There’s nothing quite like the crown of curls, coils, or waves that a child with natural hair wears. It’s a beautiful expression of their unique personality, and taking care of it can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your little one.
But where do you even begin? Navigating the world of natural hair care can feel overwhelming at times.
Here at Kids Hair Play, we want to empower you with some simple do’s and don’ts to keep your child’s natural hair healthy and happy.
Do:
- Embrace the Moisture: Natural hair thrives on hydration. Invest in a gentle, moisturising shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for natural hair types. Deep conditioning treatments once a week are also a great way to add extra moisture and prevent dryness.
- Detangle with TLC: Detangling can be a bonding experience, but it’s important to be gentle. Work on small sections of hair at a time, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush, and consider a detangling spray to help smooth things out.
- Protective Styling is Your Friend: Braids, twists, bantu knots – these styles are not just adorable, they’re also a great way to protect your child’s hair from breakage and tangles. Experiment with different styles to find what works best for your little one’s hair and personality.
- Embrace the Natural Oils: Natural hair produces its own oils, which are essential for keeping it healthy. Avoid harsh shampoos that strip away these oils, and opt for gentle cleansing instead.
- Make Hair Care Fun!: Turn wash days into a spa experience with fun tunes and a comfy bathrobe. Let your child pick out their favourite hair accessories, and experiment with different styles together.
Don’t:
- Over-Wash: Frequent washing can strip away natural oils and leave hair dry and brittle. Aim to wash your child’s hair every 1-2 weeks, depending on their hair type and activity level.
- Heat Styling is a No-No: Straighteners, curling irons, and hot blow dryers can damage delicate natural hair. If heat styling is absolutely necessary, use the lowest heat setting possible and apply a heat protectant spray beforehand.
- Tight Hairstyles Can Cause Damage: Super-tight braids, cornrows, or ponytails can lead to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss. Opt for looser styles and avoid keeping them in for too long.
- Forget the Importance of Sleep: Cotton pillowcases can snag and dry out natural hair. Invest in a satin or silk pillowcase to minimise friction and retain moisture while your child sleeps.
- Stress About Perfection: Natural hair is beautiful in all its textured glory. Embrace the frizz, flyaways, and coils – they’re all part of what makes your child’s hair unique!
Ready to Learn More?
If you have any questions about caring for your child’s natural hair, our friendly stylists at Kids Hair Play are here to help!
We offer a variety of hair care services specifically designed for natural hair types, and we’re always happy to share our knowledge and tips.
Give us a call or book an appointment online today!
Sutton Coldfield / Hagley Road (Quinton) / Wolverhampton