Shrinkage is normal and at MPL, we embrace it. If you’re wondering, shrinkage is the decrease in length from when your hair is wet to when it dries. Not only is it completely normal and a sign of healthy hair but it also shows that your hair is properly moisturized and has good elasticity. Shrinkage is a key characteristic feature of curly hair and without it, our hair would not have its texture and definition. It is positively the main ingredient of the uniqueness of our beautiful curly crowns so we think it’s time to stop trying to run from it but rather embrace and manage it.
1. Braid your hair at night
If you have just gone natural and didn’t understand why all your natural sisters start twisting or braiding their hair in sections before bed, this is why. Plating your hair helps keep your hair from shrinking up or matting as you rest. This can also help keep your blowout longer and your curls elongated.
2. Put your hair up like a Pineapple
If you’ve had a really long day and you aren’t really in the mood to braid your hair, pulling it up into a pineapple can help achieve the same shrinkage prevention or management braiding it provides. Here is a video on how-to do it. Just make sure that once you’re done with either route that you wrap your hair up with a silk or satin scarf.
3. Experiment with bentonite clay.
If you pay attention to hair trends, you’ve probably caught wind of the bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar hair definition combo. This clay is meant to clean up excess product build-up and really define your curls. If you’re keen to try it out, here’s the video.
4. Blowout your roots
This technique works well when you a.) apply a heat protector on your hair and b.) use a good hair dryer on cool to avoid any heat damage to your hair. To mitigate shrinkage, the straighter your roots, the longer your hair will appear and thus managing the shrinkage.
5. Try an anti-frizz serum.
Professional stylists believe in anti-frizz serums so maybe let's give them a bash? Frizz occurs as a result of humidity so get yourself a bottle of an anti-frizz serum and keep it in your bag. It works well because it’s another product that will effectively seal your hair so that humidity isn’t able to get to it - too much.
We hope these tips help you better manage your shrinkage but in the end, accepting your beautiful curls even when they really curl up is far better than continuously fighting them. Natural hair is beautiful in all its forms so embrace it and keep rocking it.
Love MPL!