We love our natural hair. It exhibits versatility and uniqueness. Yet, shrinkage sometimes can frustrate even the most dedicated natural. So, you must have natural hair stretching as the secret weapon to battle the hair’s contraction.
A natural hair journey almost dictates hair length as its progress measurement. Improvements in manageability, shine, and elasticity don’t always get the attention observable longer hair does. You also can track length easier than most other hair characteristics.
Although you undertook your hair journey for yourself, most naturals want their results at least noticed by others. So, isn’t it about time you started showing off more of your length through natural hair stretching? Keep reading to learn how to stretch natural hair after washing.
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Natural Hair Stretching: Why should you do it?
Natural hair stretching actually benefits your hair in a number of ways. These benefits will vary based on the stretching method used. However, no matter the technique, it can add value to your hair journey.
Stretching natural hair helps to reduce mechanical damage due to friction. This makes sense, as straighter hair more easily moves past other strands. Also, stretching can reduce tangles and knots.
Some methods can provide hair strands with protection when using a covering to stretch the hair, as with African threading. The cover protects the hair from sunlight, dirt, debris, etc. This added protection can aid hair in gaining strength and health.
The act of stretching makes the hair more manageable. It allows for easier manipulation, especially when moving to a secondary style. Stretching serves as the foundation of many wonderful natural hair updos.
Moreover, natural hair stretching can elongate the hair for a visually longer look without the damaging use of heat. This may help you attain a certain style or look you believed was out of your reach previously. Additionally, you get to showcase more of your hair’s length.
Natural Hair Stretching: The Banding Method
What is banding? It involves gently stretching the hair and placing bands or ponytail holders along the length of the hair to maintain the stretch until the hair sets.
This method has quick installation, easy removal, and an inexpensive price tag. You can use it to wonderfully lengthen braid-outs, twist-outs, and wash-and-gos.
So, what are the drawbacks to this particular natural hair stretching method? Banding may not give hair the greatest elongation with compared to some other natural hair stretching methods discussed in this post.
Natural Hair Stretching: African Threading Method
African Threading involves stretching a section of hair while wrapping the thread around the section’s hair strands until the length of the hair is fully covered with the thread.
This method is very inexpensive. The thread provides a layer of protection to hair strands. Moreover, African threaded hair can be worn as a protective style. It also gives an excellent stretch to the hair.
For drawbacks, the installation and takedown of the thread can be a time-consuming process. Learning the technique can be a little challenging at first. Furthermore, the thread may get tangled within the hair, depending on the type and size of thread used.
Natural Hair Stretching: Roller Sets/Curlformers Method
As implied by the name, this method consists of wrapping hair around rollers or pulling hair through curlformers to obtain the stretch. The hair sets as it dries. Roller sets and curlformers give defined curls you can wear as a cute style or transform into a nice updo.
Roller sets have a relatively easy installation that does not require much time. Conversely, installing and removing curlformers efficiently and easily may require a few attempts to master. Additionally, I have found that curlformers can snag natural hair without careful installation and removal.
Finally, curlformers and roller sets usually cost more than the other accessories discussed in this post. As such, you will spend more money initially should you decided to use this natural hair stretching method.
Natural Hair Stretching: Bobby Pinning Method
With the bobby pinning method, you obtain the stretch by pinning the ends of two-strand twists or plaits to the opposite side of the head. Again, the stretch sets as the hair dries.
This method hits all the major advantages . . . quickness, ease, and low cost. It serves as a great alternative to banding for braid-outs and twist-outs.
Bobby pinning for stretch gives comparable results to banding. So, you will not obtain the level of elongation achieved with some of the other methods included in this discussion.
Natural Hair Stretching: Things to Avoid
Natural hair stretching with all its benefits can have adverse effects on hair health if certain practices are not avoided.
If you are going to routinely stretch, stay away from heat. The overuse of heat can damage hair strands, leading to loss of curl pattern. The stretching methods presented in this post should be performed on damp, moisture sealed hair. Allow the hair to fully dry before the removal of bands, rollers, curlformers, threads, or bobby pins.
Furthermore, naturals should stretch only with proper, well-maintained accessories. Bands should be free of metal and in good condition to prevent friction on hair. Moreover, the thread should be of sufficient weight to keep from tangling with hair or slicing through strands.
Keep in mind when learning how to stretch natural hair after washing that rollers and curlformers must be free of cracks and visible wear to prevent snagging. Additionally, bobby pins should have their original coatings and bulbs in place to protect against hair/scalp damage.
Finally, avoid too much tension on the hair and scalp during your natural hair stretching activities. Stretching too tightly can lead to hair thinning and/or loss. The hair stretching process should not be uncomfortable. If you notice pain or tightness, adjust the amount of tension on the hair before allowing the stretch to set.
It’s A Wrap
Elongating your styles with natural hair stretching can be your secret to visibly longer hair. Furthermore, you can get the added benefits of increased manageability, reduced friction damage, and increased hair protection depending on the method you use.
In short, natural hair stretching can be a quick and cost-effective way the get the longer hair results you desire. Additionally, learning how to stretch natural hair after washing is easy.
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