Shrinkage on afro hair is caused by the natural coiling and curling of the hair shaft. When the hair is wet, the strands curl up and shrink, making the hair appear shorter than it is. This is a natural and normal phenomenon that affects all types of afro hair but can be especially noticeable in tighter curl patterns.
There are several ways to manage and reduce shrinkage, including using a good moisturizing routine and stretching the hair with certain hairstyles.
WATCH: Styles that you can do on your afro without it shrinking advised by TikTokers who have afro.
@_iiamrj A simple hairstyle for the day💓 #naturalhairstyles#naturalhair#afro#_iiamrj#foryou#SAMA28 ♬ Fela – Caiiro
@luyanda_k.macamo #fyp #fypシ #foryou #foryoupage #hairstyles #afrohairstyle @Mr Price fashion ♬ Ungowamakhosi (Shaka iLembe Title Sequence) – Mbuso Khoza & Philip Miller & Shaka iLembe
@nammy._.k #hair #hairstyle #easyhairstyles #summerhairstyles #hairtutorial #naturalhair #curlyhair #coilyhair #4chair #hairtok #fyp #foryou #fypシ ♬ Everybody – Nicki Minaj
They also advise that one should plait their afro every night because plaiting or twisting afro hair at night is a common and effective way to maintain the health and appearance of the hair. By plaiting the hair, you can help to:
- Reduce tangles and knots.
- Reduce breakage and split ends.
- Retain moisture and prevent the hair from becoming dry.
- Maintain the shape and style of the hair.
@zulubutter Only the natural hair gang know the struggles of plaiting bantu knots before sleeping to help keep your crown stretched for the following morning 😩 #afrohair #likes #viral ♬ original sound – Kamogelo Mphela 🎭
Also see: DIY tips for dyeing your hair multiple times without causing damage
