One of my very favorite calls is from a mom or dad wanting to know how to care for their child's hair. I love that! So many of us grew up hating our hair. I know I did. It was different from the other girls': it was unpredictable, messy, and just too big. It was always a fight to tame that mass of curls. So a parent asking for help,help in teaching their child to make the very best of their assets so they can love what they have and present their very best face to the world is an honor . Asking for help is never easy , and admitting there is something you are unable to do for your childish humbling. Yet who better to humble yourself for but your child? There are so many reasons why this may be unchartered territory for a parent:the child may have a completely different hair type than their parents. Or perhaps the parent has similar hair, but was never taught how to care for it and has never learned to accept their hair. There is nothing sadder to me than seeing a parent with chemically relaxed or heat damaged hair, next to their gloriously ringleted child. What is the unspoken message to this child? What you have is unacceptable , unattractive, and to be hidden. There are so many spoken and unspoken expectations in our culture, and breaking them down is never easy. Yet giving a child that freedom is a wonderful gift.
When a parent calls, the first question, especially when dealing with a young child, is how to detangle. Often it's a battle, and therefore is easier to avoid . Don't do it! You'll wind up with a giant knot, or worse. That fine hair can knot itself into an ever growing mat. The more you avoid it, the bigger it gets. Take the time to detangle daily . Keeping those curls tangle free starts with what not to do: no shampoo, which is drying, no combs, brushes, or towels. Using gentle sulfate free cleanser, and a hydrating conditioner, will keep those curls healthy. If possible, detangle with your fingers. Think about it: Your fingers are the same as wide tooth comb, aren't they? There are some great detangling sprays available. Another option is a spray bottle filled with watered down conditioner. Once the hair is tangle free, do your best to prevent new tangles .At night, putting hair up in a loose braid or pony tail with a fabric hair band ,and sleeping on a satin pillowcase will preserve those curls and prevent tangles.
When it's time for a cut, a curl by curl cut by a curly hair stylist will make the best of those curls. You will get instructions on the best products for your child's hair type, and how to apply them.
Feel good. You are giving your child the best start in a very positive self concept!
When a parent calls, the first question, especially when dealing with a young child, is how to detangle. Often it's a battle, and therefore is easier to avoid . Don't do it! You'll wind up with a giant knot, or worse. That fine hair can knot itself into an ever growing mat. The more you avoid it, the bigger it gets. Take the time to detangle daily . Keeping those curls tangle free starts with what not to do: no shampoo, which is drying, no combs, brushes, or towels. Using gentle sulfate free cleanser, and a hydrating conditioner, will keep those curls healthy. If possible, detangle with your fingers. Think about it: Your fingers are the same as wide tooth comb, aren't they? There are some great detangling sprays available. Another option is a spray bottle filled with watered down conditioner. Once the hair is tangle free, do your best to prevent new tangles .At night, putting hair up in a loose braid or pony tail with a fabric hair band ,and sleeping on a satin pillowcase will preserve those curls and prevent tangles.
When it's time for a cut, a curl by curl cut by a curly hair stylist will make the best of those curls. You will get instructions on the best products for your child's hair type, and how to apply them.
Feel good. You are giving your child the best start in a very positive self concept!
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