Natural Omaa

WHAT IS HAIR SHRINKAGE?

Shrinkage is the decrease in length from when your natural hair is wet to when it dries. Depending on the hair type and hair porosity. Not only is it completely normal, it is actually a sign of healthy hair; it shows that your hair is properly moisturized and has good elasticity.

Do you know that without shrinkage, our hair would not have its texture and definition. This is to show you how important shrinkage is. Hence, I think we should be doing our best to unlearn the perception that shrinkage is a negative trait of our hair.

Accepting shrinkage all starts with self-acceptance… accept your own hair type and do not try to set your hair goals based on the hair texture of your favorite blogger, celebrity and/or loved one. Often, their porosity, density, width, or curl pattern may be completely different from yours. Secondly, the aim of your natural hair journey is to get to know your hair, learn what routines work best for you and what products you should avoid. You will facilitate this journey by doing what is necessary to keep your natural crown beautiful. This includes accepting all characteristics of your hair/curls, including shrinkage.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF NATURAL HAIR SHRINKAGE?

√ Your Hair’s Exposure to Water
Our natural hair is made up of proteins called keratin. Furthermore, these proteins are linked together by three types of bonds which are hydrogen, disulfide, and salt and they determine the strength and elasticity of our hair. When your hair comes in contact with water, its hydrogen bonds break, causing it to be more elastic and loosen your curls. This is when you notice your hair’s actual length and it becomes easier to style. Now, as your hair dries, the hydrogen bonds allow your hair to take whatever new shape you styled it into. However, when your hair comes again in contact with water (including humid weather and water-based products), it reverts to its natural state.

√ No Heat Application
As long as you do not apply heat to your natural hair to straighten it, it will shrink.

√ The Shape of Your Natural Hair Shaft
The shape of our natural hair shaft is determined by the curve or straightness of its follicle. This means that if your hair follicle is straight, your hair will grow out straight. On the other hand, if your hair follicle is curved, your hair will automatically curl or coil as it grows, hence, leaving room for shrinkage.

Now, it is important that I remind you that shrinkage is perfectly normal and no matter how long your hair grows, you will experience shrinkage. As you now know, shrinkage is not a bad thing and is in fact, a sign of a healthy mane. So, even when you get frustrated that it does not allow the actual length of your natural hair to show, just learn to embrace it as part of your natural hair journey.

Cheers to healthy hair growth. With natural love💚
© Natural Omaa

Shrinkage is caused by the absorption of water which causes the hair cuticles to expand and elongate due to the weight of the water.

LOW MAINTENANCE HAIRSTYLES
It’s important for you to keep your hairstyles low maintenance. Why you might ask?
Doing low maintenance hairstyles leaves you less prone to breakage and split ends. You have to get used to being very gentle with natural hair. Although natural hair may seem strong it is not.
You need to treat it with care and attention if you want it to remain healthy and grow. Examples of low maintenance hairstyles can be twist outs, small twists or something of that nature.
The idea is that whichever hairstyle you choose you shouldn’t have to put a lot of effort into having to redo it every day and you should not have to do a lot of pulling to get it perfect.
Hope this made sense to you?
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Consistency in doing the wrong things to your hair makes consistency pointless.

YOU'RE THE REAL NATURAL HAIR GURU

There are very few things about hair care that are definitive gospel; only a few techniques will work for everyone across the board. Despite what many people believe, going natural and having a successful natural hair journey does not have to be difficult. It’s what we call a natural hair myth. Our motto is that natural hair care should be simple.

Just because a certain technique or product works for 90% of the people doesn’t mean that it will work for you. You can very well be in the 10% of those who can’t use a particular technique for whatever reason.

Excerpts from my book "CREATING A NATURAL HAIR REGIMEN EXPLAINED" to get a copy, kindly send me a DM.

© Natural Omaa

Happy Sunday from the Power State.
Have you ever ran out of caption?
How did you pull through such days?
Which picture slide is your favorite?

PLEASE!
Quit❌ detangling or combing your hair dry! Always wet your hair or use a leave-in conditioner/moisturizer before combing!

Picture: internet

MYTH

Natural hair is prone to lice😱
Relaxed hair has lice too😏😕

Picture: internet

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR HAIR UNDER A WIG

Wigs are great protective styles for your natural hair. Not only do they help to protect your natural hair, but wigs ensure that you manipulate your hair less and give it time to grow out healthier.

However, because you wear a wig often doesn't mean you shouldn't take good care of your natural hair, even if you are a lazy natural. Lack of proper hair care for your natural hair can cause dryness, tangles, split ends, dandruff, or hair breakage, to mention a few. Below are a few tips to help you care for your hair while you're rocking your wig.

👉 OIL YOUR HAIRLINE: Usually, when you wear your wig on your head, it covers up your hairline. Now, your hairline is where your edges grow out from and these baby hairs are usually fragile. When your wig constantly comes in contact with your hairline, it can create a friction and lead to your edges drying out, thinning, or even breaking off! Simply massage your hairline with your favorite oil before putting on your wigs. This will help minimize friction between your hairline and wigs thereby protecting your edges.

👉 MOISTURIZE AND SEAL YOUR HAIR: By moisturizing and sealing, you can nourish your natural hair and add shine to it. This also keeps your hair soft, and prevents dryness or hair breakage. First of all, spritz each of your cornrows lightly with water from roots to end. Next, take a small amount of your favorite hair moisturizer and apply it on each cornrow from the roots to the ends. After this, apply your hair oil to each cornrow from roots to end. The oil will help lock in the moisture and keep your natural hair hydrated for a long period.

👉 CLEAN/MASSAGE YOUR SCALP: Even under a wig, your hair could get dirty and smelly from sweat and product build-ups. This could cause itchiness, flaking, and even dandruff on your scalp. Massaging your scalp can overcome this drawback, as it promotes a healthy blood flow and encourages your hair to grow.

👉 AVOID DAMP HAIR: Having damp natural hair under a wig is not only extremely uncomfortable, but can also promote the growth of nasty bacteria. The moisture mixed with body heat and extra warmth from the layer of wig can cause the growth of mildew and germs. Avoid at all costs!

👉AVOID TIGHT BRAIDS: Braiding can be seen as an easy way to keep your natural hair out of the way under a wig. However, if you’re doing this on a regular basis, it can actually weaken your natural hair fibres if too tight. This can start to damage your hair, so try not to braid your hair all the time. And when you are braiding, make sure the braids aren’t too tight.

👉WEAR A WIG CAP: Wig caps are a great way of protecting your natural hair. The cap acts as a protective barrier between wig and hair, and they are brilliant at keeping your hair in place under the wig. They are an inexpensive and effective way of protecting your natural hair.

Do you have other tips? Share with us in the comment section👇
Cheers to healthy hair growth
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© Natural Omaa

Picture: internet

KNOW AND LISTEN TO YOUR HAIR

Whether we accept it or not, our hair speaks to us one way or another. If you’re experiencing abnormal shedding or breakage, you know something is either wrong with your diet, your hair regimen or your health.

Either way, your hair (like your skin) will react, and this serves as a sign that should not be not ignored. You should, therefore, learn to listen and develop a sense of familiarity with your hair.

It may be trying to tell you something you are overlooking. Continuous use of detrimental products or a regimen that is not suited to you can lead to breakage. What works for one may not work for you, our textures are so diverse. Learn more about your hair and it will reward you for it.

Cheers to long and healthy hair growth with ease. With natural love 💚
© Natural Omaa

Picture: internet