1: Shampoo Is Not a Personality
Sulfates = The Enemy. Curly kids do not need daily shampoo.
Wash Guide
- Toddlers (1–3): Once a week, max.
- Young Kids (4–7): Every 5–7 days.
- Tweens (8–12): Every 4–6 days (more if sweaty or sporty).
Routine
- Warm water rinse.
- Quarter-size sulfate-free shampoo at roots.
- Rinse gently.
💧 Co-wash (conditioner-only wash) in between if needed.
2: The Power of the Conditioner
Let’s say it louder for the detangling moms in the back: Conditioner is the hero.
Ingredients to Love
Aloe vera, glycerin, chamomile, coconut oil, shea butter.
Ingredients to Avoid
Sulfates, parabens, SD alcohol, artificial dyes.
Detangling Tips
- Only detangle on wet, conditioned hair.
- Use wide-tooth comb or fingers.
- Start from the ends, work up.
Routine
- Apply conditioner generously.
- Section and detangle.
- Let sit 3–5 minutes.
- Rinse (or leave a bit in for hydration).
🪄 Slip = Magic. If hair feels silky, you’re on the right track.
3: Styling Without Screaming
Styling doesn’t have to be chaos. Here’s your peace treaty:
Styling in 5 Steps
- Leave-in on damp hair.
- Curl cream or gel (optional).
- Rake through with fingers.
- Scrunch if curls are loose.
- Air dry or diffuse on low.
Quick School Style
- Spray water + leave-in.
- Finger comb into puffs/braids.
- Secure with soft fabric bands.
4: Drying Without the Frizz
❌ Don’t:
- Rub with towels.
- Blow dry on bare heat.
- Brush dry curls (unless you’re summoning the Frizz Kraken).
✅ Do:
- Pat with microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt.
- Air dry when possible.
- Diffuse on low heat, low speed.
Pro Tip: Less touching = less frizz.
5: Nighttime = Curl Protection Hour
Sleeping beauty deserves satin armor.
The Holy Trinity of Nightcare
- Satin Bonnet (yes, they’ll hate it—try anyway).
- Satin Pillowcase (because the bonnet will vanish).
- Pineapple Style – high ponytail on top of head.
👶 Bonnets for Beginners: Let them pick the design. Try satin-lined hoodies for story time.
6: Sensory Struggles & Tantrum-Free Haircare
Some kids loathe hair time—and that’s okay.
What Helps
- Warm water
- Section detangling
- Distractions (videos, music, toys)
- Let them hold the comb or spray bottle
- Calm voice (even when your patience is in the bin)
🎉 Make it fun: “Let’s make your curls pop like popcorn!”
7: Product Graveyard or Curl Arsenal?
No one needs 12 half-used bottles of “hope in a jar.”
Essentials
- Gentle sulfate-free shampoo
- Moisturizing conditioner
- Leave-in/detangler
- Light curl cream or gel
Faves
- Cantu Kids Leave-In
- SheaMoisture Kids Curl Butter
- Aussie Miracle Curls
- TGIN Butter Cream (for older kids)
🧪 DIY Love: Aloe vera gel, flaxseed gel, small amounts of coconut oil.
8: Mixed Textures, Different Cultures
Representation isn’t optional—it’s everything.
What You Can Do
- Compliment curls in public.
- Shut down negative comments.
- Show books, shows, dolls with curly role models.
📚 Books We Love:
- Hair Love – Matthew A. Cherry
- Big Hair, Don’t Care – Crystal Swain-Bates
- I Love My Hair! – Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
9: Teach Them to Love It Early
Hair time = bonding time, not punishment.
Tips
- Let them help (spray, comb, style).
- Teach tool names.
- Make it fun and affirming.
💬 Message to Remember: Their curls are not a problem—they’re a crown.