Will Straightening Natural Hair Make It Grow Faster or is it just a myth because shrinkage is a thing for natural hair. Well read my article below to find out. Also learn how to help natural hair grow faster.
For many people with natural hair, managing their hair’s shrinkage can be a never-ending task.
As their hair tends to curl up into tight curls, it can be hard to keep it looking neat and fresh without daily maintenance.
While many are used to this process as part of their routine, some are wondering if curling or straightening natural hair can actually make it grow faster.
In this article, I will look into the science behind why shrinkage is part of natural hair, discuss some popular approaches to temporarily reduce shrinkage, and talk about the potential benefits and risks of straightening natural hair.
By the end of this article, you will understand the pros and cons of using straightening techniques on your natural hair, and you can make an informed decision for yourself.
Will Straightening Natural Hair Make It Grow Faster
When it comes to natural hair, the age-old belief of straightening it to make it grow faster has been around for decades. There’s no scientific evidence out there proving that straightening locks will yield explosive hair growth.
But what does occur when you decide to straighten your natural hair instead of leaving it in its natural state is a reduction in shrinkage, thus giving the illusion of length and volume.
Straightening natural hair can result in the appearance of longer and thicker strands, as it lowers the amount of hair shrinkage you’ll experience.
Since shrinkage can reduce the appearance of length and fullness, once natural afro-textured tresses are styled with heat, they’ll extend past the nape of your neck or further. The result is visibly longer and FULLER hair.
Working to keep shrinkage as low as possible is key for those wanting to preserve the integrity and length of natural hair. When it comes to heat styling, it’s important to remember that too much heat can cause damage to your delicate tresses.
If done too frequently, straightening natural hair with heat can cause breakage, which may result in the need for a big chop and a longer journey to achieve natural growth.
Of course, some people are armed with the knowledge to successfully stylize their hair with heat, while others may find it better to steer clear.
The choice comes down to personal preference, however, those wanting to get the most out of their natural hair length should proceed with caution and strive to keep heat styling use to a minimum.
If I Stop Straightening My Natural Hair Will It Grow
The short answer as to whether ditching the straighteners and allowing your natural hair to grow will accelerate its growth rate is: yes!
If you have been straightening your hair for years, or have recently taken the plunge and embraced your natural curls and kinks, then you may be wondering if you’re fighting an uphill battle in the growth stakes.
Fortunately, the answer is no. If you stop straightening your hair, you will no doubt experience a significant change in the natural appearance of your hair as the curls and coils start to take shape, but you will also find that you are unlocking the potential of your hair’s natural growth rate.
When you tell right or use heat to straighten your hair, you are dramatically reducing the amount of possibilities your hair has to grow, as it is being pulled into one straight line.
However, when your hair is allowed to grow in its own unfettered, natural way, there is more natural protection, more possibilities and therefore more potential for regenerative growth.
Also, when you straighten your hair, the root can become damaged and dried out because you are eradicating its natural oils, which act as an important source for providing nutrients for robust and sustained growth.
If you revert to your natural hair, this give the roots the chance to replenish its natural oils and, thus, increase the chances of accelerated growth.
In conclusion, reducing the amount of heat stress you put on your hair, and opting to allow it to be as nature intended, will benefit the growth rate of your natural hair significantly.
The use of fewer products, which can bog down and dull the hair, and embracing your natural shrinkage, will help you achieve the confidence you need to allow your hair to grow freely.
Related: Are Cornrows Good For Natural Hair Growth
Side Effects Of Straightening Natural Hair
Straightening natural hair can sound appealing and could make everyday hair styling less daunting. However, it is important to consider the potential side effects that come with the process of straightening natural hair.
There are several issues to be aware of when straightening natural hair, including drying out the hair and scalp, diminishing the natural curl pattern, breakage, and increased shrinkage.
Heat damage can be very damaging to natural hair because the heat weakens the hair shaft. Over time, the hair becomes extremely dry and brittle and if left untreated, breakage will occur and the end result is an uneven, unhealthy head of hair.
It is also important to note that because natural hair is highly prone to shrinkage, when it is straightened, the hair will eventually return to its natural state, making it appear much shorter.
Those with natural hair should also be mindful to not over process their hair. Overprocessing occurs when a person straightens the same section of hair multiple times, usually caused by needing to fix a mistake.
This can lead to even more breakage and damage to the hair. Additionally, the texture of natural hair can also change when exposed to high temperatures, leading to more tangling, dryness, and more.
In short, while straightening natural hair can provide a good short-term styling solution, it can also have damaging effects on the hair if done improperly.
As a result, it is important to take the proper precautions when using any sort of heat styling to the hair to keep it healthy.
Benefits Of Straightening Natural Hair
Straightening natural hair can yield a variety of benefits, some of which may surprise you! One of the primary advantages of straightening is that it can help to reduce the amount of shrinkage you experience in your hair.
By decreasing the amount of shrinkage, you are free to give your hair a longer appearance. This is especially useful when you are trying to achieve a certain hairstyle that requires a longer length.
On top of this, straightening your natural hair can also enhance its overall quality and condition. Thanks to straightening, natural hair tends to become less tangled and easier to work with.
In addition, it can reduce frizz and provide your locks with a much smoother and silky feel.
Many people straightening their natural hair have reported an increase in growth as well. Straightening can improve the scalp’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, giving you healthier and shinier tresses.
It also stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, encouraging hair growth. The use of heat can also make it much easier to minimise split ends, further assisting in keeping your hair in tip-top condition.
Lastly, straightening natural hair allows you to switch up your look without resorting to the use of damaging chemicals or treatments.
You can give yourself a whole new appearance in the comfort of your own home for a fraction of the cost. That said, always remember to heat-protect your hair before using heat tools to ensure that you minimize any kind of unnecessary damage.
How Many Times Can You Straighten Your Hair Before It Gets Damaged
It’s difficult to answer the question of “how many times can you straighten your hair before it gets damaged” as it varies from individual to individual and depends on your hair type, the techniques and products used, and the extra care provided.
When straightening natural hair, regular trims, deep conditioning and the implementation of the correct protective styling methods are essential in maintaining healthy hair.
Although heat styling can work great for some people, if done too often, it can damage the hair and weaken the follicles leading to breakage, dryness and frizz.
The aim should be to keep the hair healthy and strong, so if you choose to use heat, it’s advisable to only apply heat to your hair no more than once every 6-8 weeks.
Additionally, keep in mind that the more your hair is straightened, the more shrinkage you will experience.
It is also important to be aware of the impact of the styling tools you choose. Flat irons with wider plates are best for straightening natural hair as they can provide a smooth, effortless and even straightening technique.
Make certain to use a heat protectant when experimenting with any type of heat styling. Furthermore, if possible, try to use blow dryers that emit ionic and infrared heat as this helps to maintain the natural oil and moisture balance of the hair.
In conclusion, straightening natural hair is an option that many people decide to use. If done correctly, it can be beneficial in maintaining healthy, manageable hair.
However, understanding the proper methods of protecting your hair while straightening is key in keeping your hair healthy and prevent breakage and premature thinning.
How To Transition From Chemically Straightened Hair To Natural Hair Texture
Making the transition from chemically straightened hair to natural hair texture can be a difficult but rewarding process.
Reducing shrinkage, boosting hair health and promoting hair growth are all possible if you take the time to strengthen and nourish your natural hair. To successfully transition and reduce shrinkage, there’s a few steps to consider.
Firstly, learn to accept and embrace your natural hair. Whilst it may lack in perfect body and ease of styling, having strong and healthy curls will help promote fast and healthy growth.
Secondly and maybe most importantly, you should consider cutting out or reducing any chemical treatments your hair has been exposed to. This includes straightening or dying your hair using chemicals.
Consistent scalp moisturizing, weekly hot oil treatments and taking vitamins to support hair growth are all key in the transitioning process.
Alongside reducing the amount of chemicals you expose your hair to, it’s important to pay attention to your hair’s porosity.
Knowing your porosity level will help you determine the best way to apply product as well as how often you should be conditioning your hair.
Low porosity often requires more frequent conditioning in colder water and a dryer scalp as opposed to high porosity hair which needs more moisturizing and conditioning less often.
As you transition, patience is key. Whilst your natural hair will probably take longer to style, the health of your hair is much more important.
Spend more time nurturing and caring for your locks then worrying about styling. Trust me, when you’ve reached your desired hair length, you’ll thank yourself in the long run.
In conclusion, while there is no scientific evidence that straightening natural hair will make it grow faster, there are some perks that this popular hair styling technique can offer.
For example, the lack of shrinkage can allow the hair to stretch out and appear to look longer, while the look of straight hair can help draw attention to healthier-looking locks.
Ultimately, whether you decide to straighten your natural hair or not, having a regular hair care routine that is tailored to suit your needs will help to promote healthy, strong and longer hair growth.
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To Summarize