How To Care for Afro Textured Hair for Kids

If you’re anything like me, you can’t remember the first time your natural hair was straightened or braided. As soon as the baby hair phase is over, we begin to manipulate our children’s afro textured hair. Then, as the kids grow up, their hair must conform to school and religious standards. So, how can we care for afro textured hair for kids without causing unnecessary harm to their strands and scalp? Let’s look at a few options.

The Right Natural Hair Products For Kids

There are shampoos and conditioners designed for children, but check if they’re tailored for afro textured hair. These products are generally more gentle on the scalp, but they also tend to be heavily scented.

Always check the ingredients in children’s hair products and steer clear of sulfates and other chemicals that may cause dryness or breakage. Also, wash their hair once a week or so to avoid stripping away natural oils.

The Right Detangling Techniques

Unless your little one is a perfect angel all the time, kids will be fussy when you’re handling their hair. Detangling can be difficult for children with afro textured hair. Be gentle and patient with them, and keep them occupied with their favorite TV show or game while you work on the tangles.

Begin detangling with your fingers first, sectioning the hair into smaller parts. Then, switch to a wide-toothed comb and finally to a fine-toothed comb, using a detangling spray or moisturizer to smooth out the strands.

The Right Hairstyles For Natural Hair Kids

Now, the biggest challenge for styling children with afro textured hair is choosing a style that’s both adorable and protective. Unfortunately, certain braids and ponytails can weaken the hair, and accessories like rubber bands can actually break the strands if you’re styling bantu knots for your child. Find accessories made using soft, smooth materials that are light on the strands and scalp.

The Right Nighttime Hair Routine For Natural Hair Kids

It might be tough to get your kids to wear bonnets or wrap their heads before bed, and if they do, they might twist and turn and come off. So, it’s easier to switch to silk or satin pillow cases to reduce friction as much as possible. As they grow older, you can teach them the habit of wrapping their hair before bed.

The Right Hair Stylist For Natural Hair Kids

I always recommend styling your child’s natural hair yourself until age 5 so that you can both learn about your hair types and nurture its growth naturally. However, I understand that this can be a challenge, especially finding the time out of a busy schedule to tame unruly curls on top of everything else going on in life.

If you need a hair stylist for your child, ask for a referral from parents in your area. Choose a stylist that’s great with kids of all ages and is super gentle with washing, drying, and styling natural hair kids. If your child likes them too, stay consistent with the same stylist until your kids are old enough to adjust to different hair salons.

The Right Diet For Natural Hair Kids

Of course, we can’t mention healthy afro textured hair without touching on diet. This affects everyone regardless of age, but it’s especially important for children. A well-rounded diet is great for their overall health, including their natural curls. Add lots of vitamin-rich foods like fruits and veggies to their diets, plus proteins to promote healthy growth. You’ll notice the difference in their natural hair strength and sheen when you reduce the sugar and processed foods in their diet.

Teach Your Kids to Love Their Natural Hair

Afro textured hair is always a joy to wear. Show your kids how versatile and beautiful their hair is naturally and how to wear their crowns with pride. It’s easy for children to compare themselves to others at school or through the media. It’s important to lay the right foundation right from home with role models who have similar textured hair as well. Keep your kids’ hair routines gentle and fun. Celebrate their uniqueness!