Today, we would be looking at 5 unique ways of stretching out that gorgeous 4c hair. But first, we need to know just why it is essential to keep your hair stretched.
You see, Our 4c super coily and kinky hair strands have the tendency to coil on themselves and cause the dreaded knots and tangles.
Stretching your hair however, would eliminate frizz (knots and tangles) and by extension, prevent breakage.
Asides that, stretching your 4c hair makes it more receptive to products applied for moisture and growth. This would go a long way in keeping your hair healthy and also help to retain length over time.
Five Effective Hair Stretching Methods
To the best of my knowledge, there are 5 unique ways to stretch those gorgeous coils. Each of these ways have their varying effectiveness and stretch percentage.
Let’s examine them
1. Two strand twists
Just in case you didn’t know what the two strand twist was before this very moment, it’s just as the name implies; the twisting of two hair sections.
They are almost similar to braids, only that this time we use two semi bulk hair strands instead of the three seen in braids.
This particular method of hair stretching is sure to be a favourite for them ladies with looser hair textures and curls, however for the super tight and kinky textures like mine, it doesn’t really help much if I am being honest. Yeah it stretches my hair, but only to 50 percent of it’s full potential.
2. Braids
This is familiar territory for most. It is a popular way of hair stretching. This method goes a step further by stretching my super kinky and coily 4c hair to about 70 percent of it’s full potential, plus it is real easy to put my hair in section braids.
It’s something I loved to do as a child, though at the time, I was relaxed.
The only down side to this method is that a damp/ well moisturized hair put in braids might take ages to dry properly. (ok maybe not ages but about a day or two)
3. The threading method
I don’t know if any of y’all have memories of this rubber threading styles, coz I do. I have hilarious memories of it.
I remember when I was about 8 years old and my mum got one of them thread hair styles installed for me. I am not talking about the ordinary one strand threading, I am saying the full works with the twisting and tying of the threaded strands.
You know those ones that they bend and tie together in a bid to look cute? Those ones that a non hairstylist would break a sweat, trying to take out? Yeah those ones.
I remember that night like it was yesterday. I cried all through the night and ensured no one else slept till the next morning. My head was literally on fire and banging.
It was as though the hair stylist pulled my hair strands into oblivion. Tight was honestly a big understatement. I and my Mum had a visit to the said hairstylist, first thing the next morning for a take out.
Don’t get me wrong, asides hair stretching, the threading method is an amazing protective style to help retain length but it should never be too tight when installed.
So illd always advise that you start threading at about an inch above your scalp/roots for comfort and also to reduce tension.
That being said, the threading method stretches the hair to about 80 percent or even more of it’s full potentials.
And the good news is that there are now more beautiful and unconventional threading methods available. You should definitely give this a trial.
4. Blow drying
So here is the thing, I have never really been a fan of heat. Even as a relaxed babe, I always, ALWAYS! air dried my hair. However, when I had absolutely no choice but the heat way, I constantly ensured that I shielded my hair from any form of heat damage by using a good heat protectant prior to drying.
So this method of heat stretching is super effective, it gets your hair stretched to it’s maximum potential. I would however advise that you don’t make it a regular, and if you must, never forget to bless your hair with an effective heat protectant prior.
5. Silk press
This involves the use of heat to straighten out the 4c natural hair, it usually stretches out the strands to their full potential. It is however advisable not to do the silk press too frequently to prevent heat damage to the hair. If you must though, you would do well by applying a heat protectant first to the hair before bringing on the heat.
So those are my 5 natural hair stretching methods, let me know if you have ever tried any of them, and if perhaps you have a favourite.
