My cousin has the cutest little daughter with the tightest, softest and prettiest curls you've ever seen on a 6-year-old. Its part genetics (her parents have gorgeous spiral rizos too) and it also has a whole lot to do with the way her mamá cares for her curls. She uses only the best products out there (with as little chemicals as possible), she moisturizes her daughter's hair like there's no tomorrow and she hardly ever heat-styles it. That's not all though, when it comes to caring for your little one's curls there's a lot you need to know!
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Managing your own curls (if you have) could be challenging enough so imagine when you're responsible for someone's else's rizos? Most moms aren't exactly sure how to care for their children's curly hair and sometimes don't even know what kinds of products they should be using. Here are a few tips to make the task a much easier one!
Use the right shampoo: To keep those delicate curls strong and healthy, look for a gentle shampoo that's going to cleanse your kid's curly hair without the tears or dryness. Try Ouidad KRLY Kids No Time For Tears Shampoo ($14). It's formulated with nourishing proteins and amino acids that will keep hair soft and bouncy.
Be careful how you wash: You never want to bunch or scrub your kid's hair and you also want to make sure you're not massaging their scalp with your fingernails. This can roughen the cuticles, cause weakness and frizz. Instead use your fingertips to gently massage the scalp. Then gently comb the shampoo using your fingers through the hair from root to ends.
Don't wash every day: Most curly-haired chicas know by now that you do NOT need to wash your hair every single day, the same applies to your kid. Shampooing daily removes your hair's natural oils that's needed to keep it soft, shiny and protected. Depending on their texture, try washing anywhere from one to three times a week.
Refresh morning curls: To combat crazy bedhead, apply a detangling spray, like Mixed Kid's Tangle Tamer ($11) throughout hair. Comb through with your fingers or using a wide tooth comb like RickyCare No-Frizz Jumbo Detangler Comb ($8) and then style.
Use a leave-in: The trick to soft, manageable curls is loads of moisture. Keeping hair hydrated helps prevent frizz, dryness and split ends. Always apply conditioner after shampooing and use a leave-in to keep curls soft and bouncy throughout the day. Try Curlisto Kids Leave-Conditioner ($14).
Use gentle hair ties: Stay away from hair ties that are going to cause breakage. I like Goody Girls Ouchless Stripped Elastics ($5). They hold well without the snags or breakage.
Lay low on the heat: I'd recommend minimizing the amount of times you heat-style your daughter's hair. And for the days you do decided to flat iron or blow-dry, always apply a heat-protective product first, like Aussie Hair Insurance Heat Protecting Hair Shine Spray ($3). Try not to use high heat settings either.
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