Washing, Drying & Styling: The Crown Care Guide


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

  1. Warm water rinse.
  2. Quarter-size sulfate-free shampoo at roots.
  3. 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

  1. Apply conditioner generously.
  2. Section and detangle.
  3. Let sit 3–5 minutes.
  4. 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

  1. Leave-in on damp hair.
  2. Curl cream or gel (optional).
  3. Rake through with fingers.
  4. Scrunch if curls are loose.
  5. Air dry or diffuse on low.

Quick School Style

  1. Spray water + leave-in.
  2. Finger comb into puffs/braids.
  3. 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

  1. Satin Bonnet (yes, they’ll hate it—try anyway).
  2. Satin Pillowcase (because the bonnet will vanish).
  3. 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.

About the Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like these