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Taking care of curly hair is something I learnt after becoming a mom. Well, hair care in general! My hair care routine used to be – just dab a little coconut oil and apply regular shampoo. I did not know there were elaborate hair care procedures especially when it comes to taking care of your child’s curly hair.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while taking care of your child’s curly hair.
I will admit it – Curly hair maintenance is slightly hard and there are still many tantrums and cries while I brush or style my child’s hair. It is a learning process for me but what I want to instil in her is not only how to take care of them correctly but also to be happy and confident about her beautiful locks.
1.Curly Girl Method (CG) – Originally developed by curl Expert Lorraine Massey. Since curly hair is often drier, the method states to use products with no silicone, sulphate, mineral oil drying alcohols, waxes etc. (To know more about the CG method read Curly Girl: The Handbook by Lorraine) The original method says to use a conditioner with no sulphates and silicones for washing curly hair, a method commonly known as ‘co-washing’. This method was not suitable for my daughter’s curly hair since it led to dandruff. I finally adopted the method what Asha Barrak says in her blog post and group – Use a clarifying shampoo with no sulfate and silicones etc.
2. Shampoo – The shampoo that we currently use is the Shea Moisture Mango and Carrot Kids Extra Nourishing Shampoo which comes highly recommended in the Indian Curl Pride group. It does not dry my daughter’s hair and has a good smell to it. There is a conditioner in the same line of products which is again highly recommended but we haven’t used it to give a personal review.
I have also used the Shea Moisture Fragrance-Free and Gluten-Free Baby wash and Shampoo which worked great for her hair (It is actually not Curly Girl/ CG friendly since it does contain Sodium cocoyl sarcosinate which is considered as a harsh cleaner (Source: Curl bot) I had bought the Sebamed Baby products for my daughter – way before I knew about the CG Method – The SebaMed Children’s Shampoo dries out curly hair very badly.
3. Conditioner – After washing your kid’s hair, it is important to condition either during the bath or immediately after bathing as a leave-in conditioner. Moisturizing is the key to taking care of curly hair. I have used both methods and I find conditioning during the bath is easier with kids. They will not allow for elaborate steps in hair care. The conditioners we have used is the Original Sprout Deep Conditioner and Leave-In Conditioner For Babies ( I think both are not CG friendly but it worked great for us ) Of late we have been using Taliah Waajid for Children Tangles Out Today Leave-in Conditioner Detangler – This is great on non-wash days to just spray and detangle. It is a great product but my daughter absolutely hates it.
4. Brush – Combing curly hair with the regular comb is an absolute NO-NO. Use a wide-tooth brush if you have to comb (especially before going to school etc) or use fingers. DO this when hair is wet. The Denman Classic Brush is often recommended in all curly hair groups. We use the Wet Brush Original Detangler since that is what is easily available here in Doha and economical. Brushing either with the Wet Brush or Fingers is an ongoing battle in my house.
5. Microfiber Towel – Regular towels should not be used for curly hair. Rather microfiber towels are recommended. Why? They have a high capacity to absorb water, yet at the same time, they reduce frizz and helps to retain the curl definition. We got ours from a local store in India, but linking one from Amazon for you to get an idea.
6. Satin/Silk Pillowcase – They are recommended for curly hair since they help retain the moisture in hair and reduces friction, frizz and tangles. They help in keeping hairstyle intact and not disrupt the curl definition.
7. Avoid negative comments about hair – As a parent, it is our duty to enhance our child’s confidence and self-esteem. Absolutely avoid any negative comments related to hair. When any negative comment is passed by others towards your child, either remind them politely to stop discussing your child or take your child away from the situation and explain to her/him that – A person’s opinion is just that – their opinion and that your child’s self-worth should not be tied to or valued by another person’s opinion. Something I wrote a couple of years ago regarding curly hair & comments.
8. Other tips and tricks – Using products for your child’s curly hair will be a trial and error method since we do not know if a product is suitable for our child until we use it (even if they have good reviews online) Children especially preschoolers and below will hate elaborate hair care steps, hence opt for simple steps that can be done quickly. Take your child to hairdressers who know how to handle curly hair. (I find this so difficult in Doha)
If there is one point that you take from this post, let it be this – Moisturizing is the key step to maintaining curly hair.
Two Facebook groups I found helpful: Indian Curl Pride & Kerala Curly Sundaries (KCS) (Malayalam)
Do you or your child have curly hair? How do you take care of curly hair?
(This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla, and generously SPONSORED BY Bugshield Clothing – Don’t be Bugged!)
I know maintaining curly hair is hard. They look very pretty but we need to take extra care. Luckily my daughter’s hair are straight.
I wouldn’t say it as ‘unlucky’ that someone’s hair is curly- it is just that curly -same as how some hair are straight or wavy or short or long or no hair at all.
Very informative post. Dint know that kids hair needed so much care. And thanks for the product suggestion.
I didn’t know there were so many products available for curly hair care too!! I have seen some people look so amazing with curly hair…so one needs to understand what kind of styling shall go well 🙂
Wow..those were some amazing tips to deal with curly hair. I know it can be a huge problem and painful for the kids. Thanks for sharing such detailed tips.
These are some helpful tips and products for curly hair, will share with my cousin who’s little one has curly hair.
Taking care of curly hair is such a big task but you have simplified it. Loved all the product recommendations.
Maintaining curly hair is a task and I am pretty sure your pointers can be of great help . Thanks a lot for sharing.
Wow! this is first time I am reading any post related to Kid’s curly hairs care and that too on very very optimistic and positive note. Me and my daughter both have curly hairs, you have shared so many helpful tips of hair care. I am definitely going to pick some.
Thanks for sharing this. My kid too has curly hair and I was wondering what best could I do to maintain those. This has definitely given me an insight into this, any Indian brand recommendations?
Hi there is one by Asha Barrak known as Ashba. I have not tried it personally so i donot know how it is. Check in Indian curl pride group
Maintaining curly hair is difficult but you have simplified all the steps to take care. Loved all the product recommendations. Specially the detangling conditioner
i always find curly hair people really cute… it’s a blessing and I wonder how can someone comment on curly hairs or for that matter any kinda hair.. U rightly said in your insta post – either speak good or keep quiet. God bless the angel.. may she grow up with luscious locks.
Maintaining curls is very difficult. Even for adults. So all the more difficult for kids. I think most kids are born with atleast soft curls….and they look so adorable.
I agree with you and I love curly hair on kids, never knew so many products exists for kiddo’s hair care 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
These are great tips for adults who have curly hair, like I do. I am going to use a silk pillow case and see how it helps. Thanks for sharing.
Not a mom plus no experience with curly hair, but the tips are good!
My friend has curly hair and I know how much trouble she faces to maintain her hair. I shared your article with her.
Curly hair is very difficult to maintain, particularly for kids. You have shared some really good tips. Using a microfiber towel really helps.
Your daughter has such lovely curls. And it must be a task managing them. I am not a parent but I am sure this post would be useful for parents and others alike who have curly hair.
I knew taking care of curly hair was difficult but didn’t know it properly. Definitely recommending your blog to.my friends. Loved the detailed write up
Great tips shared to take care of curly hairs. Luckily my daughters have straight hairs. I will share this with my sister who struggles with her daughter’s curly hairs.
Wow, Shahira! These are some of the great tips for maintaining the beautiful curls. I have a curly hair and these tips works wonders to keep the curls bouncy and healthy.
I have curly hairs but i got to know cg method very late . I wish i had known this earlier .You are so right in saying that Moisturizing is the key step to maintaining curly hair.
Maintaining curly hair is a real big challenge. Thank you for your wonderful tips. Yes as parents, it is our duty in making our children comfortable with their physical features.
Well, I think curly hairs looks very beautiful. Yes, I agree with its complicated care but I strictly criticize those people who pass negative comment.
Curly hair definitely needs lot of maintenance. And especially if it’s kids it’s really difficult. Thank you for coming up with this. Will pass on teh product information to my friend whose daughter has curly hair