If you’re blessed with tight curls or coils, you know they can be a little bit sneaky—shrinking up to a fraction of their length as soon as they’re dry! But no worries, curlfriend! With Aunt Jackie’s amazing line of curly and coily products, you can stretch those curls safely while keeping them healthy, hydrated, and bouncy. Let’s dive into some fun tips and products to help you elongate your gorgeous curls without compromising on curl health.
Step 1: Start with a Deep, Hydrating Cleanse
Healthy curls begin with a clean, well-moisturised foundation! Use Aunt Jackie’s Oh So Clean! Moisturising & Softening Shampoo to gently cleanse and remove any product build-up. The secret to longer-looking curls is moisture, and this shampoo is packed with coconut oil and shea butter to start your curls off super soft and pliable—perfect for stretching.
Step 2: Condition for Control
Follow up with Aunt Jackie’s In Control “Anti-Poof” Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner to add that all-important hydration and weight. This conditioner is perfect for taming tight curls and adding just enough control so they won’t bounce back into tight spirals as soon as they dry. Detangle while conditioning for added stretch! Great for hair types with a lot of shrinkage.
Step 3: Use a Leave-In for Extra Moisture and Slip
After rinsing out your conditioner, apply Aunt Jackie’s Quench! Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner to your damp curls. This powerful leave-in adds long-lasting hydration, helping to prevent shrinkage while keeping curls soft and manageable. With its blend of shea butter, olive oil, and marshmallow root, it gives your curls serious slip, making it easier to comb and stretch without breaking strands. Great for a hair type needing some stretch!
Step 4: Layer On the Elongation Magic
Now for the main act! Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard is your go-to for defining curls while also giving them a gentle stretch. This custard provides a medium hold that helps your curls stay elongated as they dry, with no crunchiness in sight! For tighter coils, apply in sections, gently stretching each section while smoothing the product through from root to tip.
If you want an extra bit of hold and stretch, layer with Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel. This gel is a curl-stretching superhero, with flaxseed and wheat protein to keep your curls elongated without weighing them down.
Step 5: Try a Heat-Free Stretching Technique
While your curls are still damp and loaded with Aunt Jackie’s famous products, try one of these techniques to maximise length:
- Braid-Out: Divide your hair into sections and braid each one loosely. Let them dry completely, then gently take them down for defined, elongated waves.
- Banding: Wrap small bands down the length of each section of hair. This method gives you length without heat, resulting in more stretched curls once you remove the bands.
- Twist-Out: For softer, more defined curls, try a twist-out! Section your hair, apply a bit more Curl La La or Don’t Shrink gel, and twist each section. Let them dry, then unravel and fluff for a stretched, voluminous look.
Step 6: Seal with Oil
Finally, lock in all that moisture and elongation with Eden BodyWorks Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Hair Oil. This lightweight oil adds shine and helps prevent shrinkage by keeping your curls from drawing up as they dry. It’s like a little hug for your curls, giving them lasting shine, softness, and stretch.
Step 7: Maintain Your Stretch Overnight
To keep your curls stretched out overnight, try a loose pineapple (gathering all your curls at the top of your head) or a few loose braids. Wrap your hair with a silk or satin scarf, or sleep on a silk pillowcase, to prevent frizz and maintain your stretched look.
Embrace Your Length!
Stretching and elongating tight curls is all about keeping them hydrated, defined, and gently encouraging them to show off their true length. Aunt Jackie’s products are perfect for creating beautifully stretched, bouncy, and healthy curls without sacrificing any of the magic that makes your curls so special. So grab your Curl La La, twist away, and enjoy flaunting your gorgeous, elongated curl—because you and your curls deserve all the love!
