Every person’s hair is different and as a parent you need to spend some time to work out what is the best way to manage your child’s hair.

For some parents of mixed-race children, doing their child’s hair can be a nightmare for both parent and child. Not all mixed-race children have hair that is difficult for their parents to manage but if you do, then here are some helpful tips to make it easier for you and your child.

Doing somebody else’s hair is not something most of us think about, we spend a great part of our lives getting to know our own hair and no matter how easy it may look to others many people find that it takes them a while to find a style and way of managing their hair that they feel comfortable with. When you have a child you have to go through the whole process again and for most parents their children’s hair will not be like their own.

 

 

It is essential to your children’s sense of identity and self-esteem that they are given the opportunity to look like they are well-cared for and groomed; this is particularly true for mixed-race families, already subjected to unusual social scrutiny by others. How your children look can shape the conclusions outsiders draw. Children notice others’ assessments and often interpret them as evidence of their own inadequacy. Young children are very concrete. They need to feel beautiful and handsome to contribute to a sense of pride in who they are. If their hair is a source of frustration and unhappiness, not just for them but for you, they may begin to develop low self-esteem.

How often should you wash your child’s hair?
Every person’s hair is different and as a parent you need to spend some time to work out what is the best way to manage your child’s hair. If your child’s hair is straight and of European texture then it is a matter of ensuring that the hair is kept regularly washed and conditioned. A regular trim will ensure a good growth rate. If your child’s hair is not of a regular European texture then it will need to be treated differently and you will need to find more specialised hair products.

The first thing to work out is if the hair is naturally dry or greasy, most afro type hair is naturally dry and if this is the case with your child’s hair you have to be very careful about keeping enough moisture and oil in their hair. Water is a drying agent, too frequent washing may dry out the hair, preventing the natural oils to moisturize. Washing once or twice a week should be enough but it is not uncommon to wash it once a fortnight.

How often should you comb or brush and style your child’s hair?
At least daily, unless your child’s hair is kept plaited and then it can be left longer. Children may be tender-headed and may dislike this process, but if you don’t do it consistently, their hair will begin to matt, making combing impossible.

Very often, parents feel bad because their children cry while having their hair combed, but many children cry at first when having their hair done, even when they have same-race parents. Nonetheless, they are still entitled to look and feel good about themselves. And with daily (or more frequent) brushing, the hair will have fewer mats and thus hurt less with time. Natural-bristle brushes are often softer and easier to use than synthetic brushes. If your child’s hair is very dry then you may need to use a moisturiser to make brushing easier. If your child has a lot of hair then try doing small sections at a time, this will make it easier to manage. If your child has the type of hair that gets tangled easily, then putting it in plaits before bed will make it easier to manage in the morning..

Should you use the same products on your child’s hair as your own?
Probably not. There are special products designed specifically for your child’s type of hair. Do not assume that because your child has afro type hair that all black hair products will be good for your child’s hair. Most mixed-race children that have afro texture hair, have hair that is in between European and black hair. Some black hair products will be too heavy or greasy for your child’s hair and some European products will be too drying. You will have to experiment to a certain degree.

There are now some hairdressers that specialise in mixed-race afro hair but these are rare. If you know mixed-race adults ask them how they care for their hair, just like you they would have had to experiment to find what works best for their hair and most would be only to happy to offer advice.

What is a relaxer? Should you press or straighten your child’s hair?
Relaxers are chemicals, which straighten hair. These should not be tried without professional consultation, and they are rarely suggested for children under 6 years old. To press hair means to heat it, making it straighten. Again, very young children do not usually have the patience for this kind of procedure, which should be taught by a professional the first time. Using chemicals is not recommended, it destroys the hair and more importantly it sends a message to your child that their hair is not beautiful as it is. Most individuals relax and straighten their hair because they feel that they cannot manage it as it is. As a parent it is important that you help your child learn to manage their hair without having to resort to the use of chemicals and heat treatments.

Should I take my child to a professional salon or do it at home?
Finding a good hairdresser is hard for anyone and mixed-race individuals with afro type hair find it even more difficult. For boys a visit to a barber shop can be a good experience. If their hair is kept short then most barber shops even the one in the high street will be able to manage it. If their hair is left long however then you will experience problems finding a hairdresser that knows how to manage your child’s hair. If there is a black hairdresser in your area then it is worth a visit to see if they have a stylist who is experienced with mixed-race afro hair. They will certainly have experience of braiding and caring for dreadlocks. The best policy is to learn how to manage your child’s hair yourself, ask other parents and mixed-race individuals for advice. Corn rowing also known as French plaiting is now a popular style for European hair. Most hairdressers know how to do it. Ask if you can watch someone having their hair done and practice on your friends or your own hair until you feel confident doing your child’s hair. Plaiting is a good way to keep your child’s hair neat and easy to manage. If you can’t manage to plait your child’s hair yourself find someone who can and ask them if they would do it for you. You may have to pay them a small fee but it will be worth it for you and your child.

Original post:  Hair Need Not Be A Nightmare:mixed-race parenting:Intermix.org.uk.

 

 

The Ten Best Oils For Natural Hair « Thank God I’m Natural.

 

People want to have great looking hair so it’s no surprise that many of us resort to chemical processes such as coloring our hair. However, processing can damage your hair and leave it dull.

Natural products can help make improve the condition of your hair without damaging it. It has natural ingredients that will help restore your hair’s natural beauty. Not only will they make your hair look great but these will cost you a lot less in terms of long term results.

Whether your hair is straight, curly or afro there are natural products to suit your requirements. With products from Essentially Yours, Curls,Jason Organic, Paul Penders, Nubian Naturals, ?New Bein , Organic Root Stimulator and more.

It is a sign of health to have a shiny hair. The layers of the cuticle lie flat and it can reflect light. When the hairs overlap tightly, the inner layers are protected from the sun and all the hazards around us. An indicator that the hair is damaged is that it can become dry and dull. This happens when the scales on dry hair do not protect the inner two layers.

The type of hair a person has can also affect how shiny it is. ?The natural which is the oil on the hair, covers straight hair better than curly hair, which is why straight hair can appear shinier.

How well you care for your hair from the time it emerges from the root plays a role in how healthy it looks.

Whether your hair is straight, curly or afro there are natural products to suit your requirements. Visit this page to find great hair products.

For those looking for the best curly hair products, consider shampoo, conditioners and styling tools designed specifically to maintain bounce without leaving your style drab or brittle. Nature’s Parlour has natural hair products to help maintain your locs.

Use conditioners and shampoos to strengthen and provide soft, but lasting hold to improve appearance, while adding shine and luster to your hair. Use hairsprays, mousse and gels for controlling design, humidity, heat and outdoor factors.

The good thing about natural hair remedies is that you can keep your hair looking gorgeous without spending too much money and sacrificing its health. Moreover, you are also helping the environment by not adding harmful wastes to your surroundings.

With these natural hair care remedies, you are sure to maintain beautiful and healthy locks.

The more Kinky, coily, or curly your child’s hair is, the more it needs to be moisturized. The natural oil from the scalp has a difficult time reaching the ends of curly hair, it tends to become dry. This makes hair dull and is more prone to breakage due to low elasticity.

Apply Curly Q’s Moist Curls Moisturizer right after conditioning and rinsing it out your child’s hair. It is also a good idea to moisturize hair in between washings. This liquid leave in will provide the moisture her thirsty tresses crave! Improves comb-ability with added curl formation! Now formulated with sunscreen for added UV protection!

If you have a dry and thick hair, a leave-in conditioner is a good remedy. They also act as a detangling agent and good for those in a rush. It works best if you apply it to your hair every 2nd day- this way it will keep your hair from drying out.

Blended Beauty’s Kick for Curls is an original spritz leave-in conditioner and detangler. Tame bedhead or freshen up squished and frizzed up curls, with a kick! Natural moisturizers revive the bounce in your curl, while satiny conditioners leave curls feeling soft and smooth Use on top of any of our other leave-in products or use alone.

Shake before each use. For detangling, spray onto hair generously and comb in small sections. To revive curls, spray on to curls from 6 inches away. Crunch or smooth curls with your fingers.

Would you like healthy, beautiful, defined curls?

Here are some tips to help you look after your curls the right way,?there are just few things you need to consider to keep your lovely curls.

Use natural shampoos and ensure that you don’t over wash your curls – once or twice a fortnight should be just right. Curly hair needs natural oils from the scalp to reduce frizz. Try a gentle, moisturizing, conditioning and curl defining butter cream. Find a good moisturizing conditioner which won’t flatten out your curls.

Blended Beauty’s Light and Down Styles is enriched with shea butter, chamomile and aloe, for smoothing, defrizzing and defining curls. Silk and Beantree create body and shine even on defiant frizzies. Wearing your hair down and out has never been easier!

Light Down & Out Styles directions: Apply to clean, damp, detangled hair in small sections and smooth through completely. Style with fingers, not a comb, to reduce poof.

Looking for mid week conditioning rinses for your child’s curly hair?

Finding products that sync with kinky hair is sometimes a challenge. But there will always be the right products and styling techniques that can flourish your hair.

Curly Q’s Coconut Dream Conditioner provides maximum moisture for your angel’s dry tresses. Coconut Dream Conditioner is guaranteed to soften the kinkiest curl, moisturise the driest lock, and detangle the most unruly tresses. Great for all hair types,including coarse, dry, damaged, and chemically treated kinky, medium or coarse curly hair.

Tangled hair is a common problem, especially during the waking hours. Detanglers are used to make it easier to comb.

If you are in a hurry and want instant results, Blended Beauty’s Satin Style Detangler might just be the right product for you. Refresh, detangle, condition and freshen up squished and frizzed up curls.It has aloe water that sooth tender scalps and moisturize thirsty curls. Beantree provides slip and shine for easy styling. Leaves curls feeling satiny soft and smooth.

Directions: Shake before each use. For detangling, spray onto hair generously and comb in small sections. To revive curls, spray onto curls from 6 inches away. Crunch or smooth curls with your fingers.