the look of doing a curl set on their hair when it's wet, but I think you can get an even better and more elongated look if you let your hair air dry 50 percent of the way in twists first and then use the rollers. You will achieve nice soft bouncy curls, and your hair will be full and longer looking.

Beauty and hair maven Naomi Mackenzie is a freelance writer and business consultant. Her passion is to continuously keep up with the ever evolving techniques and topics as it relates to skin and hair, while helping others to embrace their own definition of beauty in a healthy way. Her blog, KissTheChaos (www.KissTheChaos.com) shares both an educated and personal perspective, sought to spark ongoing discussion. Follow her on Instagram at @oOolala_laa and on Facebook here.