Let'S Talk About Shrinkage: How To Stretch Your Curls

what's your preference: stretched curls or super defined curls?! watch to see how you can achieve BOTH from a wash n go!

hope you enjoy, xo

p r o d u c t s m e n t i o n e d :

» afro sheen texture flexing foam

» afro sheen crown defining curl cream

» keracare curlessence moisturizing leave-in conditioner

all products are available for purchase via my amazon page:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/lyssamarie...

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l e t ' s c o l l a b :

email: [email protected]

(business inquiries only)

Hey guys, it's Alisa Marie here welcome back to my channel today we are live from my bathroom, very exciting, so in this video, I'm gon na be showing you how exactly I like to style my hair in order to avoid shrinkage. It'S like probably curly girl problem number one. Everybody experiences it so I wanted to give you guys a little bit of pointers and tips and tricks little things you can do in order to avoid it as much as possible before we get started. Please go ahead and make sure that you're subscribed to my channel. It really helps me out and also you'll be able to be notified every single time. A new video drops, which is awesome. Alright, let's get started, actually wait. I lied before we get started. I wanted to mention that it's really important not to obsess over shrinkage - and I know shrinkage is the entire point of this video but, as my little humble advice to you is to just don't obsess over it, I always like to say health over length. You should be more focused on the health of your curls than the length of your curls. With that being said, every curly girl experiences shrinkage, everybody struggles with it, it's annoying, it happens, and there are certain techniques and different types of products that you can use in order to avoid it. So that's what I'm gon na be sharing with you guys here today. I just wanted to start by saying, first and foremost, let's not obsess over shrinkage. Okay, alright! So now that's out of the way I'm gon na go ahead and wash my hair split into two halves and be back so we can get started all right. So I'm freshly washed - and I just have one side of my hair down so on this side, I'm just gon na go ahead and style how I would normally style my hair for some insane curl definition. So the products that I'm going to be using are the curl essence moisturizing leave-in conditioner by karekare and the afro Sheen texture flexing phone. So, as I normally would, I'm just going ahead and separating my hair out into very small sections, applying the products and then going through with a Denman brush in order to get the most amount of curl definition and because I'm using a Denman brush, I'm using very, Very small sections, all right, so we're all done just gon na leave this for now. So for the second side, we are now going to try and avoid shrinkage as much as possible. So, firstly, for this side we are not going to use any styling tools. I am just gon na go in with my fingers and rake all the products through instead of using a Denman brush. This Denman brush, as you can see, really gets the curls up fine, but because it's so extra defined it really encourages the curl to kind of shrink up and that's what we're trying to avoid. So, I'm not gon na use a Denman brush just gon na use. My fingers, I'm also gon na use different products that I used on this side, so I am gon na be mainly going in with the afro Sheen crown defining curl cream. So when you're looking to avoid shrinkage, you're gon na want to stay away from your gels and instead use a curl cream and then for a little bit of extra holes. I'M just gon na use the mousse the same mousse that we use on this side. But at the very end, so I'm not gon na continue to apply the mousse in each little small section. I'M just gon na use it in one use at the very end and just gon na kind of Pat it on overall, to give us a little bit of holes, but not like extra holes. Yeah. I'M saying I'm also gon na work in larger sections, so I'm only gon na split this half into two sections instead of like I don't know, 4 to 5, like I did in this one. So let's go ahead and get started just gon na part. This in half all right, so both sides have now been styled. You can kind of already tell a little bit of a difference like this side is a lot more defined, and this side is not in terms of the length not really a huge difference right now, but we'll see how it looks when we start to dry. So now I'm going to grab a diffuser now. The way that I diffuse is gon na also be different for both sides. So, first on this side, I'm just gon na go ahead and diffuse as usual. This is the Dyson hairdryer with the diffuser attachment it is. Bujji is expensive, but I absolutely love it and I'm using this on the lowest heat setting. Alright. So I'm finished. If using this side, as you can see, it's not 100 % dry, but it has stopped dripping and that's usually how I do it just diffuse until it stops dripping and then air dry the rest of the way. Now, for this side, I'm gon na diffuse slightly differently. So, instead of bringing the diffuser up like this, I'm gon na use one hand and kind of stretch, my curls out and then put the diffuser on top and aim to dry it that way so stretching your curls. While it's drying is definitely a great method. To avoid shrinkage, because you're literally stretching them out and encouraging to dry while they're stretched, I am still using the same settings on the dryer alright. So this is how we are looking so far right now. Already, this side is a little bit longer than the other side, and I know it's going to continue to shrink a little bit as it continues to dry. You can also notice that there's a little bit less curl definition like curl definition is still there, but it's not this. You see what I mean like there's curl definition, but it's a lot poufier it's bigger and it's appears to be a little bit longer so yeah. I no, I feel like I'm preferring the shrunk side, just because I love me some pearl definition, but y'all know we got ta, wait until it dries before we make a final decision. I'M gon na go ahead and just let my hair continue to air dry and then I'll meet you guys back in the studio, for my final results, all right and I'm back, and there is a massive difference between the two sides of my head. This is wild. It'S got a little close-up. Action here is a close-up of the defined side, and here is a close-up of the non shrink side. You know, honestly, both sides are pretty cute, but I still think that I would have to say my preference lies with my definitions. Y'All see this, they all see this. I feel like that's what it comes down to at the end of the day like if you're all about shrinkage you got ta choose one's, got ta go, you can't have all the curl definition and no shrinkage, like you, you've got ta choose which one and to Me I just I personally prefer my curl definition. As for the non shrink side, it's not bad, like the curl definition is still there, but obviously it's a lot more poofy. It'S out there. It'S you know, definitely not gon na last as long as the defined side, because we didn't put as much hold product in there. It'S bigger, it's got more volume and it definitely dried a lot quicker than the other side. Even though I do prefer this side, I don't think this side looks bad. I mean I actually think it looks really cute. I love the amount of volume that we got, especially like the length like it's cute. Like I look like she got lawyer, you know what I mean. Isn'T it crazy, though, how like styling techniques can make such a huge difference in your hair so like just by doing those simple changes, so not using a Denman brush using my fingers instead and then using the curl cream and then in the way that we diffused Like those three things are what really made this huge difference and the difference is drastic, like I'm gon na walk around looking crazy. This is one of my favorite things about washing. Goes, though, like it really depends on what you use and how you use it. That really determines how your washing bill comes out. So that's basically it for video guys. I really hope you enjoyed it, go ahead and comment below and let me know which side is your favorites and if you have any other techniques that you like to do in order to avoid shrinkage, then go ahead and comment down below as well. If you didn't enjoy this, please don't forget to give your thumbs up and also, if you didn't subscribe in the beginning, please go ahead and do so now. We really have some fun over here, so you won't regret it and, while you're doing that, two more videos to check out while you're here I'll catch you guys in the next one bye

Nobody asked: This quarantaine thing really made me care more bout my hair

Progressive Dolly: Y’all. We got to stay embracing our shrinkage more. That’s a sign that your hair is really healthy. I love it.

Ayanna: I like how you said “don’t stress over shrinkage “

Bakugou’s Wife: Girl I’m out here having a mental breakdown cuz idfk what to do with my hair

Katherine Miller: That was a great demo! I’m type 4, so fighting shrinkage is largely a losing battle, so I embrace it. I prefer definition over volume because I love to show off my curl pattern and styles last longer if I don’t over stretch the them. And I didn’t know Afro Sheen has new products. I’m dating myself but when I was in high school, Afro Sheen and Luster products were pretty much all us naturals had.

Healthoverlength: Both sides are gorgeous! But personally I like the defined side because that’s going to last you all week and the elongation will come naturally.

Melina and Sophia: Never knew i needed to avoid gel and use a curling cream instead. Also need to look into a diffuser. Great tips

MAKE WAY FOREVER: I get so much shrinkage but I love how versatile our hair is

Faith M: I prefer the more defined curls too bc it lasts longer + hair usually gets more voluminous throughout the week anyway.

Chach: This was a great demonstration. I get so overwhelmed with hair videos but this was so simple thanks girl! Also I love both sides

dreamerdazegirl: I stopped caring for shrinkage when I saw how much work it took I'm the epitome of a neglectful lazy natural. Some how my hair is still here lol

Nadege JUSTE: Actually, you can have a bit of both. 1st technique is to use gel even if you want to strech. I do this, and still able to combat shrinkage. using gel also give more definion and make the style last longer even if its streched. 2nd method is to use a streching thechnique on the inside of the hair, and on top where the hair is visible, u use the shrunken technique. So u create the illusion of defined curl on streched hair (but in reality is just the top of your hair being defined)

Dolores: Yeah I love defined curls and I definitely am loving your defined curly side. Personally I save the stretched out look towards the end before my next was or before it goes into a ponytail or top knot type bun.

Smj Cubanlink: Really loved this video i had a shrinkage obsession once. My hair is super long same type as you but the shrinkage is insane i tried everything but nothing would work at one point i said f it if i have to choose to show of my curl defintion or fix my shrinkage i choose to rock my curls

Tina Billingsley: I’m torn! I love both sides! Thank you so much for the video ❤️

Jamera NaQuai: Pfft. I can’t 4C this working for my hair

August Queen: I prefer the more defined side... so what I do is dry my hair under my hooded dryer and stretch it with my blow dryer on medium setting to gain length, maintain curl definition and avoid frizz. It’s takes extra time but my wash n go lasts for 2 weeks

AshleyNCurls: Love your curls! I love juicy defined curls, helps make my wash and go's last longer through the week

NaturallyTD -: Love♥️ both. The longer side looks like day 3/4hair. Either way is bomb. When I'm going for longevity, I want shrinkage. Meaning going longer between wash days.

rose pogue: I love both sides but I would have to go with the stretch side because I feel like if it was a windy day your hair would blow in the wind and it would be just relaxing and beautiful it looks Airy I feel like the curly side or more defined side would just lay there and I like my hair to move

Valencia Taylor: New subscriber here! I have learned so much from your channel. I only wear wash- n-gos. I'll be trying the stretch method. With the hot weather having my hair shrink up off my neck is perfectly fine with me!

Letita Ivory: Alyssa, you looked great with both styles! I like both sides but, I would prefer the defined side to show the defined pattern and for longevity of the style. Over the years my hair has changed and I now have a more defined curl pattern I never saw when I was younger. I'm new to wearing my curls like this or in a twist so, I'm definitely going to try your tips...hopefully I'll end up with a good result. I also didn't know that Afro Sheen had new products!

Novaturient: I'll take my defined curls over perceived length any day! My hair usually stretches itself out after 2 or 3 days anyway so Win Win. Great video!

Aallday: Really cool tutorial ! Thanks for sharing. Helpful to see both sides/techniques and the difference!

Bellmo Simpson: I love the shrunken side! I prefer more curl definition as well. I’m going to try the denman brush again.

Jean Griffin: Since locked down, I have been looking after my hair. My hair has grown and looks healthy.

garnett sapphirewt: Your hair is beautiful! I enjoyed the demonstration of the two types of shrinkage avoidance.

Shawn Allisha: Thank you so much for this. The side by side comparison is everything

Klara: I don't have curly hair but I think this video was really interesting and nice to watch! Love both sides of your hair

Jonelle: I like the the defined side more. I got type four COILS, and I feel as though shrinkage was built into this model :). Like it just wants to shrivel up close to the scalp, irrespective of length! I find that definition is a byproduct of my hair being squeaky clean and adequately hydrated, even prior to applying styling products. But it's a catch-22 because the ore hydrated m hair is, the tighter it coils...

Gamergirl182 AJ: it honestly depends how i feel cause when i'm lazy i do the "no shrinkage" method and when i actually feel like doing my hair i'm all for some shrinkage

Ms. Renee: Can't wait for my hair to grow put that long! Did big chop in November...

Abigail Jackman: Me watching 30 seconds of the video Nobody: Me: She’s so pretty

Itss bri_bri: i loved this video gurl i love how u explained and even split ur hair and did it on ur self to show it really works thank uu!!!

Mss Jamm: This was a GREAT visual comparison!! Thanks for sharing

Fahranaaz.E.: I personally need to get over trying to *fight* the shrikrage. Definitely love the definition more.

Demetria Gibson: I'm loving the definition as well. It looks more manicured, both sides beautiful.

Princess Maya: Personally I think you can get both to a certain extent I really like to use my Denman brush to get more of that curl definition and still use the same diffusing techniques that she used on the minimal shrinkage side. But REALLY great tips on those products! I’m definitely gonna try!

Eileen Morales: Love this! You are stunning!!! Thank you for sharing some hair wisdom.

Sherryberry DC: I love your natural makeup look. I like both sides but I would go with the shorter side. Thank you for sharing your video.

Daisy Flower: Totally agree. I have type 4 hair and sadly I cant have it all. I usually choose more volume and stretch and less defintion. So I love your right side

Catherine Butler: Nice results. The fuller side is my favorite. Besides, I like a mix of definition and some frizz. Peace and Blessings❤

y g: I think shrinkage is what makes our hair magical I love my shrinkage

Adrienne Nelson: Hey giiiiiirl!!! Im all for elongating shrunken hair but honestly I am more for defined curls... So I'll take the shrunken side anyday. I was feeling the shorter side better but dont get me wrong both sides still looked beautiful on you. Stay blessed.

Belle in Bloom: Love this vid shrinkage is definitely real but I don’t mind it

Barbiedoll Abby: The stretched technique was so perfect!!!! Thank you so much!!!

Nicky H: Wow! I need to try that diffuser. I agree with you 100% on the shrinkage issue. With shrinkage your hair is more defined and with stretched hair you lose definition. Gotta chose your battles lol

Honey Is Natural: I couldn’t agreed more. Don’t obsess over shrinkage. I just told my mom this same thing. Let your hair be itself. It’s stays more healthy and retains moister. Ok on with the video about defying shrinkage. Lol. Tfs!!!!

Alisia Sings: Oh wow girl I can most definitely tell the difference. Both sides looks very good though . I like how one side looks fuller and longer and the other side is more defined and curly . Thank you for sharing your helpful tips . I’m new to your channel and hit the bell I have a channel if you want to join mines

LaToya Plans Life: I like them both, but I would definitely rock the stretched look.

Tashay Leniece: I just recently stretched my hair and I still got definition but a lot more volume I def prefer my definition and the lasting look because I only wash my hair once a week but both are def cute

Destiny: I like both sides❤. I prefer the more defined side when im going through like a work week and want it sleek and frizz free and the finger coil side would be worn like if I'm going out with friends and want a fun fluffy look for a girls night out in town❗

Bridget Burkett: So true...it's all about what your in the mood for. Sometimes I want definition and sometimes u want length. BOTH ARE GORGEOUS

Diane S: I do the same with the dyson. Your left side, my right, is what I do. I like my definition as well. Also I can use silk scrunches later to stretch to my desired length, which I don’t leave them on more than 30 minutes and that gives me enough stretch and keep my definition. I love your thick hair. I have thick strands, but medium density. Love, Love Love your hair.

Iris Chambliss: Your hair is gorgeous! I like definition over shrinkage too. I’m newly natural and still experimenting with products. Have you tried the Miele honey pomegranate line? I have seen the Afro sheen pro CTS here, but you got bomb definition with them so I’ll definitely be on the look out. Thanks for your input!

jovialjulia Q: IM CRYNG MY HAIR LOOKS SO CUTE RN ITS SEVERAL INCHES LONGER AND SO CURLY!!!! I didn’t have your products, I used Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La curl custard/cream and it worked so well! I don’t have a diffuser or hair dryer s I let it air dry and it’s still really cute I’m in love right now thank you so much.

miniminott48: I actually love my shrinkage. I have low to medium density hair and shrinkage makes my hair appear thicker.

J. Smith: The defined side was definitely my favorite.

Judi S: Maybe I’m doing something wrong but the denman brush makes my hair extremely tightly curly. It’s so frustrating because it makes it extremely shrunken.

Angel Heart: Both sides look great! I like the side with definition and I wonder if you could still stretch the hair using the banding method

Treni Breland: I'm torn! Both sides are super cute but vote for the stretched side. Thanks for sharing

Lilian Okibe: I can't believe how much difference. Shrinkage is amazing!

Claudia Okyere-Fosu: Hi Alyssa, I prefer curl definition so the shrinkage is real . Great video

Evie: Honestly everyday I cry over my hair because it's too short to wear out and my friends always laugh at me whenever I say I wanna wear it out :(

Pamela Winston: I love both sides but the defining side is simply gorgeous

mya🦋🦋: this SAVED my life. I hate shrinkage and people be telling me I look like lord farquad if that's how u spell it . and my hair be looking short some days and longer other days but my hair long as when straightened and in that blow dryer method where u dry and stretch it. thanks again!

Simone: Love your Videos! Thanks for the education

Tanisha W: I'm not sure if you use this technique everytime, but my technique allows me to have some definition and volume. I section my hair (going from bottom to top) and I stretch it in layers. But I cover the bottom 3rd (ends) of my hair and stretch it with the blow dryer. The curls on the end help my shape. You can see my hair on my IG page ( Tisworthit92 )

Her Hair Fetish 1: Ommggg this was sooo helpful sis...thank you

Alethia Davis: The defined side is bomb I love defining my curls

Black Dove: Lovely! I always stretch my wash and gos using a hairdryer with a nozzle

Niya _private_: Omg , finally someone who has the exact same curl pattern as me

1WomanofFaith: You are gorgeous! Beautiful hair too! Thanks for the tips and products.

LatinDynasti: Yep length or definition. I usually do the finger combing instead. After this video it made pay more attention to the look denman brush gives but my hair ends up super short, bushy with definition

nina: My hair shrinks from bellow bra lenght to above shoulder/neck lenght but honestly I don't care much about shrinkage I just clicked on the video because you're so pretty

Saresa Pleasant: I always prefer definition because my hair gradually stretch over a few days.

fjohnson72: The definition side is my hair on day one, and the longer side is my hair on day two. I have your same curl pattern but you have thicker, heavier hair than mine. You are so pretty!

Jo Ann Wilkins: Beautiful hair, love your video!

bj morgan: I love both sides but I love big hair more. I have embraced my shrinkage. I love that I can have both sides and still look and feel good either way.

Prophetic End Time Ministry: Both sides are absolutely gorgeous, but, I love those deep beautiful defined curls!

Jasmine Nicole Cogdell: You’re so pretty Alyssa both sides turned out great!

Catherine N. Cottingham: I like the ‘elongated’ side. Mostly because the volume looks great and you didn’t lose that much definition .

CeeJay611: My hair does not like all these extra products. I tried and my hair was not having it. I don't really care about shrinkage more than not having frizz and having moisture. My regimen has definitely made my hair healthier but I do think the way she's diffusing is a great tip

christine1962ful: Has anyone with 4C low porosity curls tested the products on the left side? How did it work for you? I'm still trying to figure how to get curls using a mousse only! Any tips welcomed

Kearsten W: Wow you did a really great job thanks for the comparisons

Marquita B.: Your hair is gorgeous ❤ Oan: I love your natural makeup (may I ask what makeup products you use)?

Nakitah: I am a type 3b/3c and I am struggling with the left side of my hair shrinking majorly compared to the right side. my hair is all cut evenly but in the back (it was just trimmed but a lot was cut off), it's like a two-layer thing going on where it's long but the hair covering part of the back cuts off into a straight line so it's looking weird. I have tried everything but I can't fix it. any tips on how to control that? because I tried something like this and it just bounced back afterward. if anyone has my type of hair and this issue feel free to comment and let me know how you fixed it, cause I am stressing over it so badly.

Client Inbox LLc: Braiding my hair stretches it. Not much heavy lifting. Shea Moisture is the only products that shrink the hell out of my hair. I hate coconut oil, so as long as there is no coconut oil my hair stretches by itself each day. Because I braid it at night. Very rarely a pineapple.

davina emmanuel: Thanks so much. This video really helped.

yobee100: Nice demo, very informative!!!

Bryanna G.: Thanks boo! I needed this!!

Christine Richards: Wonderful/Excellent demonstration - I like the long puffy style more First time on your channel

very fair: Omg she's so pretty. I can watch her all day. After seeing this, I am going to wake up and get pretty. Need to go buy more makeup!!!

N Ana C: Your makeup is done so beautifully.

melat kebede: The denman brush is great for detention but it makes my hair shrink even more , that is why I stopped using it . I definitely get way less shrinkage without the brush

Ms. G: Love that you did this video. And I'm loving your personality lol

Ljay Me: Had to watch it all the way through first...you're a great reviewer.

1 23: I don't have curly hair, but i loved this video. It was very educating and gosh you are Stunninggg

Ashley Borde: Sis, this eye makeup & them lashes giving me life rn!

TV A: I want to try this complete method! What happens if I just let it air dry since I don't have that kind of hair dryer? Thanks so much : )

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