Growth and Maintenance
Summer Hair Care Tips for Black Kids with Natural Hair
Summer is all about fun in the sun, but for parents and caregivers of African American children with natural hair, it also means adjusting the hair care routine. The sun’s harsh rays and high temperatures can dry out curly hair, leading to brittleness and breakage.
Just like we protect our skin, we need to protect those beautiful curls from sun damage. The good news? With the right products, protective hairstyles, and a few smart tips, your little one’s hair can stay healthy and happy all summer long.
Let us walk you through summer product recommendations, adorable protective styles for girls, and 10 essential tips for protecting your child’s hair against the hot summer sun.
Must-Have Summer Hair Care Products for Natural Hair
Keeping natural hair moisturized and protected in summer starts with using the right products. Here are some must-have hair care products (and tools) to stock up on for Black kids’ summer hair care:
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Gentle, Sulfate-Free Shampoo: A mild shampoo is key to avoid stripping natural oils. Aim to wash the hair about once a week (or as needed after heavy sweat or sand play) using a sulfate-free cleanser that won’t dry out curls. Focus on the scalp when shampooing, and consider a kid-friendly clarifying shampoo if your child swims (to remove chlorine or salt). Remember, over-washing can cause dryness, so gentleness is crucial.
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Leave-In Conditioner: A good leave-in conditioner is a summer lifesaver for natural hair. After washing, or even on non-wash days, apply a leave-in to damp hair to lock in moisture and make hair easier to comb. Many leave-ins double as detanglers and light stylers. A leave-in is perfect for daily moisture boost, especially in dry summer air.
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Natural Oils or Butters: Oils are your friend for sealing in moisture and even adding a bit of natural sun protection. Coconut oil in particular is a popular choice – it coats the hair to prevent dryness and has a mild natural SPF effect. Other great oils for kids’ hair include jojoba oil, avocado oil, and sweet almond oil, which nourish the hair and prevent breakage. You can rub a small amount of oil on the hair after applying leave-in conditioner (the “LOC method”: Leave-in, Oil, Cream) to keep those curls moisturized for longer. For a lighter option, try a hair milk or cream containing shea butter or mango butter, which are also excellent for summer hydration.
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Styling Cream or Gel: To keep styles in place and fight frizz from humidity, it helps to have a kid-friendly styling product on hand. Lighter curl creams or puddings can define curls or twists without a crunchy feel. For more hold (like to keep braid ends neat or lay down edges), a gentle gel works wonders. In fact, a good gel is humidity’s worst nightmare, helping curls stay defined on hot, muggy days. Use gels sparingly and focus on the hairline or on top of braids to keep flyaways down while avoiding making the hair stiff.
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Wide-Tooth Comb and Detangling Tools: Summer fun can mean wind, water, and lots of movement – all of which can lead to tangles. A wide-tooth comb or detangling brush is essential for gently working through knots on wash days or after a day at the beach. Always detangle wet or damp hair (with conditioner or leave-in applied) to minimize breakage. You might also keep a spray bottle with water and a bit of conditioner handy for quick detangling sessions on the go. (Pro tip: carry a travel-size spray conditioner in your bag – it’s great for rehydrating and detangling hair after unexpected dips in the pool or lots of sun exposure.)
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Satin Bonnet or Pillowcase: This one’s for nighttime, but it’s a product worth mentioning because it protects all the good moisture you’ve put into the hair. Cotton pillowcases can dry out hair and cause friction. Instead, have your child sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase, or wear a satin bonnet at night. This keeps the hair from snagging and helps styles last longer by reducing frizz and breakage overnight. A satin bonnet is especially helpful if your little girl is rocking braids or twists – it will prevent those styles from roughing up while she sleeps.
By arming yourself with these products, you’ll have a complete summer hair care arsenal. Now let’s look at some fun ways to style your child’s hair that protect it at the same time!
Protective Hairstyle Inspiration for Girls
One of the best strategies for summer hair care is using protective hairstyles. Protective styles keep your child’s hair neat, moisturized, and tucked away from harsh elements, which means less breakage and easier mornings for you. Even better, they can be super cute and fun! Here are some protective hairstyle ideas for little girls with natural hair:
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Two-Strand Twists: A timeless classic that’s easy to do and maintain. Simply take small sections of hair and twist two pieces around each other from root to tip. Twists keep the hair tangle-free and can last for several days. You can style twists in ponytails or pigtails, or just let them hang freely – they’re very versatile. This style is also great for retaining moisture in the hair because most of the strands are wound together and not exposed.
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Braids and Cornrows: Braided styles are fantastic for summer – they lock in moisture and keep hair controlled. You can do simple cornrows straight back, a mix of cornrow designs, or individual braids. For a quick combo style, try a braided ponytail: cornrow the front into a ponytail, then braid the ponytail itself. Braids keep hair neat and off the face, which is perfect for active kids. To jazz up braids, add some colorful beads or barrettes on the ends – this not only looks adorable but also adds a bit of weight to keep braids swinging nicely. (Just be sure not to put too many heavy beads that might strain the hair.)
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High Puff or Bun with a Headband: If your daughter loves to let her curls shine, a high puff is a great option. Gather the hair up into a puff (like a loose ponytail at the crown) and secure with a gentle hair tie or puff cuff. Add a fun headband or bow to spice it up. This style keeps hair off her neck (so she stays cool) and showcases her natural curls on top. It’s not a long-term protective style since the ends are exposed, but it’s a quick go-to style on busy mornings that still protects the hair from tangling. For more protection, you can slick the sides with a bit of leave-in and gel for smoothness, and fluff the curly puff. It’s comfy for all-day wear.
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Bantu Knots: Bantu knots are small twisted buns and are both playful and protective. You section the hair, twist each section, and then wrap it around itself to form a little knot (securing with a bobby pin or small elastic). Kids often love this look because the knots look like cute mini-buns all over. Bantu knots keep the hair completely tucked away, shielding the ends from sun and wind. An added bonus – when you take them out, her hair will be in lovely heatless curls (a bantu knot-out) that she can wear for a day or two. It’s like two hairstyles in one!
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Creative Combo Styles: Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles. For example, twists or braids in the front with a puff in the back, or cornrows on the sides with curly hair left in the middle (a faux-hawk). You can also do two cute space buns (double buns) or a crown braid around the head. The key is to keep it fun and let your child help choose what style she wants – it makes her feel involved and excited about her hair. Throw in some colorful clips, bows, or headwraps to coordinate with her outfits. Remember, part of protective styling for kids is also about making it enjoyable: if she loves her hairstyle, she’ll be more willing to keep it in for a while!
No matter which style you choose, a few tips will ensure it truly protects her hair: Always start on clean, well-conditioned hair, don’t braid or twist too tightly (the style should never hurt – if it does, redo it looser to protect her edges), and make sure to wrap the style at night with a satin scarf or bonnet. Protective styles can be kept for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the style and your child’s comfort. Check the hair regularly – if you see a lot of frizz or buildup, it might be time for a refresh or a new style.
Most importantly, have fun with it! Summer is the perfect time to experiment with these cute styles, and your little girl will love all the compliments on her “summer hairdo.”
10 Tips to Protect Your Child’s Hair from the Hot Summer Sun
Even with great products and styles, you’ll want to follow some simple daily habits to shield your child’s natural hair from sun damage and summer heat. Here are 10 mom-approved tips for protecting Black children’s hair against the hot summer sun:
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Keep Her Hydrated (Inside and Out): Hydration is the foundation of healthy hair, especially in summer. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day – healthy hair starts from within, and drinking water helps maintain moisture balance in hair. You can also give her water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber as snacks for an extra boost. On the outside, keep her hair hydrated by spritzing with water or a leave-in conditioner daily to quench those curls. Moisturized hair is more resistant to sun dryness than parched hair.
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Use Hats or Scarves for Sun Protection: One of the easiest ways to protect hair (and scalp) from direct UV exposure is simply covering it up. Encourage your child to wear a cute sun hat, a baseball cap, or a light scarf when she’s playing under intense sun. Not only do hats and scarves block the sun’s rays from frying her strands, they also help prevent the hair color from fading. You can let her pick out some favorite caps or patterned scarves that match her personality – making it a fun accessory will mean she’s more likely to keep it on! (Tip: Look for hats with a satin lining or use a satin scarf underneath to reduce friction on the hair.)
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Apply Hair Products with UV Protection: Just like you’d apply sunscreen to skin, you can shield her hair with products that contain UV filters or natural UV-blocking ingredients. Some kid-friendly leave-in sprays and oils include UV protection – check labels for terms like “UV defense.” You can also DIY by applying a small amount of coconut oil or shea butter to her hair before heading out; these oils provide a mild natural SPF and create a protective barrier on the hair. There are even specialized hair sunscreen sprays on the market (for example, Sun Bum makes a scalp and hair mist). A light mist on her curls can help shield the hair from UV rays so it doesn’t get as dried out or brittle.
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Keep Hair Moisturized Daily: Moisture, moisture, moisture! The sun can act like a blow-dryer on the hair, so counteract that by keeping her hair well-moisturized each day. In the morning or before she goes out to play, spritz her hair with a leave-in conditioning spray or water and follow with a leave-in conditioner or curl milk. You can even make a quick DIY spray by diluting some conditioner in water (as mentioned earlier) for on-the-go hydration. Well-moisturized hair is less likely to get frizzy, and it won’t bake as much in the sun because it has a protective layer of product. Pay special attention to the ends of the hair – they’re the oldest and driest part, so mist and coat those ends to keep them from getting brittle in the heat.
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Choose Protective Hairstyles to Shield Hair: We talked about some great protective hairstyle ideas above – and those styles are not just cute, they’re practical for sun protection. Styles like braids, twists, buns, and cornrows cover a lot of the hair’s surface, meaning less direct sun hits each strand. For example, if her hair is in braids or twists, most of each strand is tucked inside the braid/twist instead of exposed to the sun. A top knot or bun keeps the vulnerable ends of the hair hidden from the sun and also keeps her neck cool. So, on weeks when the UV index is very high, opting for a protective style is a smart move. It’s one of the best ways to minimize sun damage and moisture loss from the hair – plus, you don’t have to style her hair every single day. Win-win!
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Protect the Exposed Scalp: Don’t forget the scalp – it’s skin, after all. If your child’s hairstyle has parts (for instance, parted cornrows or box braids), those exposed lines of scalp can get sunburned. Ouch! To prevent this, apply a kid-safe sunscreen along the parts on her scalp whenever she’ll be in strong sun. You can use a spray sunscreen for scalps or just dab a little of your regular facial sunscreen on your fingertips and gently pat it onto the part lines and the tops of her ears. This will prevent scalp burns and the dryness and peeling that can follow. If you notice any redness on the scalp after sun, soothe it with a bit of pure aloe vera gel, just as you would with a skin sunburn. And of course, using a hat (as mentioned in Tip #2) is an easy way to protect the scalp too.
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Deep Condition Weekly: Make deep conditioning a weekly treat for her hair. A deep conditioning treatment will restore moisture and nutrients that the sun may have zapped away. Once a week (perhaps on a Sunday night before the school week or camp), apply a rich hair mask or deep conditioner to her hair after shampooing. Look for products with shea butter, avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil – these ingredients penetrate the hair shaft and lock in moisture. For extra benefit, put on a plastic cap and let the conditioner sit for 15-20 minutes (you can even have her sit under a warm towel or do a quick blow-dryer blast on low heat to help it penetrate). Rinse it out and you’ll find her curls softer and more hydrated. Regular deep conditioning keeps her hair strong and less prone to sun-induced brittleness. It’s like giving her hair a big drink of water once a week!
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Skip the Heat Styling Tools: Summer is not the time to be flat-ironing or blow-drying your child’s hair frequently. The sun’s heat is already a lot for hair to handle – adding extra heat from styling tools can cause double the damage. Try to air dry her hair whenever possible. If you normally stretch her hair, consider heatless methods (like putting hair in twists or braids while wet to stretch it, or using flexi-rods for curls). Embrace her natural texture during the summer months and save the flat irons for cooler seasons if you can. By avoiding excessive heat styling, you’ll prevent dryness and split ends and breakage that come from heat abuse. Plus, many protective styles and natural styles look best on heat-free hair – so let those curls be free!
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Use Satin at Night (Prevent Overnight Dry-Out): After a day of sun exposure, you want to preserve whatever moisture you put into the hair. Nighttime protection is key. As mentioned earlier, use a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase at bedtime to reduce friction. This keeps the hair from drying out further and helps any style last. If she’s wearing braids or twists, gently tie a satin scarf around the perimeter as well – it will lay down any frizzy bits and keep the style neat. Also, consider running a little bit of a light oil or leave-in through her hair before bed on days she’s been in the sun a lot – then put on the bonnet. In the morning her hair will still feel soft and ready for another day of adventure. Satin night protection = no waking up with dry, tangled hair. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!
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Rotate Hairstyles and Give Hair Breaks: This tip might not be obvious, but it’s smart: change up her hairstyle every so often. If you do the exact same style (like tight ponytails or the same part line) every day, the same areas of hair and scalp get exposed to the sun repeatedly, which can increase damage in that spot over time. For example, if she always has a center part, the hair along that part and the scalp line gets sun daily. Try alternating – do a center part one day, a side part another, or braids one week and a high puff the next. This way, one patch of hair isn’t getting constant sun or tension all summer. Also, give her hair breaks between big protective styles. If she’s had braids for a few weeks, let her wear a loose style or puff for a few days before the next braided style. Rotating styles and allowing the hair to “rest” will keep it healthier. It also gives you a chance to moisturize and detangle thoroughly before the next style.
By following these tips, you’ll be protecting your child’s hair and teaching her great hair care habits. Summertime doesn’t have to mean dried-out, damaged hair – with a little extra TLC, her natural hair can thrive in every season. So let her splash, play, and soak up the sunshine, knowing her gorgeous curls and coils are well cared for. Enjoy the summer, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures of those cute styles!
With the right approach, summer hair care for your African American child can be a breeze. It’s all about moisture, protection, and fun. Keep her hair nourished with quality products, try out creative protective hairstyles, and shield those curls from the hot sun. Your little one will not only look adorable, but she’ll also learn to love and take pride in her natural hair. Here’s to a summer of healthy, happy hair days!
