Children with curls and afro hair are a complex topic in their own right. It’s not just the smallest whirlwinds among us that keep us on our toes, but their wild hair also has a mind of its own on some days.
Sometimes they roll and bounce into their most beautiful curls all by themselves and other times they simply stand on end. Then they pull here and there when combing and grooming – and the frustration is pretty big in the end. We want to change that!
Let’s make caring for their curls and afro hair easy and gentle. I’ll share simple routines that will help keep their wild hair under control and look great. And while you’re at it, why not add a little fun by exploring online gaming at Richard Casino? Enjoy taking care of your little one’s hair and gambling!
Your own curly and afro hair care routine & why it’s so important
Children imitate us. They are constantly learning – they want to be independent and still want us to help them. This also applies to your child’s own hair care routine.
Develop a simple routine together that you both feel most comfortable with. Don’t make a science out of it. Because the simpler it is, the more independent and largely autonomous your child will be able to do it themselves – always with the support of mum and/or dad, of course.
But what makes having your own curly and afro hair care so important? It teaches your child how to manage their own curls or afro hair. It teaches them about their own hair and how best to care for it. This step is also part of the long journey of a child’s development towards a self-confident and self-determined life.
How to develop a hair care routine for your child
Fortunately, developing a grooming routine for your child’s curls or afro hair is not a complicated science. There are a few simple tips and ‘guidelines’ that you should follow when caring for your child’s curls.
These include the guiding principle that you should never comb curls and afro hair when it is dry. Always make sure that your child’s hair is at least moisturised when you comb it with your fingers or a detangling brush.
The second important point is internal moisture. This is because the best way to detangle your little one’s curls and afro hair without tugging is when they are supple. You should therefore look out for moisturising shampoos, conditioners and hair oils.
This brings us to the third important point: the right care products. Look for gentle and sulphate-free products – without silicones, parabens etc. Go for products that are kind to your scalp and have an acidic pH value (between 5 and 6).
Here are the guidelines you can use to develop a caring hair routine for your child:
Gently detangle damp curls and afro hair. Use your fingers or a detangling brush. For easier combing, leave the 2-in-1 conditioner from ŌMAKAon for a few minutes beforehand.
Now wash your child’s hair with a mild shampoo such as my solid shampoo with organic broccoli seed oil. Only lather the scalp, as the lengths of the hair are automatically washed out when rinsing.
To ensure that the hair also receives plenty of moisture, treat it with one of my solid conditioners after washing: use either the conditioner for low porosity or the conditioner for high porosity curls and afro hair – depending on the porosity of your child’s hair.
After washing, care for your child’s curls or afro hair with a conditioner. Use the 2-in-1 conditioner from ŌMAKA. You can use this as a rinse-out or leave-in conditioner.
For an extra moisturising kick for your child’s curls or afro hair, use a hair oil after shampooing. Rub a few drops of ŌMAKA’s organic argan oil into your hands and distribute it through your child’s damp hair.
Leave your child’s curls or afro hair to dry. Preferably without heat! If this is not possible, use a hair dryer diffuser on a cold air setting.
To revitalise your child’s curls or afro hair the next day, use a conditioning spray such as the Aloe Vera Spray from ŌMAKAand work it into the child’s wild curls.
A few final tips & tricks
In addition to this lovely care routine and my recommended products, I would like to give you and your child a few more ideas. I have tried them myself over the years and think that they can also help you care for your child’s curls or afro hair.
Save time with hairstyles & styles
To protect your child’s curls or afro hair, you can use braided hairstyles and protective styles such as braided updos, twists or braids. Make sure that you use gentle hair bands without any metal transitions. It is better to use elasticated hair ties that you soak in coconut oil beforehand.
At night, you can tie your child’s curls or afro hair up into a loose ponytail (pineapple method) or use a silk scarf/pillow.
With protective styles, make sure that they are not braided too tightly. Don’t leave them in too long to prevent hair breakage, hair loss and tangling.
Wash children’s hair once or twice a week
Children’s curls and afro hair become greasy less quickly than straight hair. I therefore recommend that you only wash your child’s hair once or twice a week. This is completely sufficient for care and cleaning.
Curly hair – cut the ends regularly
Even though we might prefer to let them grow: Trimming the ends of curly and afro hair ensures a healthier-looking mane of curls. It also makes the hair easier to care for afterwards.
Words create reality
Pay attention to what you and the people around you say about your child’s curls and afro hair. Because words have power, especially in the youngest among us.
I still remember the negative comments from my childhood. And so does everyone else I’ve spoken to about this topic.
So boost your child’s self-confidence by using positive words in your very own hair care routine.