Kids Hair Care : Essential Tips for Happy and Healthy Hair

Children's hair is generally sensitive due to its fine texture, underdeveloped sebaceous glands, and tender scalp compared to adults' hair.

 

1- Understanding children's hair texture 

Understanding children's hair texture involves recognizing the various types and factors influencing hair texture in children.

 

1.1 Hair Texture Types include Straight, Wavy, Curly, or Coily and each type of hair texture has its own unique characteristics and care needs.

• Straight hair tends to be smooth and may become oily more quickly than other textures.

• Wavy hair can range from loose waves to more defined curls and may require products to enhance or define the waves.
• Curly hair (spiral curls) is prone to dryness and frizz and benefits from moisture-rich products to maintain hydration and define curls.

• Coily hair is tightly coiled and may require extra moisture and gentle handling to prevent breakage and maintain curl definition.

 

1.2 Factors Influencing Hair Texture: Genetics, ethnicity influence hair texture. Age and hormonal changes can also affect children's hair texture as they grow and develop.

Tailoring hair care routines and products to meet the specific needs of each child's hair type is essential for maintaining healthy and beautiful hair.

 

2- Caring for Children's Hair

 

2.1 Gentle cleansing: This process includes Shampooing, conditioning, and detangling.

Shampoos and conditioners, opt for mild, tear-free, sulfate-free, moisturizing products designed specifically for children's hair. It's recommended to wash their hair once a week or every two weeks to prevent over-drying and stripping away natural oils.

Detangling hair  is recommended (1) before the shampoo to reduce tangling during washing. Use a detangling spray (water) or conditioner to make the process easier. Additionally, detangling occurs (2) when applying the conditioner and (3) while applying moisturizing cream. For safe and effective detangling of children's hair without causing damage, use wide-tooth combs or your fingers, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots 

• If the hair is thick, divide it into two or four sections using clips or large twists.

• Using a hair mask is not necessary for children. We recommend avoiding it before the age of 5.

• To treat your children's hair (aged over 5), apply the treatment like conditioner: section by section, focusing on the lengths. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes under a heated cap or 30 minutes under a shower cap for deep penetration.

 

2.2 Moisturizing: Apply a leave-in conditioner, moisturizing cream, and natural oils to damp hair to seal the hair fiber. This method helps maintain moisture and prevents dryness and breakage. Consider securing the hair in a clip to prevent tangling. Finish with a gentle scalp massage.   

 

3- Protective Styling and Hair Maintenance

Depending on your hair texture, you may choose to air dry your hair instead of using a blow-dryer. However, it's advisable to consider opting for protective hairstyles like braids, twists, or cornrows. These styles not only minimize manipulation but also provide a shield against potential damage. It's important to be cautious and avoid tightly pulling hairstyles that can cause tension and lead to breakage.

During the hair style, we also suggest gently scalp massages 1 or 2 times a week with 100% natural oils such as Haitian Black Castor oil to promote hair growth, blood circulation and sebum production.

 

4- Healthy Hair Habits and special Considerations for Curly and Coily Hair

4.1 Healthy Hair Habits:

Maintaining healthy hair in children is essential. A balanced diet and proper hydration are crucial for promoting robust hair growth. Trimming their hair every 2-3 months, as needed, helps remove split ends and encourages healthy growth. Additionally, it's important to minimize the use of heat styling tools and protect their hair and scalp from the sun's harmful UV rays.

4.2 Special Considerations for Curly and Coily Hair:

Curly and coily hair requires specific care to keep them healthy and vibrant. Moisturizing regularly, gentle detangling, and defining curls are essential steps in caring for these textures. Consider using products specially formulated for curly and coily hair types and explore styling techniques tailored to enhance their natural beauty.