Shinkage when I was natural

[**SaSSy**]

Before my first relaxer this year I was natural for 4 years. I did the BC in late '03 so I know very well about being natural with 3c/4a hair. My biggest problem while natural was my experience with shinkage. Everytime I would use a creme moisturizer it made my hair look moist, but when it dried it was dry and hard to comb again. I used grease instead which I learned was definitely not good for my hair which made it look and feel dry, but if you touched, it was all over your hands. This made my hair not grow very much and it was breaking/sheding all the time!

If I was to go natural again what's the best thing to do to help stop the shinkage and keep it from looking really dry.

 

[Soliel185]

As I understand it - if you're going to be natural you have to EMBRACE the shrinkage


I think the only ways I've seen to combat it is using a stretched style to dry hair ( braids, twists, or banding). To help with dryness, now that I'm transitioning, I'm going to experiement with creamy leave ins, or leaving in a light con and sealing with natural oils. I think my natural hair will be able to handle heavier oils than my relaxed hair, so I will probably use Vatika Oil, and experiment with castor oil.

You could also try using Aloe and glycerine for moisture, and sealing that - I find they help my NG, but glycerine is a humectant and might cause MORE shrinkage depending on your hair type.

 

[JustKiya]

Before my first relaxer this year I was natural for 4 years. I did the BC in late '03 so I know very well about being natural with 3c/4a hair. My biggest problem while natural was my experience with shinkage. Everytime I would use a creme moisturizer it made my hair look moist, but when it dried it was dry and hard to comb again. I used grease instead which I learned was definitely not good for my hair which made it look and feel dry, but if you touched, it was all over your hands. This made my hair not grow very much and it was breaking/sheding all the time!

If I was to go natural again what's the best thing to do to help stop the shinkage and keep it from looking really dry.

The shrinkage won't stop, can't stop, refuses to be stopped.

I really think that's the main blessing/issue with being natural - shrinkage. If you have curly hair - no matter how tight the curls - you have to deal with shrinkage. You can 'stretch' your hair, but as soon as it gets damp, it's going to shrink right back on up.

I've found the more internally moisturized I & my hair is, the less dry it looks. Henna has given me some amazing bling, too.

 

[AvaSpeaks]

Before my first relaxer this year I was natural for 4 years. I did the BC in late '03 so I know very well about being natural with 3c/4a hair. My biggest problem while natural was my experience with shinkage. Everytime I would use a creme moisturizer it made my hair look moist, but when it dried it was dry and hard to comb again. I used grease instead which I learned was definitely not good for my hair which made it look and feel dry, but if you touched, it was all over your hands. This made my hair not grow very much and it was breaking/sheding all the time!

If I was to go natural again what's the best thing to do to help stop the shinkage and keep it from looking really dry.

Unless your natural hair is straight or wavy, then there will be shrinkage.

It's the nature of the hair texture. Especially for coily or tightly curled hair.

 

[gmw]

Shrinkage is the beauty of natural hair. It is best to accept that even though the hair can be stretched to wherever, it presents itself much shorter and will do so until you get some length.. and that takes time...

Henna is great for bling... simply marvelous. I have also found that a little bilt of olive oil rubbed through my hair when it was dry, on a sunny day, and my hair was really shiny.

I have shoulder length hair that shrinks to a twa.

One other thing, and I know this is going to go against what a lot of people think, but try all kinds of products, for all kinds of hair types. Also daily washing is good for all hair, including natural hair. It does require a different program for your hair, but it will be very beneficial in the long run. Co-washing and honey rinses (honey is your friend) seem to keep my hair moist looking..

Make sure you use products that promote moisture without buildup... ie no cones...