One of the challenges of having a child with curly hair—especially if their texture is different from yours—is knowing how to properly wash and style it. Jane Carter, a product developer and stylist who specializes in curly hair, breaks down the process for those struggling to manage tiny heads full of glorious locks.
Among the biggest mistakes is over-shampooing, Carter says. "Wash your child’s hair no more than once or twice a week at most—with a shampoo that’s sulfate-free, for clean healthy hair that’s easier to manage." She recommends The Curly One Shampoo from Curlisto, due to its proprietary ingredients that nourish textured hair and protect curly hair bonds.
Then, detangle without drama by using conditioner both before and after you shampoo. “A lot of moms braid their child’s hair if it’s long enough,” Carter says, “but you have to know how to safely remove the braids before you shampoo the hair.
“Understanding how to properly detangle the hair is a must, if you don’t want your kids screaming bloody murder in the bathtub.”
Here are her steps to pain-free detangling:
- Once your child is in the tub, saturate the hair with water.
- Work The Curly One Conditioner through wet hair from roots to ends.
- Now it’s safe to remove braids or plaits without applying additional tension to each strand. Don’t pull on the braids—that will stretch out the ends and create additional tangles.
- Rinse out the conditioner.
- Shampoo the hair with The Curly One Shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
- Apply conditioner again and use a cushioned paddle brush to remove snarls and knots. Detangle the ends first and work your way up the head.
- Rinse out the conditioner before styling.
“If you want to wash and go,” says Carter, “you can put a little curl cream into the hair before styling.” She uses Curlisto’s The Curl Dream Cream for lasting moisturize and to rebuild the bonds in textured hair that create its curl pattern. “As the hair dries, the hydrogen bonds reform into a well-defined hairstyle," she says.
To restyle between shampoos, Carter’s advice is to work a little Curl Dream Cream through wet hair and detangle with a cushioned paddle brush. “Then, work the hair into the shape you want and let it dry for a frizz-free, defined look.”
Preventing tangles overnight is crucial for a drama-free morning. Carter suggests separating the hair into four sections at bedtime, and finger-twisting each one before securing with a bobby pin or clip. “You want to retain the curl pattern overnight so your morning routine is a lot easier,” she says. “If your child is old enough to style their own hair, they just have to remove the pins or clips and go about the day.”
Also, have a few go-to hairstyles under your belt that are quick and simple to pull off. If the hair is long enough to gather into a high ponytail, you can “pineapple” it by securing the hair with a scrunchie at the base, then letting the curls fall all around it. Other fast and easy options for cute looks: one or two plaits, ponytails, or puffs.
“No matter how you style your child’s hair, it’s important to have it trimmed and shaped at least every three months,” Carter says. "Not only will you be able to maintain the shape at home, but getting rid of those moisture-starved split ends will keep hair from tangling and knotting."
Curlisto marks a major shift in the way stylists and salons can approach and conquer challenges of curly hair clients, offering a results-oriented solution that caters to every curl type with unparalleled efficacy. All of the products are vegan, cruelty-free and eco-friendly, assuring both remarkable performance and ethical considerations.