Wash days for kinky, coily, or curly hair can be longer than most, but this is the perfect opportunity for some 1:1 bonding and confidence building with your child. Seeing you love on and embrace their natural hair will help them learn to do the same!
I have been solely managing and growing my natural hair for the past 5 years. Through trial and error I have learned some vital tips for wash day that might be helpful for you and your kinky, curly, coily child:
Only comb/detangle hair when wet. Combing or detangling dry hair can be painful and cause breakage.
When combing through hair use only a wide tooth comb or an actual detangling brush. Small combs cause more tangles and damage to the hair shaft.
Shampoo hair no more than 1 time a week. Every two weeks is recommended. Over shampooing the hair can strip the hair of its natural oils.
When detangling start at the end of the hair and work your way up. This will help detangling be quicker and painless.
When styling hair use a leave in conditioner and curling gel or cream to activate the curl pattern, provide hold, and moisture.
After styling the hair utilize a silk scarf, bonnet, or silk pillowcase at night for bed. Cotton can dry the hair out and cause breakage.
Here are a few children's books that show appreciation for natural hair that would be perfect for bedtime and in between washes:*Amazon affiliate links provided for convenience. Not all books will be appropriate for all children.
Hair Like Mine by LaTaisha Smith
My Hair is Magic by M.L. Marroquin
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Emi’s Curly, Coily, Cotton Candy Hair by Tina Olajide
Bippity Bop Barbershop by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Crown: An Ode To A Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
Here are a few youtube tutorials for washing & styling natural hair:
Do you have a tween or teen who could use some support building their self-confidence and embracing their uniqueness? I have a few evening and Saturday openings. To contact call 317-648-7660 or email kamri@greenhouseindy.com Ready to schedule https://pocketsuite.io/book/dTLh