Tackling the seemingly unending hair maintenance routine for ourselves is daunting, but our kids are on a whole other level. Throw in that your kid has a different hair texture than your own, and it can get messy. Chasing after them with a product and a comb, determining how often and what to use for cleaning, and of course dealing with frizz. And if your kid is blessed with gorgeous curls, then how to make them pop regularly? Raising a mixed-race kid can have its challenges, but hair doesn't have to be one of them.
Here are our tips for helping those locks thrive.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEXTURE
Let's dive right into it: There are several systems of classification, but the most popular categorization used by hairstylists breaks down into 12 hair types based on curl pattern (classified 1-4) and 4 subcategories based on thickness (classified a-c). These are based on hair texture, density, and diameter. Porosity is also important to consider as defines how much moisture hair cuticles can absorb. Our natural texture may change as we age, as well as certain parts of our hair may have a different pattern, but the system is a great starting reference. For instance, our kiddo started with straight hair but with an adorable curl, which we lovingly called the swoosh, on top (Type 1B), but as he aged the hair transitioned to mediumly tight curls but varied in texture (Type 3B/C).
Luckily, now there are lots of websites and videos that bring clarity to this seemingly unobtainable task so you are not alone with figuring this out.
LESS WASHING AND SHAMPOO
Now that you know and better understand the different hair types of your kiddos, and perhaps yourself, there are two main rules to cleaning - wash less often and use less shampoo the curlier the hair is. It's been proven that no matter the hair type washing every day is unnecessary and damaging to maintaining healthy hair. Of course, if your kid loves to play in the mud or swim every day, then, by all means, please clean their head. However, what products used can still be damaging. Co-washing conditioners do an amazing job of cleaning the scalp without completely stripping the hair of natural oils. A tea tree-based conditioner, like the Trader Joe's brand, is a part of our after-swim bath routine. After that, look for what's a great conditioner based on needed texture, and moisture, and without sulfites, sulfates, and other garbage. This is also the time to grab a wide-tooth comb for detangling. Find your favorite distraction method and smoothly go from root to tip.
GIVING HAIR LOVE EVERY DAY
Styling your child's hair in any way you prefer can be made more enjoyable for everyone involved by establishing a daily routine to reduce stress. It is essential to moisturize your curly child's hair after washing by applying oil to the scalp and using a leave-in conditioner. In the morning, a curling cream should be used after lightly misting the hair with water to ensure hydration from the roots to the tips. Throughout the process, explaining the purpose of each product used to your child, especially when they are younger, can help foster independence and a love for their natural hair. By emphasizing the importance of hair care to minimize frizz, itchiness, and boost confidence, the entire process becomes easier for everyone.
Implementing these hair care tips has significantly improved the health of our children's hair as well as our own. What techniques have you discovered that have worked well or been disastrous for you?
Thank you for being here, friends, and together we can do anything.
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