How to Keep Children’s Hair Moisturized

We have been getting a ton of emails and Facebook messages from concerned parents regarding hair dryness and how to keep hair moisturized. We know how frustrating it can be to spend hours washing and applying product to your child’s hair only to have it dry again within a day. So we have come up with 4 simple tips to help keep those curls moisturized!

Say “No” to Sulfates:

 Use sulfate-free shampoo products to keep from stripping the hair. Sulfates are harsh detergents that rob your little one’s hair of its natural moisture.

Cold water rinse:

After shampooing hair, apply a deep penetrating conditioner and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse out the conditioner with cool water. Make sure children put their head back so they don’t get too cold. Rinsing with cold water seals the hair cuticle and promotes shine.

Seal moisture in using the L.O.C. method: 

After washing and conditioning your child’s hair, apply a leave-in conditioner, then oil, and then a sealant (hair butters).

Moisturize daily:

Add water, oil (olive, coconut, or JBCO) and leave-in conditioner (Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner, Cantu Leave-In Conditioner, Bee Mine Juicy Spritz) to a spray bottle and use as a daily moisturizer to refresh hair when needed. You can also add glycerin to the mixture for added moisture.

Satin is your friend:

Buy a satin pillowcase (or bonnet) that will protect your child’s hair at night. Sleeping on a regular, cotton pillowcase can rub and absorb all of the moisture out of your child’s hair. As added protection, you should also have your child wear a satin-lined winter hat for those cold days.

Oil the scalp: 

Find a light natural oil such as coconut, almond or olive oil and apply a small amount to the scalp to keep it moisturized. Try not to add too much oil to the hair as it can cause product buildup and weigh down the hair.

Drink Up!:

Make sure your child is drinking enough water. Water helps keep hair moisturized and growing at its optimal rate.

One thing to keep in mind with any hair advice is that it is not one size fits all. What may work for one child may not work for another. Use these tips as starting points in order to develop a moisturizing routine that works best for your child’s hair.

What have you found to work best with your child’s hair?