LET'S TALK SHRINKAGE!

Shrinkage is one of the major characteristics of natural coily hair. It is the  ability of coily hair to reduce to about 70% it's original length when it comes in contact with moisture. Some people's hair (like mine) might be 6 inches long but when wet/moist, with no restriction, could shrink to 2 inches. While some people fight this all the time, others have learnt to embrace it. It is important to note that shrinkage is an indication that your curls/coils are in good shape. If your hair springs back without breaking then your natural hair is healthy. On other hand, shrinkage comes with its own issues. Complex knots and tangles could result when several strands coil up and interlock with each other. These can be difficult to undo and may need to be cut off hence impeding hair growth. So although we might not want to fight with our kinky hair forcing it to be what it's not, we might still have to find ways to reduce shrinkage and prevent these complex knots and tangles from occuring. In another post we will look at the various ways to reduce shrinkage and it's effects, so stay tunned, lol!!