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Growth and Maintenance

Guest Post: Natural Hair Do’s and Don’ts for Children

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Hi guys! I’m back with some personal dos and don’ts about natural hair. I hope this helps you as it has helped me.

Do

Remember to tell your little one that his/her hair is awesome. Seriously, they look up to us and peer pressure can be so heavy at times. Constant positive reinforcement about their hair can make all the difference in the world. The media often does not show us our beauty and only seems to embrace loose bouncy curls instead of our natural kinks, coils and curls; be their cheerleader. One of our readers had a similar issue and this is the advice that our Natural Hair Kids community gave.

Don’t

Ever use negative words or phrase to describe your child’s hair. Words and phrases hurt more than you know and can cause life long image issues.

Do

Ask questions. If you don’t know, ask. I have been natural twice and I am still hearing about new stuff all the time. Taking care of your little one’s hair can be frustrating; having a community to ask questions is great and affirming. Don’t be afraid to email us your questions. Another great resource is Youtube. Youtube is full of great videos providing tips and product reviews on any product that you could think of.

Don’t

Take advice from people that don’t know the first thing about natural hair. With so much credible information on the web and so many reputed natural hair gurus, you don’t have to take advice from someone who isn’t natural or hasn’t done the research.

Do

Find the right products. It can be time consuming and sometimes expensive but when you find the right combination, doing hair will be easier. Your go to combo will be a lifesaver. Most brands have small sizes and some even have travel/trial sizes. Target, Walgreens, and CVS often have weekly BOGOs that will allow you try out products that you have had your eyes on. Another option would be to make your own products. The DIY Natural Hair Recipe Book is a great resource if you are fed up with buying products that don’t work and want to make your own products and really learn what works for your child’s hair. With over 50 recipes that include cleansing shampoos, moisturizing conditioners, butters and creams, you are sure to find a combination that works. You should try it. It’s only $7 and your wallet will thank you for it!

Don’t

Ignore the ingredients. Pay close attention to what you are putting in your little one’s hair. Harmful things like parabens and sulfates have been linked to cancer and are just not good for your hair. They can cause irritation, drying, and even hair loss. Do your research and make informed decisions.
Don’t take my word for it. Every single head of hair is different. What works for my sister does not work for me and we are related. You have got to put in work to find products and regimens that work best for you and your family.

 

Do

Protect their hair at night. Satin bonnet, satin bonnet, satin bonnet. Not only does it help with minimizing breakage, it will also help hair retain its moisture and make doing hair the next day so much easier!! If your little one can’t stand a bonnet, the another great alternative is to use satin pillowcases.

Don’t

Braid too tight. I LOVE cornrows. Cornrows keep me out of my daughter’s hair for two full weeks. Before she gets her hair braided I am very upfront with the stylist about not snatching all her ends. Let them edges breathe and multiply! Be careful with braiding, ponytails, twists, etc. as with prolonged pulling of the hair and edges can cause extreme breakage and hair loss.

Do

Come up with a daily, weekly and monthly hair care regimen for your hair. Having a hair regimen will make your life easier and get your little one’s hair in a pattern that promotes a healthy head of hair. Be open to modifying it if a product loses its effectiveness or becomes too expensive. Another reason to consider making your own products!

Don’t

Continue a hair care regimen or continue to use hair care products that don’t work. It’s okay to abandon hair routines that don’t work and start over.

Written by Lola I.
Mother to a very lovely and opinionated 3 year old

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