high moisture/low shrinkage? the conundrum!
we were recently asked the question: how can i keep my hair moisturized and combat shrinkage?
what a conundrum! shrinkage is the natural response of highly textured hair to water, and water is our friend when it comes to moisture… so we actually encourage you to embrace it a little bit. most products or product combinations that would seek to elongate our curl pattern actually do so by locking moisture OUT of the hair – since moisture causes shrinkage. and to achieve the LOOK of moisturized hair, they will often coat the hair with light-reflecting plastics (like silicones), which make the hair seem shiny or sheeny, but also keep moisture away, and can build up over time.
an alternative is to style one’s hair in ways that either employ shrinkage to their benefit (2-strand twists are a great example of this) or are relatively impervious to shrinkage (like cornrows or a bun) while still allowing moisture to reach and nourish the hair.
all that having been said, oyin shine&define is a product that provides a light, non-drying hold, and can be mixed with other oyin products (like HH conditioner or WP rich cream) for greater moisture while styling. if you allow your hair to air-dry in a stretched position (like in plaits for a chunky braid-out, or in a few buns) you will experience a stretched length and elongated coil pattern, but only until your hair gets moist again. (like being misted in the shower, for instance.)
again, moisture is GOOD for the hair, and shrinkage is just one of the things that makes highly textured hair so unique and versatile. enjoy! 
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4 Comment to “high moisture/low shrinkage? the conundrum!”
I liked this article. Usually after I deep condition with the HH, I then apply the BURNT SUGAR POMADE, spraying a little greg juice before, if my hair has started to dry. I then do a two strand twist out or braid out and when I take them down, my hair feels like grade A cotton! Throughout the day, I do notice a little shrinkage. But, as long as I re twist/braid before going to bed, shrinkage is no issue!
I really like your products and have been sharing the “good news” with whoever will listen.
What I do is wash then condition with HH. While my hair is still wet I use the whipped pudding and burnt sugar pomade, I detangle and put my hair in big twists until it dries. Once my hair is dry I two-strand twist it. I’ve learned that if I twist my hair when its dry I get little to no shrinkage at all! Oyin product rock! Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I think so many of us do not truly embrace all the things that our hair can do (even shrink) it is so natural and wonderful. To elongate my hair, I always twist it or plait it. There are so many ways to play with it!
Treshea WadeTIP:#1 Thou shalt not covet they natural sitass’ hair. YOUR hair is uniquely yours fall in love and enjoy your texture, curl pattern, color and length. This is your story no one else’s. #2 Thou shalt no spend excess on products. When it comes to ingredients Simple is always better. If you cant read it/pronounce it, you don’t need it on your hair. When i first went natural, i bought a little of everything but now i mostly make my own hair products with simple things: essential oils, shea butter, aloe vera, etc ..your hair will love it and so will your pocket.