Natural hair is a beautiful and unique asset, and when it comes to styling it for kids, there are countless creative and practical options. Whether your child has curly, kinky, or coily hair, with a little knowledge and the right tools, you can create amazing hairstyles right in the comfort of your own home. In this article, we will explore various ways to style your kid’s natural hair and make the process an enjoyable one.
Understanding Your Child’s Natural Hair Type
Before diving into styling, it’s essential to understand the specific characteristics of your child’s natural hair. Different hair types require different approaches and products.
Curly Hair:
Curly hair has a defined curl pattern that can range from loose waves to tight coils. It tends to be more prone to dryness as the natural oils have a harder time traveling down the length of the curl. For example, if your child has loose, beachy curls, you’ll want to focus on enhancing and maintaining that natural wave.
Kinky Hair:
Kinky hair has a very tight curl pattern and is often more fragile. It requires a lot of moisture to stay healthy and manageable. You may notice that it shrinks significantly when dry, so accounting for this during styling is crucial.
Coily Hair:
Coily hair forms small, springy coils. It can be thick and full but also needs regular conditioning to prevent breakage.Understanding the coil size and how it behaves will help you choose the right styles and products.
The Importance of Moisturizing and Conditioning
Moisturizing and conditioning are the cornerstones of healthy natural hair styling for kids.
Deep Conditioning:
Once a week, give your child’s hair a deep conditioning treatment. You can use a store-bought deep conditioner or make a natural one at home. For instance, a mixture of mashed avocado, honey, and a bit of olive oil can work wonders. Apply it generously from roots to ends, cover with a shower cap, and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps to restore moisture and improve the hair’s elasticity.
Daily Moisturizing:
Use a leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing spray daily. Spritz it onto the hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This keeps the hair hydrated and reduces frizz. Look for products that are free of harsh chemicals and sulfates to avoid drying out the hair.
Simple and Cute Hairstyle Ideas
There are many easy and adorable hairstyles you can create for your child’s natural hair.
Two Strand Twists:
Divide the hair into small sections. Take two strands of hair and twist them around each other from root to tip. You can do this all over the head for a simple and neat look. To make it more interesting, you can add beads or small hair accessories at the ends of the twists. This style is great for keeping the hair in place and can last for a few days.
Bantu Knots:
Section the hair into small parts. Twist each section and then coil it into a knot against the scalp. Let the knots set overnight, and in the morning, you can take them down for beautiful, defined curls. You can also leave the knots in for a day or two as a cute and unique style.
Ponytail Puffs:
Gather the hair into a high ponytail. Use a hair tie to secure it. Then, fluff out the hair in the ponytail to create a cute puff.You can add a decorative scrunchie or a bow to make it more stylish. This is a quick and easy style for everyday wear.
Using the Right Tools and Products
Having the right tools and products on hand makes styling much easier.
Wide-Tooth Comb:
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair, especially when it’s wet. This helps to prevent breakage as it gently separates the strands without pulling or tugging too much.
Hair Clips and Bobby Pins:
These are essential for sectioning the hair during styling. They come in handy when creating more complex styles like braids or updos.
Styling Gel or Cream:
For styles that require hold, like slicked-back ponytails or defined edges, a natural styling gel or cream is useful. Look for ones that are water-based and don’t leave a hard, crunchy residue.
Making Styling a Fun Activity
Styling your child’s natural hair can be a bonding experience.
Let Your Child Choose:
Give your child the option to pick the hairstyle they want. Show them pictures of different styles and let them have a say.This makes them more excited about the process.
Play Music or Watch a Show:
While styling, put on some of your child’s favorite music or a fun cartoon. This distracts them and makes the time pass more quickly. It also creates a positive association with hair styling.
Reward and Praise:
After you’ve finished styling, praise your child for being patient and looking great. You can also give them a small reward, like a sticker or a piece of fruit, to make them feel special.
Maintaining the Hairstyle
Once the hairstyle is done, it’s important to maintain it.
Protecting at Night:
If your child has a style like twists or braids, cover their hair with a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase at night. This helps to reduce friction and keep the style intact.
Refreshing the Style:
For styles that start to look a bit frizzy or lose their shape, you can use a small amount of water and a bit of styling product to refresh them. Gently smooth down any flyaways or redefine the curls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, styling your child’s natural hair at home can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By understanding their hair type, focusing on moisturizing, choosing simple and cute styles, using the right tools and products, making it fun, and maintaining the hairstyle, you can ensure that your child’s natural hair always looks its best. It’s a chance to celebrate their unique beauty and create lasting memories. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your child’s natural hair styling.