How to Stretch Shrunken Hair

How to Stretch Shrunken Hair

Women have become creative in ways to “stretch” the shrinkage that comes with having true afro-textured hair.  Shrinkage is a dilemma that naturals face every time water touches our textured hair.  Though shrinkage may be embraced when manipulating the hair into certain styles, often styles requiring length are limited due to the hair drawing up (I’ve seen natural hair with 75% shrinkage).  Below are a few ways to stretch shrunken hair.

Use a blow dryer. Blow dryers can obviously be used to free the hair from its shrinkage, but they must be used with caution.  A low setting and a heat protectant must be coupled with using this tool, because the direct heat has the ability to alter the textures of the hair if not used properly and carefully.

Use rollers under a hooded dryer. This works like a charm for some, giving them length, without compromising the volume of the hair.  The indirect heat is not damaging as flat irons or blow dryers would be.

Use the banding method. Many ladies can be found on youtube using this method to stretch the hair by wrapping rubber bands, scrunchies, and small cloths around the hair to extend its position, stretching the afro in result.

Put plaits in the hair and allow it to air dry. Plaits have been known to stretch the hair more than it would if the hair were left to air dry with two-strand twists or without any styling at all.

“Pineapple” the hair by pulling it up into a high pony at the crown of your head. The “pineappling” method stretches the length of the hair up to the crown, by extending it after it has been in that position over time.  Be sure not to pull the hair up too tightly, or you will cause tension on the strands.

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