How To Stretch Natural Hair After Washing? | 2023

In 2023, many individuals will actively seek ways to stretch their natural hair after washing.

Whether you aim to reduce shrinkage, enhance manageability, or explore various styling possibilities, mastering the art of stretching your natural curls is crucial.

This guide offers effective techniques and tips to help you achieve the coveted stretched look while preserving the health and vibrancy of your natural hair.

To stretch natural hair after washing, follow these steps:

• Start with freshly washed hair. Begin by washing your hair thoroughly using a sulfate-free shampoo. This is essential to remove any buildup of oils and products. Follow it up with a nourishing conditioner to moisturize and soften your hair strands.

• Dry your hair: Gently pat dry using a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt. Avoid using heat or abrasive towels, as they can cause damage and frizz. Don’t let your hair get soaking wet. Make sure it’s just damp.

• Apply a leave-in conditioner. To keep your hair moisturized and easy to manage, apply a generous amount. Your hair will also be detangled as a result.

• Section your hair: Divide your hair into four to eight sections, depending on your hair’s volume and length. This will make the stretching process easier and more efficient.

• Stretch each section: Start with one section at a time. Apply a heat protectant, then gently stretch the section using a blow dryer with a comb attachment set on low heat.

• Secure each section: After stretching, twist or braid each section to keep it stretched and avoid tangles. Repeat this process with each section of your hair.

• Allow your hair to cool and set. Finally, give your hair time to cool down and set. This could take a few hours or overnight. Once your hair is completely dry, carefully unravel each twist or braid.

The Best Products for Stretching Natural Hair:

1. Leave-in Conditioners: These keep your hair hydrated and manageable for stretching techniques.
2. Heat Protectants: If using heat tools, apply a heat protectant to prevent damage.
3. Styling Creams or Gels: These help maintain the stretched style and reduce frizz.
4. Detangling Sprays: Useful for detangling before stretching and maintaining hair health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stretching Natural Hair:

1. Using Excessive Heat: High heat can lead to damage, so be cautious with heat tools.
2. Skipping Heat Protectant: Protect your hair from heat damage by using a heat protectant product.
3. Not Detangling Properly: Ensure your hair is detangled before attempting stretching techniques to prevent breakage.
4. Being Impatient: Rushing through the stretching process can lead to ineffective results and potential damage.
5. Neglecting Moisture: Maintain proper moisture levels to prevent dryness and breakage during stretching.

Is It Okay To Stretch Natural Hair?

It is okay to stretch natural hair! Stretching your hair can bring many benefits. It helps to elongate your curls and reduce shrinkage, making them more manageable and easier to style.

Stretching also helps to show off the true length of your hair and promotes better moisture retention.

Additionally, it can give you a different look or allow for different styling options. So go ahead and embrace your natural hair by stretching it!

DIY Hair Masks for Moisture and Elasticity:

Avocado and Honey Mask:

• Mash one ripe avocado and mix it with two tablespoons of honey. Apply to sodden hair, leave on for 30 minutes, then flush. Avocado nourishes and adds moisture, while honey locks in hydration and promotes elasticity.

Banana and Olive Oil Mask:

• Blend one ripe banana with a tablespoon of olive oil. Apply to hair, leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse.
• Bananas provide moisture, while olive oil adds shine and elasticity.

Greek Yogurt and Aloe Vera Mask:

• Mix half a cup of Greek yogurt with two tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
• Apply to hair, leave for 30 minutes, and then, at that point, flush.
• Greek yogurt hydrates and aloe vera soothes and promotes elasticity.

Top 5 Stretching Techniques for Natural Hair:

1. Braiding or Twisting: Create braids or twists in damp hair and allow them to dry. When unraveled, your hair will have a stretched appearance.
2. Banding: Use hair bands or ties to create ponytails along the length of your hair. The closer together the bands, the more stretched your hair will be.
3. African Threading: Wrap thread around sections of hair to stretch it. This technique can create a sleek, stretched look.
4. Roller Sets: Use hair rollers to set your hair and achieve a stretched, curly, or wavy style.
5. Heatless Blow-Drying: Use a hair dryer on a low heat setting with a diffuser attachment to gently stretch your curls while maintaining moisture.

How to Safely Use Heat to Stretch Natural Hair:

1. Apply Heat Protectant: Always use a heat protectant product on your hair before using heat tools.
2. Use Low Heat Settings: Opt for the lowest effective heat setting to minimize damage.
3. Limit Heat Exposure: Use heat sparingly to avoid over-stretching and weakening your hair.

Protective Styling Options for Stretching Natural Hair:

1. Braids or Twists: Wear your hair in braids or twists as a protective style while stretching.
2. Wigs or Weaves: These allow your natural hair to rest while you enjoy different looks.

3. Buns or Updos: Tucking your ends away protects them and promotes elongation.

How Can I Stretch My Natural Hair Without a Relaxer?

You can use several methods to stretch your natural hair without using relaxers or other chemical treatments.

Braiding or Twisting

After washing your hair, you can braid or twist it while it’s damp. As your hair dries, the braids or twists will help to stretch out your curls and reduce shrinkage.

You can also use this method on dry hair, but make sure to moisturize your hair beforehand.

Banding

This method involves using rubber bands or scrunchies to section off your hair into small ponytails.

The band tension helps stretch out your curls and reduce shrinkage. Just keep the bands tight enough, as this can cause breakage.

Heatless Stretching Techniques

You can use heatless methods to stretch your natural hair, such as bantu knots, flexi rods, perm rods, or curl formers.

These methods use curling tools without heat, helping stretch out your curls and give you different curl patterns.

African Threading

This traditional African method involves wrapping sections of hair with thread to create tension and stretch out the curls. It’s a low-manipulation technique that can promote length retention as well.

Blow Drying on Cool Setting

If you prefer using heat to stretch your hair, choose a cool blow-dry instead of high heat. This method will help to stretch out your curls without causing damage from excessive heat.

Roller Sets

Roller sets like flexi and perm rods use rollers to stretch the hair while it dries. You can choose from foam, magnetic, or steam rollers for different levels of stretch and smoothness.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is a natural ingredient that can be styled to help stretch out your curls. It has moisturizing properties that can help prevent shrinkage and give your hair more length and definition.

Proper Moisturization

Dry, dehydrated hair can shrink and become frizzy, making it difficult to stretch. Properly moisturize your hair with leave-in conditioners, oils, and butter to keep your curls hydrated and more pliable for stretching.

Proper Detangling

Proper detangling reduces breakage and promotes length retention when stretching natural hair.

Start from the ends and work your way up, using a wide-tooth comb or fingers to remove tangles gently.

Protective Styling

Protective styles such as braids, twists, and buns can also help stretch natural hair. These styles keep the hair stretched for an extended period, reducing shrinkage and promoting length retention.

Keeping these styles in for a short time or making them too tight can cause damage and breakage.

Regular Trims

Keeping your ends healthy and free of splits is crucial for length retention when stretching natural hair.

Regular trims every 8–10 weeks will prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing breakage. This will also help maintain an overall healthier appearance for your hair.

How Do You Stretch Freshly Washed Natural Hair?

Stretching freshly washed natural hair involves several steps taken with care to avoid damage.

Towel dry your hair after washing to remove excess water. Apply a leave-in conditioner to add moisture and light oil to seal it in and prevent frizz. Once your hair is moisturized, start sectioning it off using the stretching method of your choice.

One popular method is the banding technique, where you secure sections of your hair with hair bands from root to tip, mimicking an outstretched slinky. This technique allows your hair to dry and stretch out, which reduces shrinkage.

Another method is to twist or braid. After washing and moisturizing, divide your hair into sections and twist or braid each.

Once you thoroughly dry your hair, you can unravel the twists or braids for beautifully stretched curls.

Remember, the key to stretching freshly washed hair is patience. Let your hair dry thoroughly before taking down any bands, twists, or braids. Rushing the process can lead to unwanted shrinkage and breakage.

Once your hair is fully stretched, you can style it as desired. Whether you rock voluminous afros or sleek, stretched-out curls, your freshly washed natural hair will look healthy and beautiful.

And remember to keep up with regular trims every 8–10 weeks for maximum length retention and overall hair health!

How Do You Keep Natural Hair Soft After Washing It?

Keeping natural hair soft after washing is primarily about moisture and protection. Start by using a moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for natural hair.

After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner to provide continual hydration. Seal the moisture with your chosen oil; natural options like jojoba or coconut oil are great.

Regularly deep condition your hair every week or two, which helps to restore moisture and improve hair elasticity, making it softer and easier to manage.

Finally, protect your hair by wearing protective styles and using a satin bonnet or pillowcase at night to minimize friction-induced damage.

Remember, every head of hair is unique, so it may take some time and experimentation to figure out what products and routines work best for you.

How to Stretch Natural Hair After Washing Curly Hair?

Stretching natural hair after washing curly hair can be achieved through several techniques. One popular method is banding, where you section your damp hair, add moisturizer, and wrap a hairband down the length of each section.

As your hair dries, it will take on an elongated shape. Another method is braiding or twisting. After washing and moisturizing, you braid or twist your hair in sections.

Once your hair is dry, you can undo the braids or twists for a stretched, wavy appearance. Heat-free blowouts are also a good way to stretch curly hair without causing damage.

In this method, you would use a microfiber towel or a t-shirt to squeeze out excess water and apply a heat protectant and stretch cream.

Then, using a brush, you would gently detangle and stretch out your curls from the roots. Whichever method you choose, apply a good leave-in conditioner and oil to lock in the moisture and keep your curls healthy.

How to Stretch Natural Hair After Washing Without Heat?

Stretching natural hair without heat is a healthy and damage-free way to maintain curls.

1. Moisturize: After washing your hair, apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner while your hair is still damp. This will help to detangle your hair and prepare it for stretching.

2. Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into several sections. The size of the sections will depend on the length and thickness of your hair.

3. Banding Method: The banding method involves wrapping sections of your hair with elastic bands. Start at the roots and work your way down. Make sure the bands are tight enough to prevent breakage.

4. Braiding or Twisting: Another great technique is braiding or twisting. Simply braid or twist each section of your hair from the roots to the ends.

5. Allow Hair to Dry: Let your hair air dry. This can take several hours or even overnight, so it’s best to do this when you have plenty of time.

6. Remove Bands or Braids: Once your hair is completely dry, carefully remove the bands or undo the braids. If you want to prevent frizz or damage to your hair, be gentle when handling it.

7. Applied: Apply oil to your hands and gently fluff your hair to separate the sections, give your hair a bit more volume, and add shine.

What are Some Other Ways to Stretch Natural Hair?

Surely, there are other methods to stretch natural hair without causing it any damage. Here are a few more efficient techniques:

1. African Threading: This age-old method involves using a thread to wrap your hair from the roots to the ends. It’s a great way to elongate your curls without applying any heat.

2. Flexi Rods: Another popular method is using flexi rods. Simply wrap your hair around these flexible rods and let it air dry. Once your hair is dry, remove the rods to reveal elongated curls.

3. Bantu Knots: This method involves twisting your hair and winding it into a small bun or knot. The knots create a beautiful, stretched, and curly hairstyle when released.

4. Curlformers: Curlformers are a fantastic tool for creating long, loose curls. Just insert your hair into the curler and let it dry. Once dry, remove the Curlformer to reveal stretched and defined curls.

5. Rollers sets: Using rollers to set your hair while it’s still damp can also stretch out your natural curls. Choose the size of the rollers depending on how much stretch you desire.

Remember, regardless of your chosen method, always start by detangling your hair and adding a good leave-in conditioner to ensure optimal results.

Hair stretching methods can vary in the amount of stretch they provide, so experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your hair and fits your style.

Conclusion.

Embracing your natural hair’s texture is an empowering journey, and learning how to stretch it post-wash can help you attain diversified styling options.

After washing, a simple way to stretch your hair is by using the banding method, which involves sectioning the hair and tightly wrapping each section with several elastic bands.

You can also twist or braid your hair while it’s still damp, allow it to air dry, and gently unravel for a stretched look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anuli

Anuli is a Hair Styles Expert & the founder of wiselybraids.com, a website dedicated to providing the latest tips, trends, and Articles for hairstyling with Braids. With years of experience in the industry, Anuli has become a go-to source for hair care advice and inspiration.