A new year — a time to say goodbye to old habits and say hello to new goals! Whether you’ve been natural for some time or are thinking about going natural this year, with the proper hair regimen, you’ll be one step closer to becoming your own hair goals! If you’re a mother like I am, you’ll be inspiring your curly kid to become their own hair goals as well! Here are some tips you can use to teach your curly kid how to care for their hair.
1. Teach them how to wash and condition!
Dry hair is prone to breakage! It’s important to keep our curls moisturized and teach our kids the same! For example, teach them to incorporate regular use of a deep conditioner on washday (weekly or bi-weekly). Make washday fun for them by allowing them to participate during the process. Allow them to apply and distribute the products through their hair, this will help them get used to the consistency of products and the application process.
My 5 year old loves making bubbles with shampoo when she’s lathering up her hair! She also loves applying the Uncle Funky’s Daughter Heal & Renew Intensive Hair Masque. She will even attempt to finger-detangle with the product in her hair!
2. Teach them that water is key!
Another moisturizing method that you should teach them during the styling process – water is key. So that means spraying your hair with a little bit of water before you apply your product or using a water-based leave-in to hydrate your curls. Allow them to spritz water on their hair with a spray bottle or spritz the Thirsty Curls Leave-in Curl Revitalizer. If your kids are younger, you can do what my daughter and I do from time to time…take turns having a little water fight with the spray bottle! Not only are they learning how to care for their hair but they’re also creating fun and memorable moments to cherish when they get older! After applying the water, have them follow up with a good moisturizing cream like the Supercurl Moisture Creme.
3. Teach them to protective style!
Protective styles are key when it comes to retaining length. Teach your curly kid how to create a simple two-strand twist or braid. Allow them to practice on your hair or on a toy. My 5-year-old will grab her barbies and practice twisting their hair and now that she’s got the technique down, I allow her to practice twisting on her own hair. Keeping their hair in braids and twists not only helps to reduce tangling in younger kids who are constantly rolling around, but it will help them retain length in the long run.
Keeping things simple and making the learning experience fun for them will inspire your curly kid to embrace and love their natural hair! I hope that these tips help your little one become her/his own hair goal! Happy New Year!
xoxo
Michelle Chea (@naturallychea)
