What is shrinkage in hair?

Shrinkage in hair refers to the natural tendency of curly or coily hair to appear shorter than it actually is due to the tightness of the curl pattern. When curly or highly textured hair is humid or wet, the hair strands tend to coil up, making the hair appear shorter.

Shrinkage is a common concern for individuals with curly or coily hair, as it can make it difficult to accurately measure hair growth progress or achieve certain hairstyles. However, shrinkage is a sign of healthy, hydrated hair, as it indicates that the hair retains moisture and elasticity.

To combat shrinkage and elongate the appearance of curly or coily hair, individuals can use stretching techniques such as twist-outs, braid-outs, banding, or blow-drying with a diffuser. Using products like leave-in conditioners, creams, and gels can also help to define curls and reduce shrinkage.

Overall, embracing shrinkage as a natural characteristic of curly or coily hair and finding ways to work with it can help individuals to better manage and maintain their unique hair texture.