17 Photos That Explain Shrinkage To People Who Don't Understand Black Hair

For anyone who's ever asked, "How does it grow like that?"

1. So this is shrinkage, guys.

@unconditionedroots / Via instagram.com

2. It's basically when our hair looks short...

@westafricanbaby / Via instagram.com

3. ...but really it's waaay longer.

@rumqueen_again / Via instagram.com

4. It "shrinks" after it absorbs lots of moisture.

@cola_notthesoda / Via instagram.com

Like after a shampoo.

5. But then, when we pull, or "stretch" it, the actual length is restored!

@theycallmemi_ / Via instagram.com

See definition for "stretch" here.

6. VOILÀ!

instagram.com / Via @sed_lewis

7. "How could this be?" you ask.

@iam_naturallychic / Via instagram.com

8. Well, it's a glorious superpower!

@eclectic_vibez / Via instagram.com

9. Our majestic ancestors passed it down to us. 👑

@passionmethis / Via instagram.com

10. And even the tiniest babies possess it.

@thereal_cassi3 / Via instagram.com

Tell us your ways, young queen!

11. Get into this length, why don't ya. 😩

@eclectic_vibez / Via instagram.com

12. And all this lush fullness 🙌.

@eclectic_vibez / Via instagram.com

13. Admire the grandeur and get your life!

@naturalhairdreams / Via instagram.com

14. SO👏 MUCH👏 HAIR👏

@naturallychea / Via instagram.com

15. Honestly, the stretch game is on another level.

@themisfitmantra / Via instagram.com

16. One has never seen a more glorious crown.

@yandimak / Via instagram.com

17. This is not a drill, y'all.

Instagram: @theefatimah

#BlackGirlMagic is NOT a game!

youtube.com / Via giphy.com

WARNING: Please don't get it twisted and think that this intro lesson to shrinkage grants you the right to approach a black woman and fix your hands to pull her curls. Consequences for such an action are beyond our control.