Shrinkage is a common issue with natural 4c hair. This occurs as a result of the how tight the natural curls are. Shrinkage can be a nuisance, as your 4c texture can shrink up to 90 percent. With shrinkage like this, it’s difficult to manage and style your hair as you wish. Follow these top 6 tips to instantly put a stop to your 4c shrinkage woes.
USING COCONUT MILK TO COMBAT 4C HAIR SHRINKAGE
Keep your 4c natural hair moisturized to prevent shrinkage. There are specific hair products that will work wonders for your hair. Hair products that contains coconut milk or even coconut milk itself is known to prevent shrinkage on natural hair. The Coconut Anti-breakage Serum is highly recommended and rated on Amazon because of its natural ingredients that keeps your 4c hair soft, hydrated, and well-moisturized.
DETANGLING YOUR 4C HAIR TO STOP SHRINKAGE
Use a detangling shampoo and a detangling brush to remove knots from your hair while washing it. This will make your 4c hair manageable after washing is complete. The SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Moisturizing Detangler is also recommended to reverse natural hair shrinkage.
PROTECTIVE STYLING TO KEEP 4C HAIR SHRINK-FREE
One of the most common reasons for 4c shrinkage is leaving the hair loose, especially after washing it. If you’re trying to stop your natural hair from shrinking, this is definitely not the way to go about it.
Top stylists recommend people with natural hair, especially 4c texture, to keep their hair twisted after washing. It is best to twist it while it’s wet and after detangled, then pull it out only after it is dried.
If your hair dries while it’s like this, it will help your hair stretch, which helps to retain your true hair length. Just simple big two-strand twists or bantu knots will do the trick.
FLEX RODS ON NATRUAL 4C HAIR
Another way to stop shrinkage on 4c hair is to use Flexi Rods. These flexible curlers are soft and comfortable to sleep in. The good thing about these flexible curlers is that you don’t need heat to keep your hair stretched. The rods and the natural heat from your scalp is enough to eliminate natural hair shrinkage.
BlOW DRY TO RETAIN LENGTH ON 4C HAIR
Using heat to stop 4c hair from shrinking is also another option. You can use a hair dryer to distribute the heat to your hair evenly. We recommend using an Ionic Hair Dryer as well as heat protectant. Combining these two will ensure that your hair will remain free from heat damage.
SILK PRESS 4C HAIR TO TEMPORARY STOP SHRINKAGE
Silk pressing your natural hair is yet another solution for eliminating 4c hair shrinkage. Straightening your natural hair with heat is temporary, but at least you’ll get to see your true hair length and be able to trim the ends if needed. Prevent heat damage by applying a good heat protectant before straightening your hair with heat.
If you decide to silk press your natural hair don’t overdo it. Wait at least 4 months in between presses to maintain your healthy hair.