How It Started Vs. How Its Going

Growing up my mother would always ensure that our family was well groomed and healthy from the inside out.  Our weekly routines always consisted of taking care of our hair naturally with love and patience.  At the age of 9 years old I was already styling my own hair as well as my younger siblings.  This allowed me to develop a love for my natural hair and boosted my self confidence.  It also motivated me to become more intrigued with hair care and hair styling. This eventually compelled me to help others along their hair journey.  

I want to use my knowledge of hair care along with my experiences to teach parents and children the importance of self care.  At-home hair care should be a bonding moment between parents and children.  Whether you’re a mom or dad struggling to get through wash day, patience, love and care should be top priority.  Children should be able to sit comfortably while getting pampered and prepped for the week.

Lending a Helping Hand

On several occasions, I have prepped and styled my nieces’ hair when their mother was unable to get it done.  I would grab all necessary tools including a wide tooth comb to assist me in providing them with an “ouchless” experience.  Being mindful of the proper tools, products and level of care I had would prevent my nieces from becoming irritable during the process.  They would sit comfortably, almost hypnotized watching their favorite Nick Jr. tv show ‘Peppa Pig’.  Once I was done styling their hair, I would take pictures of them to keep as a memory while they admired themselves in the mirror.

Providing an “Ouchless” Experience

In the past, clients and friends who are now moms would ask me how to get their children to sit still comfortably while getting their hair combed without crying or screaming “Ouche” during the process.  My response, “Don’t panic girl, you got this!” The following tips will help you have an understanding of what you can do to create a comfortable and painless experience for your children;  

• Be patient!  In order to provide a comfortable experience, be sure that you are taking your time and gently combing your child’s hair.  Avoid losing your temper or raising your voice as this will only traumatize your child and cause them to cry or be upset.  Instead, speak positive affirmations to your child to instill a sense of love for their hair which can boost their self esteem.
• Put on their favorite show, movie or a music playlist that is relaxing to bring them calm. 
• Set a specific day aside for self care.  It will give your child a sense of routine and expected fun that will prepare them for a comforting experience.
• Create an at-home spa day that will encourage them to be excited about self care.  Plan for a manicure, pedicure and/ facial as well to provide a full spa experience.
• Be sure you are using the proper detangling tools and hair care products to make the experience less painful.  Never comb or brush dry hair as it may cause unnecessary breakage or hair loss.  Avoid using a small tooth comb to detangle their hair as this will cause discomfort to your child’s scalp.
• Always style your child’s hair when it is freshly washed and properly conditioned.  This should be done on a weekly or biweekly basis.  Avoid going longer than 3 weeks without shampooing and conditioning. This can cause dirt, oils and products to build up on the scalp and hair.  Hair thrives and grows when it is clean and properly moisturized.
• Keep the hair moisturized with a leave-in conditioner spray when combing or detangling your child’s hair. This will soften the hair allowing it to be more manageable.  Work in small sections using a wide tooth comb or wet brush.
• For braids or cornrows, stretch the hair by blow drying on a low heat setting.  This will help you to avoid tangles while styling and creates a smoother finish.
• Avoid tight hairstyles and opt for easy kid-friendly hairstyles such as 2 strand twists.  Braids or cornrows are also a great style for children as they keep the hair tucked away throughout the week to promote length retention.  However, please be mindful that you are not braiding their hair too tight on the scalp.  If you can, try to avoid adding additional hair to your child’s hair.
• Add accessories to your child’s hair such as clips, bows, beads and headbands to enhance the look of the hairstyle.  Remember to remove any accessory that may cause discomfort before bed to ensure your child sleeps comfortably.
• Although it is ok to flat iron your child’s hair, it could send the wrong message to your child that may cause them to dislike their natural hair texture.  Also, using heat styling tools incorrectly or without a heat protectant can cause damage to the natural hair pattern.
• Encourage your child to wear a satin bonnet at night while they sleep as this will alleviate the stress of having to restyle their hair the next day.  A satin bonnet will also reduce the chances of moisture loss that can result in breakage due to sleeping on a cotton pillowcase.
• Treat your child to their favorite snack or a special gift to give them something to look forward to each time they get their hair done.

Creating Memories & Healthy Habits

A self care routine is a natural process that we can pass down to each generation and continue to promote healthy bonding moments between parents and their children.  The ultimate goal is to provide your children with memorable moments that they will cherish in the future.

Share these helpful tips with a friend, coworker or family member.