Back To School Hair Care: Tips and Tricks
As the summer draws to a close, parents of children with naturally curly or coily hair are faced with unique challenges. Having the right strategies in place for managing children’s hair is essential, from daily maintenance, keeping it healthy and presentable, to taking care of it during the morning rush.
Here are some tips and tricks to help with your children’s natural curls and coils that are both beautiful and manageable. This list will help parents to navigate through the hectic back-to-school season.
MOST IMPORTANT: Establish a Haircare Routine
Set aside specific days for the washing, conditioning, and styling of your child’s hair. Consistency is the key to hair growth and strength so stick to it! We suggest using entire product lines specifically formulated for young locks:
Cantu Beauty’s Kid Collection
Helps to nurture and nourish fragile coils, curls, and waves with Cantu’s gentle care for textured hair.
Young King Haircare
Offers clean natural hair care products that are specifically formulated for curly-headed young men and boys.
Curly Q’s Collection
Formulated with natural ingredients that are gentle, safe, and skin-friendly. Providing the perfect foundation for long-term hair growth.
As parents of children with naturally curly or coily hair, the back-to-school season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By keeping a consistent hair care routine that focuses on maintaining hair health, you can ensure that your child’s natural hair looks fabulous and remains manageable.
Natural Curly-Kid products you'll love for your curly kiddos!
Today’s market offers a large selection of products for your little ones that are natural, and kind to their locks. We gathered a few of our favorite natural hair products that work well on kids’ hair. These products are easy to use and even easier to find.
Our secret to finding what works best is to purchase a trial size of each product at first to determine what works best for your child.
Honey Baby Naturals
Honey Baby Naturals is one of our absolute favorites for kids. Some of this line’s stars include a gentle Shampoo, Softening Conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and a Shea butter styling cream. The not-so-secret ingredient in these products is honey, which not only moisturizes hair, but your baby’s sensitive scalp as well. You will feel so great about using these products during bath time! Honey Baby products are also great for use on adult skin.
Naturally pure. Naturally healthier. Naturally confident.
Pros: sulfate free, paraben free, mineral oil free, artificial color free, cruelty free
Curly Q’s
If you like the CURLS brand for your hair, then give Curly Q’s a try. Curly Q’s is their natural hair line of products that were specifically formulated for kids. The products contain some of your favorite natural oils found in CURLS products but are specially formulated for sensitive young scalps. Start with the Curly Q’s Cleansing Cream and Conditioner, then detangle with the Curl Moisturizer/Detangler. You and your child will also love how these products smell!
The Curly Q’s Collection – Protect and nourish your little one’s curls with the Curly Q’s Collection from CURLS.
Pros: sulfate free, paraben free, petroleum free, mineral oil free, artificial color free
Young King
The Simple and effective ingredients produce hydrated, nourished and flawless curls from this boy-inspired brand. This product is perfect for young men on-the-go and the Young King hair products line gives young men and boys the tools they need to rock any style they choose, and smell good doing it!
The Young King Collection offers a simple, wash, treat and style regimen for your young man.
Pros: sulfate free, paraben free, natural product, plant based
Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk
While this brand is not specifically formulated as a children’s line, the Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk products are easy to apply, comb through and wash out. The Leave-In Moisturizer doesn’t leave residue or buildup, so kids with curls will have frizz-free, nourished curls that provide lots of shine. Bonus, you could always steal some for yourself if you run out of your products.
Created with powerful ingredients like agave, shea butter, and sweet almond oil.
Pros: sulfate free, paraben free, protein free, alcohol free, petroleum free, mineral oil free, artificial color free.
…or DIY!
Lastly, try making a refreshing spray for your child with some distilled water and drops of lavender oil from your local health food store. This spray can be used to refresh curls and even keep frizz down. Plus, the pleasant fragrance is natural, light and calming for your child. If you are looking for natural hair products for kids, making your own can be a fun and easy option!
Tales of Texture: Jui Embraces Her Texture
Having textured hair as a child, how did it affect you?
As a kid I didn’t pay too much attention to my textured hair. I do have curlies in my family, my mom & aunt have always worn their natural textured hair without changing it or flat ironing it. It was more important to focus on school and extracurricular activities than appearance when I was growing up. We got to enjoy our childhood without the pressures a lot of kids face today. It was about the time I went to college that it became a challenge. The most common response you got in a salon was – Why don’t you straighten it.. There was no accessible information on how to take care of textured hair.
How did you come to embrace your naturally curly hair?
Just before I joined my first job, I had my hair chemically straightened. This was more related to conventional beauty standards and the perception that if you wanted to look professional, your hair had to be sleek and straight. So, I straightened my hair for 7-8 years. Eventually I got over the poker straight-haired look. Naturally straight hair looks good as does all types of hair textures, but my straightened hair looked ‘artificial’.
In your natural hair journey, what has been the most empowering moment?
Realizing that my natural textured hair made me feel more like myself! Some women have told me they showed my curly haired picture to their little girls & that they loved it & wanted to grow their own natural curly hair instead of wishing for straight hair.
What is the best way to protect your curls at night?
I use a satin bonnet or use a satin pillowcase.
Do you have an essential curly girl you can’t live without?
Conditioner and Leave – in.
What is your current hair regimen? Any favorite products you’d like to share?
I try to follow the Curly Girl Method. You have to figure out what suits your hair the best.
Suggested products:
- Oil – 30-40 mins prior to hair wash
Difeel Premium Natural Jojoba Oil
Mielle Mint Almond Oil - Shampoo
Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo - I detangle my hair after applying conditioner. I gently scrunch my hair while rinsing.
Kinky Knot Today - I try to Deep Condition at least a couple of times a month. I prefer to Deep Condition on clean hair.
TGIN Honey Miracle Hair Mask - I use a microfiber towel or cap after rinsing & style my hair while it’s very damp.
Cantu Microfiber Drying Cap
Donna Microfiber Turban - In most cases, I prefer to let my hair air dry after I’ve styled it.
Do you have any advice for women who are struggling to love their natural texture?
Embrace your natural curls, and texture – frizz et al! Make the Curly Girl Method part of your life and don’t let it get in the way of your life! Finally, the Bigger the Hair, the Bigger the Dream!
