5 Heads 5 Different Textures
As you may know I’m a natural hair stylist and I serve both women and children. So the advice I’m about to give is based on my experience as a natural-haired woman, mother of 5 girls with natural hair, and as a stylist who specializes in natural haircare.
My girls are 11 (12 in one week), 8 (twins), 4, and 3months. All girls. Each of their hair has a slightly different texture but all of their hair is healthy, growing and versatile.
I’ve also been dealing with my own hair since I was about 14. Ive had my cases of trial and error, but overall I’ve maintained my hair pretty well. So, I am SO excited to share these hair gems with you for the little ones, but you could consider this a 2 for 1 because many of these tips are great for adults as well!
10 Natural Hair Tips for Kids
1. Start as early as they have hair!
Its never too early! Even before they have hair you can softly massage their head with natural coconut oil. With my babies they were all born with hair and I only used baby lotion or baby oil gel in their hair till they were about 6months. After that it was a basic coconut grease and a leave-in conditioner spray. Starting them early reduces the chance of them being tender-headed. You want them to get used to getting their hair done and like to have it taken care of.
2. Avoid sulfates in their shampoo
Use a sulfate-free shampoo biweekly or even alternative sometimes with a co-wash. I personally like the “As I Am” product line for kids. Its a natural, smooth and nice smelling product that leaves the hair feeling soft and enhances curls.
3. Have it trimmed at least once a year
Lots of my clients ask me when is a good time to start having their ends clipped and I say usually around 5 years old. You’ll also know as their ends begin to really tangle or split. Once they turn 5 or so, take them to a natural hairstylist and have them trim it professionally. Heat is ok for trimming purposes as long as heat protectant and proper techniques are used.
4. Detangle with a wide tooth comb and a bonus detangling spray if you need it
Use a wide tooth comb when detangling as not to rip their hair or traumatize him/her from getting it combed. Start from the ends and work your way evenly to the roots. Its easiest to start the detangling process while the conditioner is still in and then repeating the comb-through after the rinse. For fuller hair, section it off and do a little at a time.
5. Keep their hair well-moisturized using the famous “LOC” method. (Liquid, Oil, Cream)
Once their hair is washed and detangled, use a liquid moisturizer such as a leave in conditioning spray (or detangling spray) most of those are just leave-in conditioner. Then while still wet , or even dry after the blowdry, use an oil. They make all kinds of scalp and hair-growth oils, and natural oilslike coconut, argon, or olive oil. Last, use a cream or grease moisturizer (depending on the style) like pink oil moisturizer, Motions hair cream, or a coconut grease.
6. Protective styles are best!
I always felt like children’s hair flourishes best in protective styles. Due to the weather changes combined with their lack of attentiveness to proper care habits, its best to keep them in braids or twists or twisted/braided ponytails with barrettes. Letting kids wear their hair out once it grows past 3-4inches is worse for their hair. Style it to put it away safely. (No back to back buns and ponytails because it strains & stresses the wrong areas).
7. Stay away from tiny braids!
Tiny braids last longer but they promote tangles and pull too much. The more hair intertwined within one braid, the stronger the foundation and less stress on each strand. This still achieves a protective style while preserving hair and edges! A good way to gage when parting for a cornrow braid is to make your parts no farther than a pinky finger apart.
8. NO PERMS, NO WEAVE!
No kiddie perms, no keratin treatments, no texturizers, NO CHEMICALS! Also, no weave. No matter how short or thin your child’s hair is, never use weave under the age of at least 8, and that’s occasional or on a case by case basis. Weave puts tremendous stress on kids hair before their roots are mature. It can also suck the moisture out and dry it out more than usual. The best way to allow a child’s hair to come into it’s length and thickness, is to let it be. Until its 3-4 inches long leave it out but keep it combed, clean and moisturized. After 4 inches you can naturally braid or twist it or put it into a few soft, neat ponytails. (Jamaican black castor oil is also great for thickening their hair, filling in bald spots and replacing lost or strained edges)
9. Apple Cider Vinegar and coconut oil for dry scalp/dandruff
Mix a few capfuls of ACV with their first wash, and massage the scalp thoroughly. Use the second wash to kill the odor of the ACV. Instead of traditional conditioner, use a liquified coconut oil (only a few drops to the scalp) rub it through and rinse. Towel-dry and their scalp should be clean and stay cleaner for longer… especially when you use proper moisturizing methods until the next wash.
10. Always, always, always tie their hair up!
This is one of the most important tips! Whether their hair is freshly done or not, always tie it up because the pillow can cause lots of damage. Lots of parents say their kid’s scarf comes off at night and thats why I suggest using a doo-rag for your kids. It works wonders! Its satin still, but its adjustable and easy to maneuver over barrettes or braids and ponytails as well. The tying method tends to stay on better at night.
Follow these tips and I promise you your child’s hair will prosper! Comment below with any further questions you still may have as well as if this was helpful to you or not. I plan to share lots more hair tips for both children and adults!