GROWTH + RETENTION SERIES PART 3
When it comes to retention, most people focus only on the products they use.
But application matters just as much.
The way you prep, stretch, apply, and maintain your hair can completely change your results—especially if your goal is longer, healthier, more retained hair.
This week, we’re walking through the exact method we’ve been using to help reduce shrinkage, minimize breakage, improve definition, and make wash day easier overall.
And the best part?
This method works beautifully with both formulas.
STEP 1
START ON CLEAN, DETANGLED, ELONGATED HAIR
Before you even wet your hair, detangle your hair first.
This is especially important for thicker textures and tighter curl patterns because once water hits the hair, tangles can tighten and become harder to manage.
Starting on detangled hair helps:
• reduce breakage
• reduce shedding
• make wash day smoother
• help your curls stay more organized
If your hair is especially thick or dense, we recommend washing in sections.
Typically:
• 4 sections for medium density
• 6–8 sections for thicker hair
Working in sections gives you more control and helps make sure every strand is thoroughly cleansed and conditioned.
STEP 2
SHAMPOO + CONDITION IN SECTIONS
Once your hair is sectioned, apply shampoo to each section individually.
Work the shampoo through thoroughly, focusing especially on the scalp and roots.
Then rinse each section completely before moving on.
After cleansing, apply your conditioner section by section.
This is where the technique really begins to change.
Instead of rinsing and then leaving the hair loose, twist each section while the conditioner is still in the hair.
Do not twist too tightly.
Rinse the conditioner out (with the twists still in).
NOTE: You want enough tension (with the twists) to stretch and elongate the hair.
Then allow the hair to dry while still twisted.
This helps:
• reduce shrinkage
• keep the hair elongated
• prepare the curls for styling
• reduce unnecessary manipulation later
STEP 3
APPLY THE FORMULA WHILE THE TWISTS ARE STILL IN
This is one of the biggest changes we’ve made to our routine.
Instead of taking the twists down first and then applying product, we now apply the formula while the twists are still in place.
Why?
Because it allows the product to:
• penetrate more evenly
• reach the roots more effectively
• stretch the hair further
• smooth the cuticle before styling
• reduce frizz before the hair is separated
This is also the BEST time to smooth your roots and edges.
Because the hair is already stretched and organized, the formula glides through beautifully and helps set the foundation for your style.
As the twists sit, the formula has time to deeply condition, soften, hydrate, and support the hair before separation.
So when you finally take the twists down, you’re not unraveling tangled hair.
You’re releasing organized curls.
That means:
• less breakage
• less manipulation
• less stress on the hair
• better retention overall
STEP 4
SEPARATE + SHAPE THE CURLS
After saturating each section, slowly take the twists down.
At this point, you can begin shaping the curls into the look you want.
You can separate curls individually or keep them more grouped depending on the amount of volume and definition you prefer.
If you want:
More definition + shine
Use a little more product.
If you want:
A softer, freer, more natural look
Use less product and allow the hair to flow more naturally.
The beautiful thing about this method is flexibility.
These curls can easily transition into:
• half-up styles
• buns
• ponytails
• puffs
• pinned styles
• refreshed wash-and-gos
And because the curls were formed intentionally, they tend to bounce back beautifully.
FOR EXTREME SHRINKAGE
If your hair tends to shrink immediately after washing, you can leave larger twists in longer before fully separating.
This allows the hair to dry in a more elongated state first.
Then once you separate the curls, you still maintain movement and softness—but with noticeably less shrinkage.
HOW TO REFRESH FRIZZ
If you notice frizz during the week, do not panic.
Simply:
• apply a small amount of formula from root to tip
• smooth the curl downward with your fingers
• allow the curl to rehydrate and reform
This usually brings the curl right back to life.
If there is ever too much product sitting on one curl and you notice whiteness or buildup:
• smooth the curl between your fingers
• distribute the product downward
• or lightly wet your fingertips and rehydrate the curl
Usually that is enough to reconstitute the product beautifully.
NIGHT MAINTENANCE
At night, maintain your hair based on the look you want the next day.
You can:
• retwist sections
• pineapple the hair
• band the hair
• loosely stretch sections overnight
This helps preserve:
• definition
• moisture
• elongation
• overall retention
FINAL THOUGHTS
Retention is not just about growing hair.
It is about keeping the hair you grow.
And often, the difference between constant breakage and noticeable progress comes down to:
• preparation
• manipulation
• moisture
• consistency
• application
The less stress you put on the hair, the more opportunity it has to thrive.
And when your routine becomes easier, your consistency improves too.
That is where the real transformation happens.
