Keep it Simple When Dealing With Children's Black Hair

For whatever reason, there are parents out there who aren't happy with how their child's hair looks. These are very young kids, usually under the age of four. Mom or Dad (or Grandma or Auntie) start looking for various styling methods, techniques, tools and accessories that will make the child's hair look the way they want it to look. When it comes to very young heads, try to remember that less is more.

Stick to the Basics for Black Children's Hair

A toddler doesn't need the volume of products on her hair that her mother might. There's little to no need for gel, pomade or curl-enhancers. Instead, let a child's hair flourish on its own with a daily brushing (with soft-bristle brushes), combing and a small amount of hair oil or conditioner. A spritz from a water bottle can help work through tangles if necessary. To finish off the style, one or two barrettes is fine.

All your little one needs in terms of hair care right now is the following:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Regular detangling with a wide-tooth comb
• Light product application: oils such as jojoba or coconut make good options

What to Avoid When Styling Kids' Hair

• Metal accessories
• Tight styling
• Extensions
• Rubber bands
• A heap of product
• Heavy, goopy products
• Relaxers and other chemical processes

Young scalps are still developing, and a child's true hair texture may not reveal itself until he or she is at least eight years-old. If a tender head is subject to harsh treatment on a daily basis (including chemicals), it's possible that a child's hair will be permanently damaged, leading to hair loss.

It's very common for babies to have odd hair growth patterns. They may have a full, lush patch on top with bald sides. They may be nearly bald all over. While this may be annoying for parents of a girl who want everyone to know she's a girl, slip a stretchy pink fabric headband over her head and call it a day. There's no need to wrestle with trying to get two little strands of hair into a barrette.

Treat Your Child's Hair Gently

Your baby's hair will grow and flourish if mostly left to its own devices. Use gentle shampoos and products targeted toward little heads if desired. Take your time when combing or brushing. Beyond a little water and oil, you don't need to do much else to it. Before you know it, your son or daughter will have a head full of hair that you can then braid, plait, cut into cute styles and accessorize.

When young kids' manes are subjected to harsh practices and processes, problems usually occur as a result. This can be anything from minor annoyances like excess breakage to major issues like sparse edges. It can also lead children to believe that their natural hair isn't acceptable exactly as it grows from their scalps. Instead of loving their tresses, they fall into the trap of thinking there's something wrong with natural Black hair. This often leads to years, if not a lifetime, of care and styling choices that fight against their own texture.

Start kids out on the right foot by treating their tresses with love and gentle care; healthy hair and growth will follow.