How to Beat Hair Shrinkage, According to A Curl Guru

Hair shrinkage is an inevitable part of the curly hair journey, but it’s not always bad. An expert explains how to spot, manage, and reduce shrinkage.

By Leann Garofolo & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division
Update Date: 31 Aug 2026

Whether you recently transitioned to natural hair or have been proudly rocking your texture for years, chances are you’ve heard the term hair shrinkage before. Regardless if you have wavy dark brown hair or dirty blonde coils, almost every curly head of hair deals with shrinkage during its hair journey.

Wondering how to overcome hair shrinkage? You’re in luck. We chatted with curl expert Ashley Lee, Mizani brand ambassador and stylist, who explained everything you’ve ever wanted to know about shrinkage. Here’s how to identify shrinkage and what you can do to add some extra length to your curls if that’s your ultimate goal. We’ve also rounded up some styles and tricks to help elongate your mane, so scroll on for all the scoop.

What causes hair to shrink?

First things first, how do we define hair shrinkage?

Shrinkage describes how wavy, curly, or coily hair appears shorter dry than it does wet (or stretched). Have you ever noticed that your cotton shirt looks twice as big after pulling it out of the washer than it does when hanging in your closet? Or what about that dry sponge shriveled up next to your sink? Hair goes through similar expansion and contraction stages.

As strands absorb and swell up with water, they get weighed down, stretching out your curl pattern and putting your true length on full display. Then, as water evaporates from your strands, whether from the blow-drying or air-drying process, the hair shrinks and reverts to its tight natural shape, thus hiding your hair’s actual span.

Do all curl types experience shrinkage?

Lee says all curl types experience some degree of shrinkage. Still, those with higher curl types (think type four hair, also known as types five through eight on the Mizani hair chart) usually undergo a more significant decrease in curl length—some may even see their locks recoil up to 50 percent of their original length.

“Higher curl types are most likely to experience more dramatic shrinkage, as their curl patterns are tighter and more compact than someone with an open wave,” she says.

Certain curls and coils are also more porous than their straighter counterparts and can absorb more water from the jump, contributing to more drastic length fluctuations.

Hair shrinkage may be a nuisance if you dream of princess-length locks, but it’s worth noting that it’s a perfectly healthy and natural property of wavy to coily hair types. In fact, if your hair doesn’t spring up a bit when it dries, it may be a sign of hair damage from habits like heat styling, color transformations, or hard water usage. We recommend visiting a salon so a professional can help evaluate your hair’s health and provide a customized cut and care regimen to get your strands back on track.

How do you know if you have hair shrinkage?

Shrinkage is easy to notice. If your hair hangs over your shoulders when you step out of the shower but springs up to the nape of your neck after your washing and styling routine, you likely have shrinkage.

How do you stop hair shrinkage?

If you’re reading this, you may start to wonder, “Does hair shrinkage go away?”

Unfortunately, there are no miracle products that will completely prevent shrinkage from occurring. In Lee’s professional opinion, the best way to combat shrinkage is 80 percent styling and hair stretching techniques (we’ll get to those) and 20 percent product choice. That being said, some products on the market can help minimize shrinkage.

Maximum-Hold Gels

“Utilizing products like high hold like gels can help alleviate some shrinkage when defining your natural curls,” Lee explains.

Curl-Elongating Creams

Elongating creams and lotions are specifically made with waves, curls, and coils in mind. These formulas often contain nourishing oils and rich butters that help moisturize your locks and pair well with hair-stretching techniques.

Moisturizing Systems

Since shrinkage occurs when water leaves the strands, using products that help your locks retain moisture can prevent your curl pattern from shrinking, especially if your hair is particularly prone to dryness. After all, hydrated curls are naturally more plump and elongated.

What are some of the best hair stretching methods?

Detangling

Regardless of your hair type, knots and tangles are a surefire way to make your mane appear shorter than it truly is since it causes sections of hair to clump and bunch together.

The good news is that you can easily detangle your hair in the shower using conditioner and a wide-toothed comb. Conditioner provides some extra slip that can help loosen up snags and allow your comb to glide smoothly through—just be sure to detangle from the bottom up to reduce the chances of hair breakage and fallout. You also get the added benefit of better distributing your conditioner so that your curls are evenly hydrated.

Blow-Dry

If you want to give your wash-and-go a little extra length, Lee recommends using your hands and a blow dryer to stretch your hair longer. All you have to do is gently tug on the ends of your curls as you blow dry your hair to set the longer length.

Braid-Outs

Interested in achieving more significant length? Lee recommends a braid-out. A braid-out is when you braid or cornrow your damp hair and allow it to dry in its elongated state. When you undo the braids, your hair will appear longer and have the texture created by the braids, which can look crimped or gently waved, depending on the braided style.

The Pineapple

If braid-outs and twist-outs are a bit more work than you’re ready to do, you’re in luck because you can actually sleep your way to longer-looking hair. Before heading to bed, Lee suggests retwisting your dry hair to stretch your curls and add definition without wetting your strands. After your hair is twisted, gather it all near the top of your head and secure it in a loose pineapple to get the ultimate stretch.

Bantu Knots

Isn’t it ironic how high buns can give straight locks some volume and loosen up natural curls? Bantu knots are stacked spiral knots that can help create longer-looking heatless curls.

Now that you’re equipped with the tools and techniques to stretch your curls as long as your heart desires, you’ll greatly decrease your chances of running into unwanted shrinkage in the future. Happy styling!