New parents have many things to think about and caring for a baby's curls can often be an unexpected challenge. Children's hair requires different care than adult hair, not to mention that changes in the shaft and scalp can cause concern. To take care of your baby's curls, carefully choose the products to use and comb them gently.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Using Hair Care Products
Step 1. Use a mild, sulfate-free baby shampoo only once or twice a week
Over-washing can dry out your baby's hair, making the curls frizzy and dull. When applying the shampoo, avoid rubbing or knotting the curls. Gently massage your scalp to wash only the roots, while avoiding the lengths and ends.
- Curly hair is drier than straight hair, so it is good to maintain an adequate hydrolipid balance by using shampoo sparingly.
- Make sure you choose a shampoo formulated for children rather than adults.
Step 2. Wash your hair with a moisturizing conditioner once a day or every other day
Choose a conditioner specifically formulated for babies. You can find such products in supermarkets, personal care stores and pharmacies. Apply the conditioner to your hair and rinse it off with warm water.
- The conditioner will therefore act as a cleanser on the days when you will not use the shampoo.
- Look for products containing moisturizing ingredients, such as olive oil, aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter.
Step 3. Get a restructuring and nourishing treatment once a week
If your baby's hair is quite dry or damaged, apply conditioner and collect it with a shower cap. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it off.
- This treatment nourishes the hair more deeply than a normal conditioner.
- Avoid doing this more than once a week, otherwise you risk weighing down your hair and making it oily if it is fine. This is true for all hair types, but especially for children's hair.
Step 4. Apply a detangling product on the lengths and distribute it treating one strand at a time
Use a kid-friendly detangling spray and apply it to lengths only. Distribute it slowly over your hair with a wide-toothed comb, treating a small section at a time to avoid jerking or pulling unnecessarily.
Detangling products are especially important for curls. Knots can damage hair and are painful when they get tangled a lot
Part 2 of 2: Comb the Hair Carefully
Step 1. Gently pat your hair dry with a shirt instead of a towel
Regular towels are often too heavy for flimsy curls, as they yank them, pull them, tie them, and eventually break them. Older T-shirts are much gentler on the hair because they don't have the same weight as a towel.
- If your hair is long, go from tip to root by dabbing it gently with the shirt. Instead, avoid pulling or squeezing them to get rid of excess water.
- If you want to use a towel, try a microfiber one instead of a regular one. Microfiber towels are gentler on baby's curls.
Step 2. Detangle your hair with a wide toothed comb or wet hair brush
Wide-toothed combs are preferred for detangling hair, especially when it is wet. There are also brushes specially designed for wet hair. Having wider bristles than regular brushes, they pull less and are safer for detangling curls.
- Avoid using a regular brush on curls, whether dry or wet. Brushes with normal bristles can make them break very easily, as they pull the knots.
- If the baby does not have a lot of hair, then it is possible to easily untangle it with your fingers. It is an effective method for fine, thin or short hair.
Step 3. Air dry your hair or use a blow dryer with a diffuser
After towel drying your hair and combing it, it is normal for it to remain slightly damp. It is best to air dry them to avoid altering the hydrolipid balance of the scalp. If you need to dry long hair quickly, set the heat and power of the blow dryer to minimum and use the diffuser.
If the child lies down with damp hair, spread a shirt under the head to help dry the area that is placed on the pillow and prevent knots
Step 4. Use a ribbon to gather the hair and pull it away from the face
As your hair grows, it's common to be tempted to use cute clips, clips, and rubber bands to pull it up. However, they can damage curly hair. If you really need to move them away from your face, gently collect them and secure them forming a bow with a simple ribbon.
- Try to collect your hair only once a week or on special occasions. Tightening them too much can cause them to crack and irritate the scalp.
- Make sure the ribbon or headband isn't too tight on your head.
Step 5. Trim your hair every two to three months once your baby is two years old
Curly hair is easier to manage and tends to be healthier when worn short, as cutting it removes split ends. Take the child to a hairdresser who has experience in handling curly hair.
Advice
- In the first six months of life, most babies go through a phase of losing a lot of hair. Don't be alarmed if they fall in these months, especially during the third and fourth.
- Look for products specifically formulated for children, as they usually contain no fragrances and are gentle on sensitive skin.
Warnings
- If your child has an allergic reaction to a product, such as rash or itching, stop using it immediately and see your pediatrician.
- Always treat your baby's hair extremely gently when you wash, dry and comb it. A baby's hair and scalp are more sensitive than an adult's.
