- Shrinkage occurs when hair cuticles elongate and expand because of water weight.
- Protective hairstyles like cornrows and twist outs are ways to stretch hair without heat
- Equipment like flexi rods, rollers or wool for banding sections are also popular methods.
The joys of Black womanhood come with all shades of rich melanin, divine cultures and a spectrum of gloriously textured crowns.
The last of which leaves many having to deal with shrinkage and bouncy coiled hair.
Having natural hair always comes with the itch to see just how long your tresses stretch.
Using a blow dryer or electric brush and straightener may seem like the most convenient option but, for those looking to avoid heat and maintain the strength and longevity of the strands, there are easier ways to achieve your true length.
The key to stretching your hair without damaging the strands with heat is to go for a no-fuss protective hairstyle like Bantu knots or cornrows to keep the strands elongated.
READ MORE | Your winter hair guide for braids, cornrows and wigs
Firstly, let’s get into what shrinkage actually is.
Sof ‘n Free explains, “Shrinkage happens after your hair gets damp or wet. This causes your hair’s cuticles to elongate and expand due to the water weight.”
Thokozile Mangwiro, founder of natural haircare brand Nilotiqa, also shares that "Shrinkage in black hair is caused by a contraction of each coil. The hair’s ability to retain moisture, called porosity, influences how much the hair shrinks. Shrinkage is a great sign that hair is healthy and is able to return to a healthy state, even after being stretched out. Damaged hair will not shrink as much and will show a looser curl pattern or not curls at all."
You’ll notice that once your hair dries it can go from long, stretchy and defined strands to more compact tight curls. This can be a frustrating occurrence, especially after spending hours after wash day trying to tie your mane into a durable hair band.
Everything requires a bit of work but, worry not, the experts have your back. Take a look at these convenient methods to lengthen your natural hair without using direct heat.
1. Twist or braid outs
A common way to keep your hair stretched after your wash-day routine is to section it and twist or plait them into individual braids. This can be done at home at your desired thickness or at a professional salon, should you opt for much thinner braids like Lupita Nyong'o.
2. Classic pony tails
A flat iron doesn't have to be the only method to stretch your hair out into a pony tail. After detangling, use a liberal amount of holding gel and a lightly bristled brush to comb your hair into a pony that you can tie with a hair band or wool. Then, add your desired ponytail extension and bask in your effortless glamour.
3. Cornrow braids
Simple cornrows that keep your hair together whether on their own or under a wig are surefire ways to elongate your strands. But here's your chance to kill two birds with one stone, add some coloured hair piece or fibre and turn it into a trendy style.
READ MORE | 5 ways to keep your cornrows fresh
4. Bantu knots
Embrace your youth with the one of the cutest styles you can rock. Whether you're using just using some string to section your natural hair in two to four centimetres parts into Bantu knots or you prefer to add some length and colour with fibre, this style is a simple and easy way to stylishly lengthen your tresses.
5. Banding, flexi rods or rollers
Equipment like flexible rods, plastic rollers or banding with wool are affordable items you can throw in your trolley the next time you go shopping. If you're lacking in the hair skills department, after moisturising place sections of your hair into ponytails in the desired style and use bands or wool along the length of your hair to promote stretching.
Thokozile explains that "there are various tools on the market meant to elongate natural hair. Even though they are fun to use, not all of them produce the best results. From AFRI Threaders to Waterwave curlers, most tools have proven to be difficult to use, snag at the hair and take way too long to insert into hair while damp.
"A tried and tested method is African threading, which is a tight wrapping of sections of hair with wool to stretch out the hair. Once the hair is dry and the wool is taken out, the hair is left stretched and smooth looking, as if it were blown out."
Embrace your natural coils
At the end of the day, gracing the world with the natural way your hair falls shows an unmatched glamour and confidence that no one can replicate. Don't be afraid to wear it with pride!
